$432,000 to support the Hawkesbury estuary

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said Hornsby Shire Council, in collaboration with five partner councils, will now be able to provide certainty for Hawkesbury River estuary communities.

'There are five stages in the development of a CMP [Coastal Management Plan], and this funding will provide the necessary resources to carry the Hawkesbury River estuary CMP from its current early stage all the way through to adoption when it reaches that point, Mrs Tuckerman said.

'This is a fantastic example of collaboration between councils to help set the long-term strategy for the coordinated management of this river estuary, which is unique given the foreshore areas contain significant forest with little to no foreshore development.'

Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston said state and local Governments partnering to develop long term solutions was a priority of the NSW Government.

'It’s fantastic to see the NSW Government partnering with so many councils in the Hawkesbury estuary area to make a real difference to water quality and improve the catchment for the future. Mrs Preston said.

The other councils involved in the project currently at stage two are Central Coast Council, Hawkesbury City Council, The Hills Shire Council, Ku-ring-gai Council and Northern Beaches Council.

The five stages of a CMP are:

1. Identify the scope of a CMP
2. Determine risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities
3. Identify and evaluate options
4. Prepare, exhibit, finalise, certify and adopt the CMP
5. Implement, monitor, evaluate and report.

The NSW Government is committed to implementing the coastal management framework in partnership with local government and local communities.

Councils can apply for funding at any time during the financial year to undertake planning and studies and funding provided at a 2:1 ratio, with $2 contributed from the state government for every $1 provided by the council.

Find out more about the Coastal and Estuary grants program.