The NSW Government has today awarded close to $150,000 to Kempsey and Nambucca Valley Shire Councils to undertake works to manage the region's coastline and estuaries.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said this funding is part of the Government's commitment to supporting councils and communities to manage and protect our State's coastal environments.
"Empowering councils to manage our coastline is of the upmost importance given the integral part it plays for communities, whether it be for economic, recreational or cultural reasons," Mrs Hancock said.
"This funding will help the two councils plan for the future and protect our unique coastal assets."
Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey congratulated both Councils on successfully securing funding to support their management plans.
"Whether it be funding for undertaking stabilisation works or planning to better understand the coastal and estuarine environment, it's critical both Councils are supported to manage our region's beautiful waterways," Mrs Pavey said.
Kempsey Shire Mayor, Liz Campbell welcomed the funding as an important step in managing a crucial resource.
"Our waterways are the heartbeat for our shire and these funds will support Council's future management of some key estuaries," said Cr Campbell.
"Specifically, these funds will allow us to gather up-to-date water quality, hydrodynamic and estuary vegetation condition assessments at Saltwater Creek and craft entrance management plans for Back Creek, Killick Creek, Korogoro Creek and Saltwater Creek."
Nambucca Valley Council Mayor Rhonda Hoban said the Government's Coastal and Estuary Grants Program has been a great opportunity for Council to extend the value of its environmental levy program.
"We will be using this funding together with funding from council and a contribution from the Foreshore Caravan Park to undertake river bank stabilisation work in Nambucca Heads," Mayor Hoban said.
"Similarly at Scotts Head the combined funding of the NSW Government and council will repair bank erosion at Warrell Creek."
Kempsey Shire Council was awarded $106,601 for two projects – one for Saltwater Creek and Lagoon coastal management program's investigations, and another for Kempsey local government area coastal zone coastal management program, estuary entrances management study and plan.
Nambucca Valley Shire Council also received $42,830 in funding to complete two projects - one to undertake stabilisation and protection works at Nambucca Heads and another to complete stabilisation works at Warrell Creek at Scotts Head.
