Beachgoers favourite pastimes from Pilot Beach to Town Beach are to be assessed and preserved for the future, thanks to a grant of more than $66,000 from the NSW Government to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said Council can now undertake an analysis of recreational use of the coastline and the existing infrastructure in the local government area.
'This grant funding of $66,666 will enable Council to understand the patterns of usage and the suitability of existing infrastructure to support recreation along the Port Macquarie coastline,' Mrs Tuckerman said.
'Council will be able to better understand what makes foreshore and water-based activities popular in Port Macquarie, and how to manage and mitigate any ecological impacts recreation might have on the fragile shoreline.'
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams welcomed the funding and said thousands of people use our coastline every year.
'We have some of the most stunning beaches and foreshores in NSW so it is little wonder why visitors and locals want it protected to ensure the natural splendour is maintained for generations to come.'
The grant is provided through the NSW Government's Coastal and Estuary Grants Program, which provides technical and financial support to local government to assist them in managing the coastal zone.
Councils can apply for funding at any time during the financial year to undertake planning and studies, while applications for implementing works are part of a contestable funding round.
The aim of the program is to increase the resilience of coastal communities and implement actions that improve the health of NSW estuaries. Funding is provided at a 2:1 ratio, with $2 contributed from the State government for every $1 provided by the council.
