The NSW Government this week announced new funding for environmental work in Ballina Shire, and the certification of council’s Coastal Management Program for Lake Ainsworth.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the funding boost would assist council and other land managers undertake important coastal works to protect the region’s waterways and coastline.
‘This government is committed to ensuring councils are supported when it comes to managing and protecting our unique coastal assets,’ said Ms Hancock.
‘Through the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program, council has been awarded $273,333 to undertake a water-quality monitoring program and a hydrologic modelling study at North Creek.’
Minister Hancock also congratulated Ballina Council on preparing the first Coastal Management Plan for Northern NSW.
‘The certification of council’s CMP for Lake Ainsworth marks a significant milestone in the coastal management process and provides a clear strategy for the long-term management of the lake,’ she said.
Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and the Arts Ben Franklin also announced $250,000 in funding for the Lake Ainsworth foreshore, awarded through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
‘This funding injection will help address erosion issues at Lake Ainsworth through beach nourishment, as well as upgrades to public access points on the foreshore,’ said Mr Franklin.
‘Given the importance of our coastal waterways to so many in our community, how we manage, protect and improve them is paramount,’ he said.
Mayor pleased
Ballina Shire Council Mayor David Wright said he was very pleased to have the Lake Ainsworth CMP officially certified and to be the first in Northern NSW.
‘I work alongside very dedicated staff who have prepared the CMP and grant application, and I am delighted with their efforts,’ said Mayor Wright.
‘We are also grateful to the NSW Government for their funding assistance to implement the actions outlined in the CMP. This will certainly take some pressure off the budget and council looks forward to continuing its partnership with the government,’ he said.
The Lake Ainsworth Coastal Management Plan outlines a suite of actions to reduce keys threats to the health of the lake, including sediment and catchment controls. as well as actions to manage foreshore erosion.
Certified CMPs allows councils to access 2:1 funding from the NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Grants Program.
More information on the program can be found here.
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