OREF Onrus River Estuary Forum

22/01/2026

Exciting - this could be a game changer!

READ ABOUT THE ONRUS CATCHMENT-TO-COAST RESTORATION

The documentation for the Onrus Catchment-to-Coast (C2C) Restoration and Rehabilitation project is now accessible on the municipal website.

Residents and stakeholders can find the documents under Documents > Strategies, Plans and Frameworks > Onrus Catchment-to-Coast Project at www.overstrand.gov.za.

The following documents are included:
* Onrus Wetland Stabilisation Report
* Onrus Hydrology Report
* C2C Wetland Assessment
* Onrus Estuary Final Ecological Health Assessment
* Onrus Alien Invasive Species Monitoring, Control and Eradication Plan
* Onrus Catchment-to-Coast (C2C) Situation Assessment Report 2025

The Onrus River system has suffered significant damage due to a peat wetland fire in early 2019, the drying out of the wetland, and the catastrophic flooding that occurred on Heritage Day in 2023. The floodwaters caused severe erosion, washing away large blocks of 10 000 year-old peat and leaving only about a third of the wetland intact, extending down to the estuary.

This restoration project has attracted global attention because peatlands cover only 3% of the Earth's surface. The Onrus Peatland is especially valuable as the third oldest in South Africa and is known for its rare V-valley bottom shape.

The initiative forms part of the multi-phase United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Generation Restoration Project.

Additional documents will be uploaded to the website as they are finalised or become available throughout the project's progression.

Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill

09/01/2025

Support for the Onrus Estuary Maintenance Management Plan

The Onrus River Estuary Forum (OREF) is fully supportive of the Onrus Maintenance Management Plan (MMP), a critical step towards restoring the ecological health and functionality of the Onrus Estuary. The severe degradation caused by the 2023 floods and ongoing sedimentation has had a profound impact on the estuary’s delicate ecosystem, threatening wildlife and local communities alike.

The MMP provides a much-needed solution, focusing on sediment dredging to restore flood mitigation, improve water quality, and enhance habitats for both aquatic and bird species. Addressing the spread of invasive plants and rehabilitating the riparian vegetation are vital actions for improving the long-term health of the estuary.

The plan has been thoughtfully designed with strong mitigation measures to reduce any potential negative impacts, while prioritizing ecological restoration, flood risk reduction, and enhanced recreational opportunities for all. Additionally, it will be implemented with ongoing monitoring and community collaboration, ensuring the success of these vital efforts for generations to come.

If you would like to comment on the draft MMP, we would like to hear both positive and negative feedback. Kindly submit your comments by no later than 3 February 2025 to Cheruscha Swart at [email protected]..

The document can be downloaded via one of the following links:
• https://www.overstrand.gov.za/strategies-plans-and-frameworks or click here:
https://www.overstrand.gov.za/strategies-plans-and-frameworks/onrus-catchment-to-coast-project/lower-catchment-onrus-estuary/
• https://anchorenvironmental.co.za/public is-documents

30/10/2024

27/10/2024

Municipal Official Shines and Shares Local Insights at COP16

Liezl de Villiers, the Divisional Manager of Environmental Management & Conservation at Overstrand Municipality, is attending the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities in Colombia, which focuses on "Taking Action for Biodiversity."

Here is a summary of the activities and discussions taking place at the summit:

On 25 October 2024, Liezl attended the Generation Restoration Breakfast Meeting with IPCC Scientist Professor Debra Roberts. This meeting allowed Generation Restoration mayors, governors, and local government representatives to engage directly with the renowned IPCC expert.

The closed-door conversation focused on the latest climate science and trends, including a frank discussion about the hard limits of adapting to climate change. Participants openly addressed the interconnected challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, exploring how cities can contribute to the solution. The meeting inspired urban leaders to take proactive steps and reinforce their roles in global sustainability efforts.

Later that afternoon, Liezl presented the Catchment to Coast Project with other panel members at the “Ecosystem Restoration in Action: Local Perspectives to Meet Global Goals.” Ecosystem restoration is vital for achieving global sustainability goals, enhancing biodiversity, and improving the well-being of local communities.

This event focused on fostering discussions among cities on various topics. By creating a platform for peer-to-peer learning, cities shared experiences, challenges, and solutions related to restoration. Participants engaged in collaborative exchanges, learning from successful local restoration cases through the Generation Restoration Projects under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The event highlighted best practices, explored the intersection of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and examined how cities can halt biodiversity loss, achieve water security, enhance climate resilience, and improve urban well-being.

On 26 October, Liezl attended the 8th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities, where government leaders from around the world engaged directly with national leaders and key stakeholders during the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Tomorrow, on 27 October, Liezl will participate in the first meeting of the Mayor's Forum on Urban Nature and Biodiversity, where she will represent Overstrand Municipality’s vision for conserving urban nature and investing in green and blue infrastructure.

Later that day, she will deliver a presentation titled “From Setbacks to Solutions: How Cities Lead the Implementation of Target 12.” This session will focus on the transformative actions cities are taking to address challenges and shortcomings in planning and implementing conservation activities.

Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill

23/10/2024

As a result of long standing pressure from OREF's side for the municipality to have a critical look at the risks associated with the pumping station and appurtenant structures in the close proximity of the estuary, we are pleased to have received the notification of the 1st Round Public Participation Period for the Upgrade of the Onrus Main Pumping Station from Guillaume Nel Environmental Consultants:

23rd of October 2024

Attention: Commenting Authorities

DEADP REF NO: 16/3/3/6/7/1/E2/26/1428/24

1ST DRAFT BASIC ASSESSMENT REPORT:

PROPOSED UPGRADE OF THE EXISTING MAIN PUMPING STATION ON THE REMAINDER OF ERF 2702, AS WELL AS THE INSTALLATION OF A SUB-SURFACED SEWAGE PIPELINE, ONRUS, WESTERN CAPE.

This letter serves to inform you that the mentioned project is out on its 1st round public participation period form the 23rd of October 2024 until 25th of November 2024.

Website: The First Draft Basic Assessment Report and all appendices will be made available on our website on the 23rd of October 2024. www.gnec.co.za; Documents Under Review, 20868, 1st BAR, Main Pumping Station, Onrus, Western Cape.

We Transfer Link. The First Draft Basic Assessment Report and all appendices can be accessed via the link provided below. Please ensure to download the documents before the link expires. Download: https://we.tl/t-BIvuGT7mju

Meanwhile, should you have any queries, please feel free to contact myself, at:

Cell: 065 848 9822
Tel: (021) 870 1874, Fax: (021) 870 1873 or
E-mail: [email protected] .

We look forward receiving your comment.

Yours sincerely

Christoff Dippenaar
for GNEC

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14/10/2024

OREF has ascertained that the project on the farm Ysendyk and adjoining properties on the estuary is progressing within the law and that permissions have been granted for emergency work to take place. OREF will continue to monitor the progress, and is looking forward to being kept up to date by the landowner as well as the relevant authorities.