DREDGING will soon take place in Lake Conjola and Sussex Inlet under a funding program announced on Tuesday by the state government.
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Three Shoalhaven projects received funding under the Rescuing our Waterways program – $271,832 for works at Lake Conjola entrance, $203,727 for work at Currambene Creek in Jervis Bay and $232,473 for work at Sussex Inlet.
The Shoalhaven attracted about half the state’s allocation, delighting State Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock.
“This funding will allow Shoalhaven Council to undertake works to improve the accessibility and health of our waterways,” Mrs Hancock said.
“These waterways are so important to communities throughout the South Coast and I am extremely pleased to be able to deliver funding for vital work.
“Waterways are the lifeblood of many South Coast communities.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals are committed to restoring navigation and the health of key waterways across the state by funding key dredging projects that will in turn support local economies and tourism industries.”
Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash said the funding would be used to help fund key dredging projects in the three local waterways.
She said council was “extremely pleased” to receive the allocation saying Lake Conjola, Currambene Creek and Sussex Inlet had been identified as priority areas for funding.
“I would like to thank Member for South Coast, Shelley Hancock for her hard work and lobbying to ensure the Shoalhaven received over $700,000 in funding through the Rescuing our Waterways program,” Cr Gash said.
“This funding will allow council to undertake the necessary steps to ensure the long term health and sustainability of a number of local waterways.
“Council has spoken about the potential need for dredging in these locations and this funding will allow a start to these exciting projects.
“This is the first time in the Council’s history that the organisation has compiled a Citywide Dredging Feasibility Study and aggressively pursued outside funding to assist in this purpose.”
Cr Gash said council had allocated $200,000 to undertake work and an additional $200,000 to do the required environmental studies and gain relevant approvals from agencies to implement the dredging plan.
“Under the Rescuing our Waterways Program, the government will provide up to 50 per cent towards the actual cost for projects, with the local council managing the project and providing the remaining funds or in partnership with local stakeholders," Minister for Natural Resources, Lands and Water Kevin Humphries said.