Presentations made on behalf of eight Estuary Management Committees covered a range of concerns affecting each committee and the estuaries and lakes for which they are responsible.

The effects of high density and residential developments emerged as a common problem, affecting both estuaries and lakes and the over-clearing of vegetation the cause of siltation in many instances. The lack of adequate rainfall to flush estuaries, the seepage of partly treated sewage and the failure of some tidal lakes to open naturally, plus the pros and cons of artificially opening lakes were other issues raised. With the exception of the replenishment of salt water content for fish and oysters habitats artificially opening lakes is regarded as unnecessary and in some instances detrimental to ecological processes.

Phillip Haines - WBM Oceanics discussed entrance opening policies and whether they are working in practice. In NSW 70% of ICOLLS (Intermittently Closed and Open Lakes and Lagoons) are mostly closed and 30% are open. Many natural ICOLLs modified by entrance training are permanently open and no longer ICOLLS. Over 70% of Australian ICOLLs are in NSW.

During the plenary session, it emerged that many EMCs were unhappy about what happened to their Management Plans after adoption. In some instances, they are unused as a planning tool by councils and many recommendations never implemented due to a lack of funding.

Considering the tremendous voluntary input involved in producing a Management Plan, the lack of action was very frustrating for some EMCs, who felt that, despite being nominated for awards, their efforts were wasted. They believe that lack of co-ordination, between government agencies, at state and local levels, is the main reason why Management Plans are not better utilised.

This was not the feeling of other EMCs and representatives of Government agencies who believe the plans to be a useful management tool and input at all levels invaluable and EMCs should not feel discouraged.

In winding up the plenary discussion Pam Green reiterated the Catchment Management Authority process and suggested that EMCs nominate their top five priorities and to advise Nerrida Loutitt at the CMA or Darren O'Connell at DIPNR.

Estuaries Forums may become an annual event and a questionnaire provided to all participants asked for suggestions on how to improve the process.