More than $6.7 million is being invested in restoring and preserving the NSW coastline, thanks to the Liberal and National Governments budget boost in the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program.
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said that a key focus of the grants was future-proofing communities and ecosystems for climate change.
“Seven Coastal councils have successfully received funding for 13 different projects to better manage coastal erosion, protect wetlands and manage local estuaries,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“A significant project identified for funding in this round includes a $2.3 million investment in structures at Stockton Beach to address immediate erosion risk as part of the certified Coastal Management Program,” she said.
“Other grants will help ensure that the ecological values of NSW coastal, wetland and littoral rainforest areas are protected, while accommodating public access, amenity and recreation where appropriate.”
“Projects include stabilising and revegetating dunes in the Shoalhaven area, shore bank stabilisation along the Georges River at Deepwater Park, and improving water quality and ecosystem health in the Manning River estuary.”
Successful Councils include:
- Bega Valley Shire Council
- Canterbury-Bankstown Council
- Lake Macquarie Council
- Mid-Coast Council
- City of Newcastle
- Council of the City of Ryde
- Shoalhaven City Council
The Department of Planning and Environment administers one contestable funding round for implementation grants per year. Further information regarding coastal and estuary grants is available here.