The study area is the Clarence River from the coast upstream to the tidal limit at Copmanhurst on the main arm and the confluence with Flaggy Creek on the Orara River, including both the north and south arms of the Clarence River, as well as Lake Wooloweyah and the Broadwater. The tributaries, the Esk River, Shark Creek, Coldstream River, Sportsmans Creek and Swan Creek are not included in the study area, however, reference is made to some of these tributaries in relation to some of the data.

This report was prepared to assist with the assembly and preliminary interpretation of data relevant to estuarine processes and management of the Clarence River.

The objectives of this study are:

1 - To compile available physical process data on:

• tidal behaviour
• ocean water levels
• bathymetry
• bank erosion
• sedimentology
• morphology
• estuarine geological history
• water quality.

2 - To assess the information and provide interpretation on:

• historical changes in hydrodynamics, bathymetry, morphology, bank erosion and sediment distribution
• contemporary sediment budget.

3 - To present the data and the assessment and interpretation in such a manner that clearly summarises the available data set and outlines the contemporary physical processes within an historical context, so that future trends may be deduced.