Councils adopt draft program to improve Lake Illawarra – Wollongong

Lake Illawarra Coastal management Program

Wollongong and Shellharbour City Councils have agreed to submit the revised draft Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Program [CMP] to the State Government for certification.

This is the first draft CMP to be submitted to the NSW Minister for Local Government for certification under the new State Government framework.

When finalised the Lake Illawarra CMP will provide a long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the Lake, including a set of actions to reduce threats to the identified values and uses of the Lake.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said our Lake Illawarra is a recreational and environmental gem in the Illawarra. “The lake touches both Wollongong and Shellharbour city areas and it’s a significant natural asset to be enjoyed and cared for as an important part of the local ecosystem and landscape,” Cr Bradbery said. “For example, it’s home to many migratory shore birds, as well as a breeding ground for many fish and other sea life.

“How we manage and improve the quality of our lake, its surrounds and continue to make it a wonderful attraction is of paramount importance for both councils. The ecological and environmental fragility of this area is reflected in the draft plan and the actions outlined in the plan.

“The draft CMP is a comprehensive and detailed document that also looks at the artificial opening of the lake, sea level rise, climate change, development in the lake catchment area and many other factors which will impact the lake’s condition over the next decade.”

Shellharbour City Council Mayor Councillor Marianne Saliba said she was pleased with the progress of the Lake Illawarra CMP, adding that the document was a vital step in protecting one of the region’s greatest natural assets.

“The planning and actions that we undertake now will determine the health and protection of the lake and surrounding habitat into the future,” Cr Saliba said.

“The draft CMP is reflective of the comprehensive consultation undertaken with all stakeholders. It captures the many factors that pose a threat to the lake, as well as outlining collaborative solutions.

“The unique diversity of life in and around Lake Illawarra is fragile and requires comprehensive planning and vision to keep it healthy. The lake is special place for both locals and visitors to the area and we have a duty to ensure its preservation.”

Both Councils have collaborated and conducted extensive community consultation over the past five years to prepare the draft CMP. The project was overseen by a team that included representatives of both Councils and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment. Throughout its preparation advice was sought from the Lake Illawarra Estuary Management Committee, which includes Council representatives, community and Aboriginal community representatives, independent scientific advisors and various State Agency representatives.

Throughout the CMP development consultation has been undertaken with community members, organisations and State Government agencies and, as a result, the draft CMP contains 39 specific actions under nine management strategies for delivery over the next ten years. These actions include small scale dredging to improve public recreation access and the investigation of larger scale dredging.

The projected cost for delivering the CMP over the life of the Program is estimated at $72.8 million. Once the Program is certified by the State government, we can seek funding from a range of sources to support the implementation of projects.

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