More than $1 million worth of grants have been awarded to begin projects aimed at managing coastal erosion and improving the health of estuaries, wetlands and coastal environments in the Illawarra and South Coast.
Minister for Local Government and Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock has announced Wollongong, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven Councils will receive a combined 13 grants totalling $1,060,467 under the Coastal and Estuary Grants program.
“I’m delighted to announce this funding that will allow these three councils to implement works that will make a real difference to the health of our beautiful coastline and waterways,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Whether countering beach erosion, improving access to local beaches, removing invasive weeds or implementing environmental monitoring programs, councils can’t do it alone.
“The countering beach erosion, improving access to local beaches, removing invasive weeds or implementing environmental monitoring programs.”
The latest round of funding will see Shoalhaven City Council receive five grants totalling $399,750, Wollongong City Council receive 5 grants totalling $536,667 and Shellharbour City Council will receive 3 grants totalling $124,050.
Mrs Hancock said the NSW Government is also delivering technical know-how to councils.
“The NSW coast is one of our greatest assets, providing a dynamic and diverse landscape with unique natural features, values and resources that support our way of life,” Mrs Hancock said.
“We will continue to work in partnership with councils and local communities to manage the coast which is home to nearly 85% of our population.”
This recent funding round is just part of a total of $4.09 million granted to NSW coastal councils for 34 projects to help manage coastal erosion and improve the health of estuaries, wetlands and coastal environments.
These grants are in addition to the 207 grants totalling $43.14 million awarded since 2016–17 under the Coastal and Estuary Grants program.
Councils are still able to apply for grants each year around July and August thanks to the NSW Government recently passing the Coastal Management Amendment Act 2021 which has extended the deadline for Coastal Zone Management Plans to December 2023.
The program is funded under the NSW Government’s $83.6 million commitment towards improving the management of our state’s coastline.
