Port Macquarie Hastings Council has received nearly $200,000 from the NSW Government to improve the management of its coastline and estuaries.
The funding will enable the Council to complete the next phase of its Coastal Management Program (CMP) that will outline the steps and actions that need to be taken to protect and manage coastal areas in the face of climate change.
The Council has already done a lot of the groundwork identifying and assessing hazards such as erosion, inundation and sea level rise with a $216,667 grant under the program.
The next stage is developing solutions to tackle these issues at the grassroots level to ensure the community continues to have access to the region's spectacular coastline and waterways.
As part of this process, the Port Macquarie Hastings Council will be giving the community a chance to have their say, which will help shape the final version of the CMP. Once this stage of the program is completed, the Council will be able to apply for NSW Government funding to carry out the work.
The NSW Government's Coastal and Estuary Grants Program provides technical and financial support to local councils. Funding for planning, and implementation of actions, is provided on a 2:1 ratio meaning that the NSW Government contributes $2 for every $1 contributed by councils.
Quote attributable to Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Director North East Conservation, Gabrielle Pietrini:
"Port Macquarie Hastings is known for its natural beauty, clear water and sandy beaches which attract millions of tourists every year. This is why we are invested in making sure we are giving the community the tools it needs to protect the coastline.
"Its waterways have important traditional, natural, cultural, social and economic values that need to be managed carefully ahead of future challenges from climate change.
"The NSW Government is working hard to support Port Macquarie Hastings Council to tackle issues such as erosion and inundation."
