MORE THAN $2.3 MILLION FOR COUNCILS TO MANAGE THEIR COASTLINES

The NSW Government today announced more than $2.3 million in coastal funding has been awarded to councils through the 2020-2021 Coastal and Estuary Grants Program’s planning stream which will provide assistance to councils in managing their coastlines.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock congratulated the councils of Ballina Shire, Bellingen Shire, Byron Shire, City of Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield City, Kiama Municipal, Shoalhaven City and Wollongong City in partnership with Shellharbour City on their successful applications for funding.

“This funding will ensure councils are supported as they manage the health of our unique coasts and estuaries while improving the resilience of coastal communities through well-planned action,” Mrs Hancock said.

“Our Coastal and Estuary Grants Program’s planning stream supports councils to understand the complex coastal and estuarine environment, and ensure our enviable coastlines are protected now and into the future.

“These latest grants will greatly benefit councils and ensure they can undertake works including scoping studies, preparing their Coastal Management Programs (CMP), updating coastal hazard assessments as well as determining the best way to manage erosion, accretion and inundation issues.”

Last year the NSW Government increased its funding ratio for planning grants, and now provides $2 for every $1 provided by a council, which will assist them with developing their CMPs.

There are currently five funding streams under the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program with one stream dedicated to planning and studies, and the other four designed to implement works identified in certified coastal or estuary management plans.

“The NSW Government remains committed to councils in their coastal management efforts, which is why we have increased our funding ratio,” Mrs Hancock said.

“Councils up and down the coast are at the forefront of protecting our coastlines and the NSW Government is behind them in their efforts to provide and protect their communities for generations to come.”

Councils can apply for funding to undertake planning and studies at any time during the year, while applications for funding to implement works are available annually.

Further information on the program can be found here.