The funding, from the 2022/23 Coastal and Estuary Grants Program planning stream, will be used by Wollongong City Council to complete a Coastal Management Program for the majority of the area’s coastline.
Coastal Management Programs identify management issues and actions needed to address the issues in a strategic and integrated way.
There are five stages of a Coastal Management Program:
- Identify the scope of a coastal management program;
- Determine risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities;
- Identify and evaluate options;
- Prepare, exhibit, finalise, certify and adopt the Coastal Management Program; and
- Implement, monitor, evaluate and report.
The planning stream of the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program is the first step in the process of supporting local governments to understand their complex coastal and estuarine environments.
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water also provides technical guidance and support to grant recipients.
Funding is provided at a 2:1 ratio, with $2 contributed by the NSW Government for every $1 provided by the Council.
Further information about the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program can be found here: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/coasts/coastal-and-estuary-grants.
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe says:
"Preparing long-term management strategies for our special coastal environment helps ensure potential hazards are considered and waterways and nearby land are cared for in an ecologically sustainable way.
“This NSW Government funding will ensure Wollongong City Council can plan for the future.”
Member for Wollongong, Minister Paul Scully says:
“This grant will allow Wollongong City Council to complete a coastal management program for the Wollongong coastline, excluding Lake Illawarra where a plan is already in place, and the port of Port Kembla.
“A component of this work will map hazards and identify options to address high priority actions.
“The NSW Government is committed to working with Council to ensure this area of coastline thrives.”
Quotes attributable to Wollongong City Lord Mayor, Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM:
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen the effects of significant weather events on our coastline through beach erosion, sand build up, and rock falls some of our headland areas.
“With the effects of climate change, we’re likely to see a higher frequency of weather events impacting our coast, and it’s important we have a plan as to how to manage this in the future.
“We’re grateful to the NSW Government for their funding support that will allow Council to complete a Coastal Management Program for our city.’’
Quotes attributable to Wollongong City Council General Manager, Greg Doyle:
"It’s important for Council to have a plan to manage the effects of climate change on our coastal zones.
“The development of a Coastal Zone Management Plan takes time and is based on detailed research and industry best practice.
“This funding support from the NSW Government will assist Council to move forward and develop detailed priorities and actions to manage our coastal zone into the future.’’
