The NSW Government has pledged $46,666 to City of Coffs Harbour Council to carry out a scoping study for the region’s open coastline as part of its Coastal Management Program (CMP).
Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman said the funding, which will be backed by direct technical support from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment will extend Council’s coastal works program.
“Planning for the future is essential, so I’m pleased to announce this grant from the NSW Government for the City of Coffs Harbour to expand the partnership with State and Local Government,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“CMPs are long-term strategies which guide the City of Coffs Harbour and other stakeholders to manage estuarine and coastal areas, identify hazards and risks to the environment, and critical steps to appropriately manage these into the future.”
Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh said it was crucial that the Coffs’ coastal and estuarine environments were properly managed to ensure their health into the future.
“I’m delighted Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman is here on the Coffs Coast to see first hand the important work being undertaken by our Council to further enhance our coastline and estuaries for the enjoyment of all,” Mr Singh said.
The planning stream of the Coastal and Estuary grants program is the first step in the process of supporting local government to understand the complex coastal and estuarine environment.
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.
