Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh congratulates Coffs Harbour City Council for securing $988,000 in funding under the Coastal and Estuary Grant Program to construct engineered coastal protection works at Englands Park in the Coffs Creek Estuary.
Mr Singh said the grant was among 34 set to have major benefits for coastal communities, ensuring the long-term management of valuable natural resources in NSW.
“At Englands Park Esplanade Foreshore, the existing coastal protection infrastructure is not fit for purpose and the system is suffering significantly as a result, so this vital funding from the NSW Government will ensure Coffs Harbour City Council undertakes critical and holistic improvements,” Mr Singh said.
“The NSW Government is committed to empowering local government to address and manage these important environments with their communities.”
Coffs Harbour City Council Director Sustainable Infrastructure Mick Raby welcomed the funding.
“This grant, along with Council’s own matched funding, will allow us to improve the appearance and prevent further erosion of the bank at this popular spot on Coffs Creek, while also helping maintain natural habitats and provide an improved visitor experience,” Mr Raby said.
“The project will include a new pedestrian access path and a new rock retaining wall designed to withstand natural coastal processes. The structure has been designed by specialist coastal engineers and will serve to protect a key piece of popular recreational land and infrastructure into the future.”
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the NSW Government is focused on delivering technical know-how to councils.
“The world-famous coastline of NSW is one of our most valuable natural assets, providing a dynamic and diverse landscape with unique natural features, values and resources that need the best care and management,” Mrs Hancock said.
“We will continue to work in partnership with councils and local communities to manage the coast which is home to nearly 85 per cent of our population.”
