Strategic direction

The Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) Program builds foundational knowledge and coordinates planning that underpins substantial investment to improve the health of the kanamaluka / Tamar estuary.

The role of the TEER Program is to:

  • provide an independent reference point;

  • facilitate collaborative partnerships by working closely with a range of stakeholders;

  • support decision makers by improving scientific understanding of the issues impacting on waterway health;

  • curate a body of knowledge by monitoring and reporting on waterway health; and

  • improve the knowledge of the values, function, and condition of the kanamaluka / Tamar estuary and its waterways by educating stakeholders and the community.

The TEER Program achieves its objectives through three areas:

  1. Work together to provide integrated governance, planning, and management. This includes ongoing coordination of the Strategy and Partnerships Committee, Scientific and Technical Committee and working groups.

  2. Understand and advise on waterway health. Priority activities for 2020-2024 include:

    • continuation of water quality monitoring programs and preparation of biennial report cards;

    • annual blue-green algae monitoring in Lake Trevallyn; and

    • development of a biological monitoring program.

  3. Build community knowledge and awareness.  Priority communications activities for 2020-2024 include:

    • coordinated communication activities with program partners;

    • development of education video series; and

    • annual community events including the Tamar Forum and Tamar Discovery Day.

The TEER Program works collaboratively with partners and the Tamar Estuary Management Taskforce (TEMT). The Taskforce is responsible for developing policy recommendations and prioritising investment for management of the kanamaluka / Tamar estuary and its catchment.

The vision of the TEER Program is to be “a trusted and respected provider of science and evidence that informs decision making to protect, restore, and enhance water quality in the kanamaluka / Tamar estuary and its rivers from catchment to coast.”