The draft plan outlines pressures the estuary faces and proposes management actions that the council, other public authorities, and potentially private landowners can take to address issues.

A management plan for the Minnamurra River was first adopted in 1995 and last reviewed in 2003.

While many projects identified in the original plan are now in place, the new plan takes into account new scientific knowledge and government policies that have come into force since 2003, such as the 2013 state government requirements for coastal zone management.

The sensitive and diverse Minnamurra River estuary catchment consists of extensive conservation areas, dairy farms, public reserves, million-dollar waterfront real estate and industrial land including waste depots, sand mines and quarries.

The lower part of the estuary is described as "a recreational drawcard", especially for fishing and kayaking, while the mid and upper sections support prime agricultural land, with the natural flood plain - Terragong Swamp - drained for dairy farming in the late 19th century.

Environmental concerns such as bank erosion and habitat protection exist along the length of the river.

Issues in the lower estuary relate to conflict between recreational activities and other uses with limited foreshore infrastructure and public space.

The council said boat speed and water safety was one area of concern raised by residents as was the "perceived expansion" of mangroves with reports of mangrove seedlings being removed near waterfront properties.

Further up the river, pollutants from agricultural uses were present, with the report arguing more resources were required to support landholders to improve their management of natural resources.

Kiama Mayor Brian Petschler said the plan took "a sophisticated look" at the uses of the river and the impacts activities had now and might have in the future.

"The Minnamurra River and Crooked River at Gerroa are Kiama's major watercourses flowing to the ocean," Cr Petschler said. "The Minnamurra River has urban development down to its mouth and rural industries upstream ... there is the issue of our old tip, which is now closed, on one side of the river and Shellharbour's tip on the other."

The draft plan will be on public exhibition until Friday, May 29.

aarnold@fairfaxmedia.com.au