Coastal and estuary management grants awarded and project summaries

Coastal vulnerability area planning proposal - $100,000 awarded

This project is to establish a coastal vulnerability area under the NSW planning proposal process based on existing work undertaken during the coastal management program development. The project area includes the open coastline and lower Richmond River estuary, where over 5,000 properties are exposed to tidal inundation under a 1.5m sea level rise scenario.

Bega Valley Shire Council stormwater management and water quality improvements - $264,948 awarded

This project will maintain and improve estuary health across Bermagui River and Lake Curalo through a mix of on-ground works, education and engagement activities. Water quality monitoring will provide a baseline dataset. Sampling after rainfall events will identify any point source locations or problem tributaries.
 

Mapping littoral rainforest and wetlands, extents and threats in Bellingen Shire - $80,000 awarded

This project will collate geographical information system data and map the location, extent, and condition of coastal wetlands and littoral rainforests across the Bellingen local government area. Field surveys will identify priority weed infestations, erosion, saltwater intrusion, and other threats to these sensitive ecosystems. The project aims to ensure statutory planning controls are applied appropriately and provide Council with the evidence needed to guide restoration, weed control, and long-term protection of these endangered ecological communities.
 

New Brighton dune restoration project - $100,000 awarded

The project will undertake beach scraping, restoration, stabilisation and management of dune systems for the purposes of restoring natural defences to coastal hazards; mitigating immediate coastal erosion risk, protecting/restoring dune habitat values and reinstating safe public beach access. 
 

Stockton Surf Life Saving Club northern seawall extension - $1,343,333 awarded

This project will address the immediate risk of erosion to the Stockton Surf Life Saving Club building and adjacent sporting facility. The installation of a round head rock bag structure will protect against scour and erosion before long-term mass sand nourishment is conducted in the future. This interim work aims to minimise immediate risks, ensure public safety, preserve a significant community facility and allow for a protected public beach accessway. 

The Pines stage 1 and 2 - $4,348,667 awarded

The Pines project entails the construction of a rock bag coastal protection structure at Stockton Beach. This initiative serves as an adaptive management response to severe coastal erosion events along The Pines foreshore, where shoreline recession has accelerated beyond predictions. 

Newcastle open coast coastal vulnerability area mapping - $100,000 awarded

The project will deliver coastal vulnerability area mapping for Newcastle’s open coast and seek to have the mapping incorporated in state planning frameworks. Detailed hazard specific layers and recommendations will be provided to support the planning proposal and any hazard specific planning considerations. The project will include community and stakeholder engagement, public exhibition and the development of local controls
 

Clarence Valley coastal habitat restoration project - $301,733 awarded

Key objectives of this project will be the management of high visitation areas, access controls, maintenance of formalised pedestrian access, educational signage and the protection of high value coastal vegetation and shorebird habitat.  Coastal habitat restoration and vegetation management plans for coastal reserves will be prepared and implementation of those plans commenced

Clarence Valley coastal vulnerability area mapping - $100,000 awarded

The project will utilise Council's recently prepared coastal hazard assessments (erosion, recession, bank instability, geotech, tidal and coastal inundation) to map the coastal vulnerability area for the entire Clarence Valley local government area coastal zone. The project will align Council's coastal hazard planning and management approaches with the state's planning framework. 

Brooms Head coastal resilience project - $100,000 awarded

Three key actions will be combined to remediate and mitigate coastal erosion at Brooms Head Reserve fencing, revegetation and implementation of a beach scraping strategy to enhance natural dune processes.

Emergency coastal protection works - $33,333 awarded

The project consists of the design and approvals of emergency coastal protection works for key high risk locations including Iluka Road at Shark Bay, Ocean Road Brooms Head, Sandon River Road, Minnie Water foreshore and Diggers Camp foreshore. These designs and approvals will allow for works to be constructed if needed in the future. 
 

Lower Hawkesbury River coastal vulnerability area mapping - $98,000 awarded

This project will bring together data from both the Hawkesbury Nepean River flood study and the coastal inundation study to develop a dataset of combined inundation levels. The new dataset will include inundation data for present-day timeframes as well as conditions incorporating +0.4m and +0.9m sea level rise factors. This work will be used to prepare a planning proposal to declare a Coastal Vulnerability Area.
 

Building a better Lake Mac - $62,117 awarded

To protect the region’s waterways from sediment runoff, this project aims to improve erosion and sediment control practices within the construction industry. A targeted education and compliance framework will be developed to guide builders and developers in adopting best-practice erosion and sediment control measures. 

Foreshore protection and dune rehabilitation, Salts Bay, Swansea Heads - $321,050 awarded

Using dredged sand and beach scraping activities, this project will undertake sand nourishment along the Salts Bay dune system. The dunes will be further enhanced through weed control activities and revegetation using native coastal species, improving the resilience and longevity of these works.     

Implementation of Blacksmiths dune management plan, stage 1 - $251,051 awarded

Council's community vision strives to balance its cherished environments with the need for great spaces to live and visit. This project focuses on dune stabilisation, vegetation management and access management. Biodiversity and ecological values will be boosted by planting over 30,000 endemic coastal plants.
 

Warraroon wetland rehabilitation - $12,200 awarded

This project will continue targeted bushland rehabilitation and restoration at Warraroon Reserve, a 10.9-hectare site within the Lane Cove River catchment. The reserve contains Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs) including saltmarsh, estuarine swamp oak forest, coastal escarpment littoral rainforest, and estuarine mangrove forest. These sensitive ecosystems are under threat from invasive species requiring critical vegetation management action.    
 

Lismore coastal vulnerability area planning proposal - $100,000 awarded

The project will define and establish a coastal vulnerability area under the Resilience and Hazards State Environment Planning Policy This will ensure hazard information is embedded in statutory planning, improving development certainty and community resilience. The project area includes low-lying and erosion-prone land along the estuary, where future development must consider coastal hazards such as tidal and coastal inundation.
 

Update of the Greater Taree capital urban stormwater management plan - $123,332 awarded

This project will update the Greater Taree urban stormwater management plan with a focus on the urban townships of Taree, Wingham, Coopernook and Old Bar. The core aim is to create a robust, integrated, and costed strategic plan for long-term resilience against flood risks and pollution in the Manning River estuary urban areas. 
Moto floodplain wetland rehabilitation feasibility study and cost benefit analysis - $56,401 awarded

The objective of this project is to complete a feasibility assessment of nature rehabilitation and carbon project opportunities on the Moto floodplain, focusing on coastal wetland rehabilitation. This will be supported by a cost-benefit analysis comparing the benefits of floodplain rehabilitation to a base case to help inform decision-making.  Management of acid discharges from the Moto floodplain is a priority in the Manning River estuary coastal management program.
 

Nambucca Valley estuary coastal protection infrastructure upgrade phase 1 - $487,568 awarded

This project will maintain and upgrade damaged coastal protection infrastructure and associated environmental restoration areas along the Nambucca River estuary. It will expand areas of priority habitat protection (riparian zones), increase coverage of coastal hazard mitigation structures, enhance protection of estuarine macrophytes such as mangroves, and strengthen adaptation to changing coastal hazards, including the increasing frequency and intensity of large floods.
 

Protecting freshwater wetlands on Sydney's Northern Beaches - $100,000 awarded

Bush regeneration works will be undertaken, removing priority and invasive weeds and vines and weeds of national significance, particularly ludwigia, salvinia and coral trees at Warriewood and Nareen Wetlands (North Narrabeen). These works will assist council in restoring impacted threatened ecological communities and protecting un-infested areas of the freshwater wetland. Key objectives are to increase connectivity, reduce fragmentation and protect core habitat for the benefit of native and threatened fauna present.

Stage 2 study – Open coast and lagoons coastal hazard assessment - $333,333 awarded

This project will undertake a coastal hazard assessment which will include a comprehensive exposure assessment to determine risks to people, assets, properties and the environment. The findings will inform the methodology for mapping a Coastal Vulnerability Area for the local government area. It will also provide valuable technical input for the preparation of a Coastal Zone Emergency Action Subplan, guiding council's response during storm events or other coastal emergencies.

Northern Beaches stage 2 coastal management program – state of the estuary reports - $140,000 awarded

The four Northern Beaches coastal lagoons—Manly, Curl Curl, Dee Why and Narrabeen—are highly valued environmental, recreational and economic assets for the local community and visitors. This project will review existing water quality and environmental data, prepare a State of the Estuary Report for each lagoon, and develop recommended actions to guide future stages of the coastal management program that is under development.
 

North Shore Port Macquarie - Consolidation of estuary access points - $50,000 awarded

North Shore Shoreline Reserve is a well-used public space along the Hastings River, providing access to a popular sand bar for fishing, swimming, and recreation. Over time, numerous informal access points have developed, exacerbating erosion, vegetation loss, and degradation of sensitive riparian and intertidal habitats. This project will consolidate and formalise access points to reduce environmental stress and improve safety and inclusivity for all users. 
 

Shoal Bay foreshore sand carting 2026 - $160,000 awarded

This project will improve beach access and amenity of the eroding sections of Shoal Bay Beach through sand carting and nourishment. Drone surveys throughout the project will measure the impact and effectiveness of the works over the short to medium term in addressing shoreline erosion arising from sediment transport processes. 

Port Stephens erosion hazard investigation and hazard monitoring strategy - $243,334 awarded

To better understand and plan for coastal hazards in Port Stephens, a coastal erosion hazard investigation will be undertaken, informing the preparation of a coastal hazard monitoring strategy. The coastal erosion hazard investigation will address current knowledge gaps and will inform updates to the Port Stephens local environmental plan, development control plan and coastal vulnerability area mapping. The coastal hazard monitoring strategy will establish a high quality, fit for purpose data set suitable for monitoring coastal processes, trends and changes in the coastal environment. Together, these will enable council to better understand the impacts of coastal processes and set triggers for adaptive management actions.

Invasive species management across council coastal property - $17,493 awarded

This project aims to improve climate change resilience and protect biological diversity through weed eradication and a significant reduction of the number of invasive pest species in local wetland areas.

Mambo wetland restoration project - $8,000 awarded

Responding to the issue of pest animals and invasive weeds in the Mambo wetland, this project will monitor, identify and implement appropriate control methods to enhance wetland health. It will target environmental and priority weeds via physical removal and chemical applications using approved bush regeneration techniques. 
 

Mollymook stormwater outfall works and dune restoration - $273,333 awarded

This project will design and construct a scour protection structure and improve stormwater management. Designs will interface with existing stormwater outlet modifications to improve overall scour performance. Dune regeneration works will also be undertaken. 

Shoalhaven Beach access improvement and upgrades - $103,334 awarded

The project will create designs for access tracks at three key beaches with a view to formalising and rationalising beach access. The new designs will be developed to support dune ecosystem health and help improve recreational amenity at key locations across the Shoalhaven local government area.

Shoalhaven beach scraping and dune recovery - $404,664 awarded

This project will deliver nature-assisted beach enhancement at 9 high-priority beaches in the Shoalhaven. It will undertake beach scraping to ensure sufficient sediment buffers are available for future storms and to help speed up dune recovery. Additionally, the project will support Council’s monitoring and planning capabilities through the use of drone surveys.

Shoalhaven dunecare expansion - $608,334 awarded

The project will protect and restore beaches, dunes and foreshore areas by reducing erosion, weed impacts, fragmentation and urban pressures. It will use nature‑based dune management to strengthen natural buffers, prevent ecosystem decline and conserve threatened coastal ecological communities.

Bate Bay dune restoration project - $100,000 awarded

The project will undertake maintenance works to protect and restore dunes in the Wanda Beach area. Dunes are currently highly mobile, encroaching onto surrounding assets and limiting usability for the community. Management actions may include reprofiling of sand dunes to recommended heights and undulations, revegetation of dunes with native species and installation of fencing to minimise erosion and dune movement. 

Port Hacking coastal management program – stage 1 scoping study - $160,000 awarded

The scoping study is the first stage of the Port Hacking coastal management program development to establish a long-term strategy for coordinated management of the coastal zone balancing environmental, social and economic systems. It will develop an engagement strategy for community and stakeholders to identify objectives for the coastal zone as well as establish key issues to be considered.
 

Kiama coastal vulnerability area mapping amendment to State Environmental Planning Policies - $75,000

This project will formally introduce coastal vulnerability area mapping into State Environmental Planning Policies. Consultation with affected landowners as well as the broader community will be conducted to support the preparation and submission of a planning proposal to map the coastal vulnerability area for the open coastline of the Kiama local government area.

Kiama coastal habitat restoration and revegetation works plan - $40,000

This project aims to prepare a coastal habitat restoration and revegetation plan that identifies, maps and prioritises locations along the Kiama coastline. This will include open space parcels, beaches, dunes, coastal wetlands, coastal and estuary foreshore reserves and headland bluffs. The project will prepare implementation-ready detail such as weeds to be controlled and plants to be used, including species, habitats, and locations of cultural significance to the local community. 
 

Asset management planning for lower estuary foreshore protection structures - $99,999 awarded

This project will deliver a detailed asset management and renewal plan for foreshore protection structures, focusing on climate change resilience, community amenity and environmental performance. It will provide council with detailed design requirements and a schedule of prioritised implementation to maintain assets over time.
 

Windang Foreshore Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report - $218,133 awarded

The project will support an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment for the Windang Peninsula to inform coastal management actions including protection works, while safeguarding cultural assets, preventing land loss and maintaining access and amenity.

Acknowledgement of Aboriginal culture and heritage at Lake Ainsworth – $130,401 awarded

The project will be located at Lake Ainsworth and closely surrounding lands in Lennox Head. The project aims to investigate and implement a culturally informed method of acknowledging and building awareness of the significant Aboriginal cultural and heritage values of the lake and improve its future management by implementing strategies that include and reflect the needs of local Aboriginal people.

Lake Ainsworth aquatic weed management and boom replacement – $30,167 awarded

A floating boom will be purchased and installed at the northern end of Lake Ainsworth and aquatic weeds will be removed with a harvester. Spot treatment of remaining aquatic weeds will also be undertaken over 2 years. The control of aquatic weeds will result in protected cultural, public amenity and environmental values of the lake.

Bega Valley riparian and dune rehabilitation project – $90,000 awarded

This project involves works across both dune and riparian areas. It will include weed control and revegetation of coastal and riparian areas which are in a degraded state and vulnerable to erosion due to the impacts of costal hazards. This work will help to strengthen these natural systems and restore environmental value to withstand impacts into the future.

Protecting threatened shorebirds in Bellingen Shire – $60,000 awarded

This project will focus on the conservation of threatened shorebird species within Bellingen Shire’s coastal environment zone which includes beaches, dunes, estuaries and wetlands. The aim of the project is to identify shorebird species, quantify populations, map critical habitats and assess threats.

Restoration of Central Coast Wetlands – $86,980 awarded

The proposed project sites are located across the Central Coast local government area with activities prioritising the removal of weed species to aid regeneration of native plant communities. The overall condition of the proposed locations has deteriorated with reduced biodiversity. By removing invasive species, native plant communities will have the opportunity to regenerate, and ecosystem services are enhanced.

Stockton Beach scraping and dune stabilisation – $260,001 awarded

The objective of this project is to facilitate the delivery of sand scraping activities at Stockton Beach. This is to enhance immediate coastal protection through building the upper profile and dune system, and building coastal resilience reducing the need for reactive emergency response works. The project extent of the site for the proposed beach scraping works is the southern portion of Stockton Beach, which falls under the Newcastle local government area, from the northern breakwater in the south to Corroba Oval in the north.

Clarence Valley coastal hazard planning controls – $69,999 awarded

This project will review, evaluate and introduce new planning controls to address coastal hazard risks. The project will encompass the coastal zone along the Clarence Valley coastline as identified in the Clarence Valley Open Coast Coastal Management Plan. The outcomes will be implemented through local planning instruments such as development control plans to mitigate current and future risk from coastal hazards.

Pilot Hill slope stability and biodiversity improvements – $270,001 awarded

This project will implement instrumentation and monitoring improvements, geotechnical investigations and slope stability measures to address the slope instability issue at Pilot Hill, Yamba. The improvements, along with weed management and coastal habitat restoration, will provide contemporary accurate monitoring data of land movement and groundwater at Pilot Hill informing ongoing risk assessment and future management actions.

Wooli Beach management strategy – $66,665 awarded

This project will place additional sand into the Wooli Beach dune system increasing the resilience of the dune to erosion and recession. Dune rehabilitation and revegetation will further increase the resilience of the dunes, improve biodiversity values, and public amenity and safety.

City of Coffs Harbour Open Coast Coastal Management Program, stages 2–4 – $253,335 awarded

This project will enable Council to commence stages 2–4 of the City of Coffs Harbour Open Coast Coastal Management Program. This program will establish management actions and a long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the Coffs Harbour open coast.

Surfside Beach emergency beach scraping − $15,083 awarded

Beach scraping is proposed over a stretch of Surfside’s eastern beach as emergency coastal protection of a severely damaged dune in accordance with the Coastal Zone Emergency Action Subplan. The works aim to rebuild and enhance the dune and protect the foredune system as well as the reserve.

Detailed evaluation of built assets including Kiama Surf Life Saving Club, Kendalls on the Beach Holiday Park and Seven Mile Beach pedestrian bridge – $90,000 awarded

This project will result in increased resilience to coastal hazards and will inform strategic assessments and guide future management of council owned assets. Detailed evaluations with structural assessments will be conducted for 3 key assets to be utilised for the purpose of updating asset management plans and providing strategic direction for managing hazards in the future.

Preparation and response to Kiama coastal hazards at Bombo, Storm Bay, Werri Beach, Church Point, Seven Mile Beach, Kendals Beach and Surf Beach – $234,845 awarded

This project will build increased preparedness and resilience to coastal hazards through the preparation of designs and necessary approvals, in readiness for interim coastal protection works at priority high risk locations. This is to facilitate construction if triggers are reached for action to be undertaken. Additional project activities include Church Point geotechnical investigations and the installation of citizen science beach monitoring initiatives like Coast Snap to involve the community in monitoring coastal morphology across the local government area.

Restoration of Bangalay sand forest endangered ecological community at Seven Mile Beach Coastal Reserve – $36,667 awarded

This project aims to restore the Bangalay sand forest endangered ecological community and surrounding vegetation at Seven Mile Beach Coastal Reserve through development of a restoration works plan and associated targeted weed control for the site. The project will conduct targeted weed control across 18 ha of bushland reserve and will monitor and evaluate progress through photo point monitoring.

River-flat eucalypt forest on coastal floodplains rehabilitation Wyee Point – $130,267  awarded

This project involves rehabilitating a riparian corridor within the coastal zone at Wyee Point. The site contains an endangered ecological community, river-flat eucalypt forest on coastal floodplains, and pockets of saltmarsh and mangrove. The project seeks to rehabilitate the riparian vegetation using best practice bush regeneration techniques, remove weed threats, and protect exposed Aboriginal sites.

Georges River Estuary Coastal Management Program stages 2−4 − $665,601 awarded

This project will prepare and deliver the Coastal Management Program (CMP) stages 2−4 for the Georges River estuary. The CMP encompasses the foreshore of the river estuary, including tributaries, and the southern and western foreshores of Botany Bay that are primarily under the control of participating councils and state agencies.

Enhancing water quality and ecological health: retrofit of Wingham Wetland in the Manning River Estuary – $642,831 awarded

This project will implement the retrofit of the Wingham Wetland, a key stormwater treatment asset in the Manning River catchment. The retrofit will upgrade critical components like the gross pollutant trap, sediment basins, and macrophyte zones. Once complete, the improved wetland will better filter stormwater runoff, reduce nutrient and sediment loads, and enhance the ecological health of the Manning River Estuary.

Mid-Coast Open Coast Coastal Management Program – $244,793 awarded

This project will consolidate and convert 3 expired coastal zone management plans into one coastal management plan and aim to provide a robust management framework for the Mid-Coast coastal area for the next decade. Additionally, the project will update hazard modelling in discrete locations using probabilistic hazard modelling techniques, ensuring a consistent approach to coastal management in the Mid-Coast coastal area.

Riparian revegetation and bank stabilisation for priority erosion sites impacting the head of the Nambucca Estuary – $243,220 awarded

This project is located in Bowraville on the southern tributary to the Nambucca Estuary. The project will encompass installation of rock toe protection, riparian restoration and large camphor laurel removal, large wood debris placement for stabilisation or habitat and riparian fencing. The project will restore and protect the riparian habitat around the town and also enhance public accessibility to the river.

Coastal processes and options assessment for natural sand nourishment and erosion control structures at the Nambucca break wall public reserve – $156,980 awarded

The Nambucca Heads break wall is a high-use public reserve which is being impacted by erosion from both riverine and open coast processes. This project will assess environmental processes affecting the site and determine the best possible option with the greatest environmental, asset protection and user-friendly functionality for the remediation of the reserve.

Freshwater Beach south dune stabilisation – $24,895 awarded

This project supports the issues raised in the coastal dunes management strategy for Freshwater Beach to achieve reduced sand blow-outs, improved dune condition by weed control and revegetating with native coastal species, and formalising pedestrian movements through dune systems. The aims of the project include fencing to formalise access and exclusion areas for revegetation, returning loose sand to the foredune or beach area with sand scraping, and reducing erosion with sand trapping fencing and coir logs.

North Avalon dune stabilisation – $32,653 awarded

This project aims to manage the most northern dune bay at North Avalon Beach through sand scraping, reducing beach erosion due to ongoing impacts from climate change induced storm events, formalising access by restoring access fences, and dune stabilisation with wind erosion control and replanting with native coastal vegetation.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council stages 3 and 4 Coastal Management Program development – $196,667 awarded

This project will prepare and deliver stages 3 and 4 of the Coastal Management Program (CMP), allowing Port Macquarie Hastings Council to submit a CMP for certification to provide a long-term, coordinated strategy for managing the coastal zone.

Corlette foreshore sand carting – $75,667 awarded

The ongoing shoreline erosion at Corlette Beach presents a risk to public safety and impacts recreational access and amenity of the beach. This project will perform sand carting and enable gradual transportation eastward in front of Conroy Park.

Shoal Bay foreshore sand carting – $178,001 awarded

This project will undertake the carting of sand from the western beach section and nourishment of the eroding sections of Shoal Bay Beach to improve beach access and amenity. Drone and bathymetric survey activities will measure the impact of the works and will help understand its effectiveness.

Boat Harbour, Bendalong – improving coastal erosion resilience – $276,667 awarded

Works will restore the foreshore and address underlying stormwater erosion issues along the Boat Harbour Beach foreshore in Bendalong. The works will comprise enhancement of the foreshore through revegetation and formalisation of beach access, demolition of existing stormwater pipes and associated headwall and the installation of new stormwater pipes and scour protection. The enhancement of the foreshore aims to provide long-term resiliency against erosion from storm events.

Burrill Lake foreshore nourishment and vegetation – $37,500 awarded

Ongoing erosion observed at Lions Park, Burrill Lake, is steadily increasing and impacting a popular recreational foreshore area and key assets. This erosion has been occurring due to increased tidal conveyance through the entrance and has been exacerbated during periods of high tides and large ocean events. This project will use beach scraping from the adjacent extensive flood tide delta shoals to nourish the foreshore and manage the erosion impacts to the foreshore vegetation and road.

Callala Bay and Currarong coastal hazard management investigations – $146,667 awarded

This project will undertake a coastal processes and coastal hazards study of the Callala Bay foreshore area and Currarong Beach to better determine coastal hazard risk and coastal processes. This will support the scientifically based derivation and assessment of coastal management solutions. A detailed options assessment will also be completed based on the updated site understanding.

Callala Bay Sailing School coastal protection works – $50,001 awarded

The Callala Bay Sailing School is a high value public asset considered to be exposed to a high level of coastal erosion risk. The existing coastal protection works are comprised of informal and ad hoc placement of rock bags requiring investigation and design of a replacement structure. This scope of works includes foreshore survey and geotechnical investigations, and preparation of a detailed design for future coastal protection works.

Coastal asset management review and monitoring program establishment – $100,000 awarded

This project involves the review and update of all council asset management plans relevant to the coastal zone, as well as the development and implementation of a monitoring program designed to assess and track the condition of various coastal assets and infrastructure. This project will support council in aligning the relevant asset management plans with the objectives and outcomes of the coastal management plan. It will also ensure that council are able to establish a monitoring program to adequately and proactively respond to the management of coastal hazards risks affecting infrastructure and assets in the coastal zone.

Estuary entrance management feasibility investigations – Mollymook Beach, Manyana Beach, and Hyams Beach – $26,666 awarded

This project involves the investigation of potential management options for addressing estuary entrance instability at Mollymook Beach, Manyana Beach, and Hyams Beach. The project will involve a feasibility assessment of potential management options.

Implementation of priority cliffs and slope hazard reduction infrastructure across the Shoalhaven local government area – $205,000 awarded

This project will implement high priority stormwater management actions from the Shoalhaven hydraulic impact assessment that was completed as part of the coastal management plan development. The project will upgrade the stormwater network in areas where uncontrolled run-off poses a significant threat to property and safety at Vincentia, Berrara and Narrawallee. Council will also include several dune restoration works to adjacent foreshore areas.

Shoalhaven coastal protection structure condition assessment and evaluation – $70,000 awarded

This project will conduct formal coastal engineering condition inspections and assessment of several existing coastal protection structures across the Shoalhaven local government area involving the Shoalhaven Heads Surf Club rock revetment, existing coastal protection works at Kioloa and the Princes Highway at Ulladulla Harbour. The outcome of these assessments will result in a clear understanding of the nature and extent of maintenance works required to maintain protection and function at these locations.

South Mollymook Coastal Zone Emergency Action Subplan response – $25,320 awarded

This project will deliver the following action from Coastal Zone Emergency Action Subplan Shoalhaven Open Coast and Jervis Bay CMP. Beach scraping activities will place sand on the existing revetment as well as at the northern section to build up the toe of the bank to encourage development of an incipient foredune in this area.

Outer Sydney Harbour coastal management program, stages 2–4 – $369,121 awarded

This project will commence stages 2–4 of the Outer Sydney Harbour coastal management plan, covering Port Jackson and Middle Harbour. The plan will address a range of coastal management issues along the harbour foreshore and identify actions to develop a long-term strategy for the Outer Sydney Harbour coastal zone.

Waverley Beaches coastal management program, stage 2 – $313,334 awarded

This project will enable council to undertake the stage 2 studies identified in the Waverley Beaches coastal management program: Stage 1 – scoping study. These studies, which include a coastal risk assessment, seawall condition assessments, a coastal inundation damages assessment, and a geotechnical risk assessment, are identified as critical components in developing a technically robust and comprehensive coastal management plan.

Building community resilience to coastal hazards around Lake Illawarra through community engagement and participation – $126,059 awarded

This project will strategically engage with communities in high-risk areas of the lake, to build awareness of coastal processes and future hazards, and support resilience and capacity building to address future climate challenges. Using the Lake Illawarra community engagement and participation strategy, this program will align community support with values in implementing coastal management plan actions as a means to strategically address and respond to climate change impacts into the future.

Wollongong coastal shoreline conservation – $260,000 awarded

This project will improve bank stabilisation, water quality and erosion protection of Lake Illawarra and creek line areas of Barrons Gully and Brooks Creek by planting endemic species for bank support and filtration of water. The removal of weeds and revegetating the reserves will diversify and expand native vegetation communities and help with providing habitat for local fauna.

Lake Ainsworth western foreshore management – $321,999 funding awarded

The western foreshore of Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head will have design, approvals and works carried out to rehabilitate and manage the increasing use of the area with the aim of improving visitor access and minimising environmental impacts. The project will include vegetation restoration works, visitor footpath and boardwalk, and interpretive signage to increase awareness of the environmental and cultural values of the area and the need to protect them.

Maguires Creek riparian rehabilitation – $240,672 funding awarded

This project is for restoration of a large stretch of riparian area identified as high importance in the Richmond River coastal zone management plan, Richmond Ecohealth Report and Maguires Creek catchment vegetation management plan. The area is highly degraded due to severe weather events, and this project will deliver increased resilience to climate change, reduced sedimentation, and improved water quality and fish habitat.

Lady Robinsons Beach Ramsgate – beach nourishment – $480,000 funding awarded

This project will replenish the sand back into Lady Robinsons Beach which was removed by the impacts of East Coast lows in recent years. The beach will be restored with safe usable beach amenity for Ramsgate Baths and Ramsgate Beach visitors. In addition to improvements to formal public foreshore access, the sand will offer protection to the existing concrete seawall.

Riparian restoration project – $35,000 funding awarded

This project will help restore and enhance riparian foreshore areas that have deteriorated due to a mix of clearing, development, informal tracks, and the impact of weeds and erosion. Strengthening the riparian zone will help mitigate current and future risks of coastal hazards, including erosion and inundation of foreshores, and protect public areas and walking tracks.

Cavvanbah and Belongil Beach dune recovery project – $31,559 funding awarded

Coastal erosion has impacted dune stability, informal beach access and amenity as residents and visitors seek alternative access to the beachfront. This project involves the restoration of beach access and minor dune reshaping for stability and safety. The expected outcomes include reduced visitor and environmental impacts, long-term rehabilitation of dune ecosystems and habitat, and improved benefits for the Byron Bay community.

Stage 3 Coastal Management Programs for Belongil and Tallow Creek Estuaries – $56,664 funding awarded

Byron Shire has 2 Intermittently Closed and Open Lakes and Lagoons (ICOLLs).

(Belongil and Tallow Creek) with very distinct threats and issues to the open coast and each other. A coastal management program for each ICOLL catchment is necessary to effectively assess and prioritise risks and manage the current and emerging issues for these ICOLL estuaries.

Pearl Beach Lagoon coastal zone management plan implementation of sediment control and stormwater management actions – $107,750 funding awarded

This project will result in the on-ground implementation of key management actions from the certified Pearl Beach Lagoon coastal zone management plan. It will retrofit stormwater quality improvement measures and investigate options for removing material from the lagoon bed. Reducing sediment inputs, removing sediment plumes, and rehabilitating and revegetating eroded banks will improve water quality over time and restore aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Sisters Bay seawall renewal works – $1,900,784 funding awarded

The Sisters Bay public foreshore is an important community and environmental asset and includes mixed revetment structures and areas of unstable natural shoreline. This project will address the compromised existing hard structures and other areas of shoreline erosion through targeted works to repair the existing seawall revetments and install new rock revetments. Continuous foreshore protection will be established along the site to improve the resilience of the shoreline to potential impacts from future coastal hazards and climate change impacts.

Clarence River Estuary Coastal Management Program Stages 2 – 4 – $426,667 funding awarded

The Clarence River provides a high level of ecosystem services integral to the region's continuing ecosystem health, social, and economic value. The coastal management program process will provide a mechanism for the effective management of short-term risks and the development of adaptation pathways for longer-term and increasing risks.

Stormwater management plan to protect and enhance estuarine health in the Bonville and Pine Creek Estuary – $40,001 funding awarded

This project implements priority management actions from the Bonville – Pine Creek coastal management program. The project will produce a stormwater management plan focused on increasing the protection and enhancement of estuarine health and reducing impacts on estuarine water quality and hydrology.

Stormwater Management Plan to protect and enhance estuarine health of the Woolgoolga Estuaries – $43,333 funding awarded

The development of a stormwater management plan to address impacts affecting the Woolgoolga Region estuaries is a high-priority recommendation and part of a key Management Action in the Woolgoolga Estuaries coastal management program. The coastal management program identified urban stormwater runoff as a high risk to aquatic ecosystem health. The project will review the stormwater network to improve estuary health outcomes.

Eurobodalla coastal management program implementation 2023–2027 – $593,335 funding awarded

The project will involve implementing actions from Eurobodalla's Open Coast and Estuarine coastal management programs with a focus on managing the coastal dunes and riparian vegetation. The project outcomes will achieve increased protection and enhance the natural defences to coastal and estuarine hazards across the 3 major estuaries of Moruya, Mummaga, and Wagonga and 143 km of coastline.

Donnelly Park foreshore protection and environmental enhancement – $946,578 funding awarded

This project addresses key management actions of the Georges River coastal zone management program and is focused on integrating estuarine and riparian habitat with community amenity and accessibility into erosion protection infrastructure along the Donnelly Park foreshore, Connells Point. Through re-introducing natural processes and habitat structures within the degraded environment, the Donnelly Park foreshore protection and environmental enhancement project will develop innovative estuarine ecosystems, including endangered saltmarsh benches, while improving community accessibility and amenity.

Restoration of coastal wetland surrounding Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Facility – $20,000 funding awarded

This project aims to significantly reduce the incursion of weed cover throughout the area by implementing best-practice weed control techniques. The site surrounds Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Facility on Minnamurra River and was identified in the catchment assessment as a priority location for weed control, with weed outbreaks including key weed species as identified in the coastal zone management plan. Targeting this priority area, the seedbank will dramatically reduce, which will further benefit coastal wetland areas downstream.

Lake Macquarie integrated coastal zone monitoring program – $209,000 funding awarded

The Lake Macquarie coastal zone management plan is an integrated program that covers the whole of the city's coastal zone, including its coastline, estuary, and Swansea channel. The coastal zone management plan applies an adaptive approach to managing the coastal zone and significantly focuses on effective monitoring. An integrated coastal zone monitoring program will monitor the physical and ecological condition of key components of Lake Macquarie's coastal zone assessing beach and dune morphology, aquatic health of Lake Macquarie, and the morphology and stability of Swansea channel.

Pendlebury Park coastal environmental rehabilitation – $91,950 funding awarded

This project involves the rehabilitation of saltmarsh and riparian vegetation within Pendlebury Park coastal environment area. The project site also contains 4 endangered ecological communities being swamp oak floodplain forest, coastal saltmarsh (both endangered under the Biodiversity Conservation Act), coastal swamp oak forest, and river-flat eucalypt forest on coastal floodplain (both endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act). Rehabilitation works include primary and secondary weeding of priority and environmental weeds to increase the resilience of these significant coastal vegetation communities.

The Burns Bay living seawall in Lane Cove – $18,750 funding awarded

The project aims to enhance the marine habitat value of a concrete seawall in Burns Bay by adding the Sydney Institute of Marine Science 'living seawalls' habitat panels to the structure. Living seawalls are artificial modular panels with complex surfaces that mimic features of the natural shoreline and provides habitat for marine life. The project will create an important artificial ecosystem in Burns Bay and will contribute to council's goal of restoring the foreshores of the Lane Cove River.

Warraroon Reserve coastal wetland rehabilitation – $6,100 funding awarded

Warraroon Reserve includes a wetland consisting of endangered ecological communities such as saltmarshes, estuarine swamp oak forests, coastal escarpment littoral rainforests, and estuarine mangrove forests. The extent and health of these vegetation communities are continually threatened by the abundance and distribution of invasive plant species. This project will deliver bush regeneration and revegetation within the wetlands of Warraroon Reserve through targeted annual actions resulting in a decline in the distribution and abundance of weed species and increased wetland resilience. In addition, the revegetation of the wetlands will provide beneficial ecosystem outcomes such as water filtration, soil stabilisation and space for further recruitment of indigenous plants.

Improving Wingham Wetland design to maximise water quality outcomes for the Manning River – $70,002 funding awarded

The project will deliver the detailed design phase for the remediation of Wingham Wetland. Once constructed, this wetland will maximise the water quality benefits for the Manning River Estuary delivering Phase 1 of Action 2.07(c) of the Manning River Estuary Coastal Management Program 2022–2032.

Protecting the Manning River Estuary – improving erosion and sediment control practices – $78,000 funding awarded

This project will protect the ecological health of the Manning River Estuary by building the capacity of designers, builders, council staff and the construction industry to reduce sediment runoff from both public and private developments. It will involve an independent assessment of erosion and sediment control practices across the Manning catchment, informing an erosion and sediment control behaviour change program to reduce sediment runoff to the Manning River Estuary. This project will complement a comprehensive, cross-departmental review of council's erosion and sediment control systems, covering all aspects of erosion and sediment control from development assessment, construction, subdivision release and compliance.

Design of structures for priority estuary bank erosion sites on the Nambucca River – $35,649 funding awarded

This project will implement an assessment of identified priority erosion areas of the Nambucca River estuary in the Nambucca Valley coastal management program. In addition, the precise design, cost and implementation direction for riverbank protection structures and associated riparian zone restoration works will be developed. By undertaking this plan, the most cost-effective solution, improved environmental outcomes, and sensitive approach will be developed for future projects to implement.

Nambucca Valley coastal zone public access, formalisation, upgrade and coastal environment protection program – $454,394 funding awarded

The council has identified several beach access points vital for community recreation and emergency services use that are in a state of disrepair due to age, or their use or designs are negatively affecting the surrounding environment due to erosion, inundation or unformalised foot access points. This project will achieve the replacement, removal, and formalisation of pedestrian and 4WD coastal zone tracks, access ramps, walk bridges and facilities to increase their safety for community and design integrity to facilitate better environmental outcomes.

Protecting our places and waterways – restoration and erosion control at Gumma Dock – $70,227 funding awarded

This project will address a range of issues covering riverbank erosion, degraded riparian vegetation, unformalised access tracks, and recreational infrastructure requiring upgrades. The outcome is preserving the community area through the prevention of further erosion by installing rock revetments, increased stability and diversity of the riparian zone through mangrove recruitment and revegetation, safer public access to the river and upgraded recreational facilities.

Protecting the Nambucca Valley's coastal environments from weed invasion – $145,454 funding awarded

This project will facilitate works across coastal reserves throughout the Nambucca Valley where priority environmental areas such as littoral rainforest, coastal swamp sclerophyll forest and Themeda grasslands occur. Locations range from reserves north of Valla Beach to the Nambucca River Mouth, extending to the riparian zone of lower deep creek estuary, the estuary islands, headlands and coastal reserves of Nambucca Heads and headlands and sea cliffs around and south of Scotts Head. These vegetated zones have many areas of weed infestation that threaten the regeneration, biodiversity and resilience of the endangered ecological communities that occur within them. Works will focus on managing invasive pest plant species to protect and enhance the endangered ecological community's qualities and spatial distribution.

Riverbank stabilisation and revegetation at Grassy Park, Bowraville – $66,505 funding awarded

This project will assist the council to address a range of impacts to the site due to the 2022 floods. Some of the key actions for this project include stabilising the eroding bank, enhancing the community recreational value, protecting an endangered ecological community and improvements to community and council infrastructure. The project will deliver benefits to the environment through riparian restoration and rehabilitation and increase the safety and ease of public access to the river.

Collaroy-Narrabeen Coastal Management Program – $150,001 funding awarded

The coastal management program for Collaroy-Narrabeen Beach will set the long-term strategy for Collaroy-Narrabeen Beach, focusing on achieving the objectives of the Coastal Management Act 2016 and replacing the coastal zone management plan for this location. The project will include stages 2, 3, and 4 of the preparation for a coastal management program.

Curl Curl dune stabilisation – dune bay 2 – $48,849 funding awarded

The project aims to build on achievements from similar past projects that have successfully fenced, stabilised and replanted dune bays with strong community support and participation. The main elements of the project are formalising beach access points, fencing the entire bay to protect new plantings, managing and stabilising dune systems, beach scraping to mitigate immediate coastal erosion risk, and restoring natural defences.

Freshwater Beach – dune bay 2 stabilisation – $43,208 funding awarded

Freshwater Beach is one of the most visited beaches on the Northern Beaches. As a result of uncontrolled access at the front of the dune, regular encroachment has resulted in the loss of native vegetation and blowouts resulting in sand inundation. The project aims to limit access with fencing after minor sand scraping, removal of identified Weeds of National Significance, and followed by replanting of native coastal species.

Narrabeen Beach dunes restoration and weed control – $34,381 funding awarded

The project involves restoration of a degraded dune system and will encompass weed control, fencing and revegetation. There are 4 dune bays included in this project, totalling approximately 1.2 hectares in an area that contains coastal dune vegetation. There has been significant erosion on the foredune due to recent successive storms and considerable blowouts in the mid-dune sections. The project aims to control invasive weeds, stabilise the dune to minimise erosion with revegetation using native plantings and protect the endangered plant species

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Water quality improvement strategy – $200,001 funding awarded

The coastal management program Stage 1 Scoping Study identified 'declines in water quality' as a 'high risk' for the Hastings River Estuary, Camden Haven River Estuary and Lake Cathie/Bonny Hills for both current and all future risk scenarios. Three water quality improvement strategies will be developed as part of this project for the respective estuaries to identify current and future impacts on estuary health within the Port Macquarie Hastings Council local government area.

Richmond River bank and riparian condition assessment – $260,000 funding awarded

The Riverbank and Riparian Condition Assessment comprehensively reviews existing conditions in the Richmond local government area. The assessment outcomes will be used to prioritise investment in future on-ground river restoration works. The Riverbank and Riparian Condition Assessment forms part of the Stage 2 coastal management program and has been identified as a critical task in the Stage 1 coastal management program.

Richmond River tidal inundation assessment – $40,000 funding awarded

The tidal inundation assessment will be completed for the entire tidal inundation reach of the Richmond River estuary and will be delineated over 2 areas. The first area includes the Ballina Shire local government area, while the second area encompasses the full extent of the tidal zone of the estuary, including the Richmond Valley and Lismore City Council. The proposed assessment will form part of the Stage 2 coastal management program and has been identified as a critical task in the Stage 1 coastal management program.

Wilsons River tidal pool – riparian restoration – $27,930 funding awarded

The project will revegetate and rehabilitate an area of riparian and gully habitat fronting the Wilsons River tidal pool at Woodlawn. This area is of high ecological importance and contributes to estuary health in the Richmond River catchment. The project includes subtropical rainforest plantings along the Wilsons River edge, with new stock-proof fencing, improved farm management and open woodland and wetlands plantings in the gully line. The project will demonstrate best-practice methods for water quality protection within the Wilsons River tidal pool.

Bass Point littoral rainforest regeneration – $55,000 funding awarded

This project aims to undertake bush regeneration and revegetation activities within the Littoral Rainforest and Littoral Rainforest Proximity Area of Bass Point Reserve, addressing the threat of weed impacts on this vegetation community to improve its ecological integrity, habitat value, and resilience. The expected outcomes include a significant reduction in weed species' density and cover and an increase in native plant cover. These outcomes will be achieved using best-practice techniques for bush regeneration and weed control.

Dredging Investigation – Scope for Burroo Bay, Koona Bay and Horsley Creek – $133,334 funding awarded

This project aims to complete a scoping study to assess the feasibility of navigational dredging works in Burroo Bay, Koona Bay and Horsley Creek, Lake Illawarra. The results from this project will inform the requirements for dredging activities and assist in projecting the associated costs and identifying the environmental constraints.

Shellharbour coastal values project – $60,034 funding awarded

The cultural values of the Aboriginal coastal community are threatened by climate change, coastal erosion, development, and growing recreational and tourist activities. This project aims to work with Traditional Owners, custodians, and knowledge holders to identify coastal cultural values through community workshops and archaeological/cultural value surveys. The project will also map current and projected coastal hazards to determine the vulnerability of coastal cultural heritage. Additionally, the project will identify culturally appropriate location-based management strategies and actions to reduce these risks.

Shellharbour local government area coastal management programs – Stages 2-4 for Open Coast and Elliot Lake coastal management programs – $403,333 funding awarded

This project will progress Shellharbour Council through stages 2, 3 and 4 to develop a coastal management program for the future management of the Shellharbour Open Coast and Elliot Lake. These next stages will be prepared for in a manner consistent with the coastal management framework, the completed and endorsed scoping study, as well as the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

Shellharbour north – dune protection fencing – $65,000 funding awarded

This project will enable the council to meet actions identified in the coastal zone management program – beach access management. This action aims to improve, maintain, and rationalise beach access to protect beach and dune health and provide high-quality and safe public access. This will be achieved by installing new dune fencing and replacing existing dune fencing that is no longer serviceable.

Enhancing and restoring Shoalhaven's estuary threatened ecological communities – $80,000 funding awarded

This project involves restoring and enhancing threatened ecological communities identified within tidal inundation areas of several Shoalhaven estuaries. This project will aim to undertake a program to revegetate and promote biodiversity enhancement of threatened ecological communities in these high-priority estuary ecosystems.

Mapping Shoalhaven's threatened ecological communities – $43,333 funding awarded

This project involves surveys to ground truth and update mapping of the distribution and condition of threatened ecological communities within coastal inundation areas of 5 estuaries, which are identified as Burrill Lake, Tabourie Lake, Lake Wollumboola, Currambene Creek and Willinga Lake.

This will achieve up-to-date mapping and condition assessments for these coastal ecosystems and allow the council to develop precise planning with detailed management actions. The resulting updated mapping will contribute to the council's coastal vulnerability map layers and, in turn, inform future planning proposals and the Shoalhaven local environment plan.

Shoalhaven dune care – $250,000 funding awarded

This project will rehabilitate selected coastal dune systems across Northern, Jervis Bay, Conjola/Sussex, Ulladulla, and Southern regions within the Shoalhaven local government area. Four priority beach localities are selected for each region, with 20 beach localities to be managed and rehabilitated as part of this project. These sites are identified as the highest priority for implementing regeneration measures, including weed management, revegetation and pedestrian access track maintenance.

Shoalhaven River entrance management plan and approvals – $43,333 funding awarded

This project will develop the relevant environmental technical considerations for the revised Shoalhaven River entrance management plan. Critical to the development of environmental approval pathways, the project will also deliver a design for the reuse of excavated 'dry notch' sand, and other suitable sand, at the river entrance for remediation works. The project will provide the council with a formalised entrance management plan supported by updated environmental assessment and approvals consistent with legislation.

Tygalgah riverbank rehabilitation – $263,733 funding awarded

This project will stabilise erosion and enhance the riparian and aquatic habitat condition of a length of the Tweed River estuary at Tygalgah. The site predominantly combines riparian and farming land with no native riparian vegetation. Erosion occurs due to a combination of boat wake waves undermining banks, and block failure following high flows when soils are saturated. The project will build a minimum crest height rock revetment to protect the bank toe from wake wave impact.

Coastal wetland and littoral rainforest mapping in the Wollongong coastal management program area – $46,667 funding awarded

Wollongong City Council has commenced developing a coastal management program for the Wollongong coastline. This Stage 2 study will confirm the extent and distribution of coastal wetlands and littoral rainforest within the Wollongong coastal management program area and, in doing so, determine the accuracy of the coastal wetland and littoral rainforest area map within the State Environment Planning Policy Resilience and Hazards 2021 (Resilience and Hazards SEPP).

Identification and vulnerability assessment of Aboriginal cultural values and assets along the Wollongong coastal zone – $46,459 funding awarded

This Stage 2 coastal management program study will apply a community-led placed-based approach to identify and map the known and predicted Aboriginal cultural values within the Wollongong local government area coastal region, determined by Traditional Owners, custodians and knowledge holders. A cultural values vulnerability assessment will be undertaken, utilising the outcomes of the coastal hazards assessments to determine risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities relevant to Aboriginal cultural values.

Furthermore, culturally appropriate place-based management strategies and actions to mitigate risks will be workshopped and agreed upon with the Aboriginal community. Coastal management issues relating to Aboriginal cultural values and high-level actions and/or interventions to manage the impacts of coastal hazards will inform stages 3 to 5 of the coastal management program process.

Identification and vulnerability assessment of Aboriginal cultural values and assets within the Lake Illawarra Catchment – $46,459 funding awarded

Lake Illawarra holds significant cultural and historical importance for the Aboriginal community with longstanding use, occupation, burials, and resource gathering in the region. As such, the Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Program 2020-2030 includes action CH1 to protect and promote cultural heritage in and around the lake and its catchment. This study will apply a community-led approach to identify and map the known Aboriginal cultural values within the Lake Illawarra coastal management program area.

Integrating the outcomes of the risk-based framework Lake Illawarra study into Wollongong and Shellharbour's planning frameworks – $100,000 funding awarded

This project aims to reduce threats to Lake Illawarra by amending both Wollongong and Shellharbour City council's development control plans and standard conditions of consent to reflect the risk-based framework pollutant reduction targets as best practice for the Lake Illawarra catchment. The project will allow both councils to commence a trial period of implementation of stormwater treatment train measures for new developments and to finalise guidelines and step-by-step practice notes on how the outcomes of the risk-based framework can be applied to urban developments in Lake Illawarra.

Lake Illawarra banks and habitat enhancement – $330,000 funding awarded

The project addresses management actions identified within the Lake Illawarra coastal management program to protect and rehabilitate estuarine and riparian vegetation identified at high risk of the threats of loss of estuarine vegetation and wetland degradation. The main objective of this project is to improve the ecological function of the lake foreshore and riparian areas. This will be achieved by rehabilitating endangered ecological communities, removing weeds, and replacing them with native vegetation.

North Wollongong seawall (Stage 2) – $3,927,445 funding awarded

This project's scope is the construction of Stage 2 of the North Wollongong seawall project. This project will complete the North Wollongong Beach seawall, priority coastal protection infrastructure identified in the Wollongong coastal zone management plan. Project outcomes include replacing the ageing retaining wall structure, building on the existing investment within the North Wollongong Beach seawall (Stage 1) and completing the full structure, creating new amenity for visitors and supporting greater activation of the North Wollongong Beach precinct.

Stabilisation of Port and Puckeys dune systems – $90,000 funding awarded

This project will focus on stabilising Port and Puckeys dune systems by undertaking works identified by the sites in vegetation management plans. Over the project period, the council will remove and treat high-impact weed species and implement joint actions such as reducing the many informal beach access points and trails through the dunes, which limit native species from being established. The council will employ regeneration and revegetation methods to encourage native dune communities to recover, ultimately provide habitat and food sources for native fauna, and stabilise and protect the beach areas from possible weather events.

Water quality and ecological health monitoring of Lake Illawarra and catchment – $151,771 funding awarded

Lake Illawarra is a shallow, wave-dominated coastal lagoon south of Wollongong. It is experiencing increasing pressure on the lake's environmental, recreational, and economic values and tributaries due to ongoing urban development in the catchment. The expansive development places the lake and its inflowing stream network at risk of deteriorating health. This project will continue an estuary health monitoring program, including recreational water quality, to assess the condition of the estuary. A catchment water quality and ecological monitoring program will focus on key areas related to implementing the risk-based framework for managing diffuse runoff.

Ballina Shire shoreline coastal management program

Ballina Shire Council completed the scoping study for its coastline in July 2022. With this funding, the council will complete stages 2 to 4 of preparing a coastal management program. Stage 2 involves undertaking detailed studies that help to identify and evaluate the risks, vulnerabilities, and opportunities. Stage 3 will involve developing and evaluating potential management options that can address the issues identified in stage 2. Stage 4 will involve preparing the draft coastal management program, which will be publicly exhibited for comment.

Dune resilience project

This project will undertake weed control, revegetation, and rationalisation of access tracks to restore dunes to a resilient state at Wallaga Beach, Camel Rock, Horseshoe Bay, Beares Beach, Cuttagee Beach, Tathra Beach, Merimbula Beach, Pambula Beach and Aslings Beach which have experienced significant erosion and weed infestation.

Byron Shire open coast stages 3 and 4 coastal management program

For a small coastal council, Byron Shire has a large coastline with high coastal risks to manage. A coastal management program is necessary to effectively assess and prioritise risks and manage current and emerging issues. In 2019, the council commenced the preparation of coastal management programs for its coastline. This project covers the entire open coast areas of the local government area and includes open coast hazards and threats to open coast values only. Stage 3 will identify and evaluate management options to select preferred coastal management actions to address the identified issues. Stage 4 will involve a draft coastal management program being prepared, exhibited and then submitted for certification.

Deepwater Park – bank stabilisation: stage 2

Deepwater Park is in a highly eroded site, and this causes significant issues for the Georges River estuary, including degradation of water quality, sedimentation and the loss of flora and fauna species habitat. This project will manage riverbank erosion through engineering structures (sawn sandstone block walls and rock beaching) and vegetation. Implementing this project is expected to significantly reduce the loss of public land and threats to ecological communities.

Stages 3, 4 and 5 of the coastal management plan for the open coast of Central Coast local government area

The council will undertake stages 2, 3 and 4 of the development of the coastal management program. The main elements of this grant will be a coastal hazard assessment, an assessment of assets and infrastructure at risk, detailed risk assessment, options assessment, cost-benefit analysis, business plan and stakeholder engagement and formalised preparation of the final coastal management program document for certification

Hawkesbury-Nepean River coastal management program: stages 3 and 4

The Hawkesbury-Nepean River system management responsibility is split between 6 councils (Hornsby Shire, Hawkesbury, The Hills Shire, Ku-ring-gai, Central Coast and Northern Beaches councils). These councils have received funding to transition to stages 3 and 4 of developing a coastal management program for the entire Hawkesbury River estuary.

Kempsey local government area coastal zone coastal management program – stage 4

This project will complete stage 4 of preparing a coastal management program for the local government area's coastal zone. This project will undertake final studies and community engagement and will set the long-term strategy for the coordinated management of Kempsey's coastal zone.

Kempsey local government area coastal management program – coastal wetlands and littoral rainforest area investigation, mapping, and report

The scoping study completed for Kempsey's local government area coastal zone identified inconsistencies within existing vegetation data sets. Through this project, the council will undertake a review of existing resources and any other relevant vegetation information; commence targeted ground-truthing to better understand the distribution and condition of coastal wetlands and littoral rainforest areas; and pursue a planning proposal to include or amend the existing coastal wetlands and littoral rainforest area map in the resilience and hazards state environmental planning policies.

Future-proofing Belmont and Village Bay foreshore to adapt to climate change impacts

This project involves the construction of foreshore improvement works at Village Bay and Belmont Bay, which currently suffer from poor amenity, erosion, wave overtopping, tidal inundation, and poor ecological health from the build-up of seagrass wrack and sludge. The project sites include around 140 metres of lake foreshore on the northern side of the council-operated Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park and around 190 metres of foreshore in Village Bay (south of the holiday park).

Salts Bay littoral rainforest protection and enhancement works

Salts Bay littoral rainforest is an endangered ecological community located at Swansea Heads, Lake Macquarie. This project will reduce the impacts on the littoral rainforest from invasion and establishment of transformer weeds, impacts of urbanisation including rubbish dumping and track erosion from unauthorised public access.

Big Swamp coastal wetland restoration project

The Big Swamp project is a 2,000-hectare coastal wetland restoration project located on the Manning River floodplain within the Cattai Creek catchment, a priority acid sulfate soil hotspot in New South Wales. This project will remediate 608 hectares of floodplain, resulting in a significant reduction in acid sulfate pollution entering the river, the sequestration of blue carbon, and a long-term improvement in estuarine health.

Implementing stage 1 of the Manning estuary coastal management program community engagement program

The ecological health of the Manning River and estuary is under pressure because of past and present land management practices and the impacts of climate change, including prolonged drought, extreme flood events and rising sea level. This project will deliver a cohesive community education program, engagement and communication activities to promote understanding and care for the estuary and promote sustainable behaviours to protect water quality and ecosystem health in the Manning estuary.

Improving waterway and land management through ecological health assessment – Manning River Estuary

This project will promote improved community understanding, commitment and stewardship of the Manning River Estuary by connecting the community with the science through report cards and Waterwatch activities, which will improve water quality and ecosystem health of the Manning River Estuary.

MidCoast southern estuaries coastal management program – stages 2 to 4

MidCoast Council completed the scoping study for its southern estuaries of Wallis, Smiths and Myall Lakes, Karuah River and Khappinghat Creek in October 2022. Through this project, the council will complete stages 2, 3 and 4 of the coastal management program development for these estuaries. The coastal management program will set the long-term strategy for the coordinated management of these areas.

Old Bar Manning Point coastal management program – stages 2 to 4

MidCoast Council has completed the scoping study for Old Bar Manning Point estuary and is proceeding to prepare stages 2, 3 and 4 of the coastal management program. The coastal management program will deliver a long-term strategic direction for the coordinated management of the Manning River Estuary and its catchment.

Restoring coastal wetlands and riparian vegetation to improve water quality and ecosystem health in the Manning Estuary

This project will improve water quality, ecosystem health and resilience of the Manning River Estuary by restoring 55 hectares of coastal wetlands and 9 kilometres of riparian vegetation on public land in the coastal zone.

Stockton coastal management program 2020 – buried terminal protection structure 1 – construction

Stockton Beach is a highly eroded site. This project will see the construction of a vertical buried terminal protection structure required to address immediate erosion risk and protect public and private assets at the southern end of Mitchell Street, Stockton.

Newcastle southern beaches coastal management program – stage 4

This project seeks to fulfil the economic/viability analysis part of the Stage 3 – Identify and evaluate options component of the coastal management program for part of the Newcastle southern beaches (Merewether Ocean Baths to Bar Beach cliff line). A detailed cost-benefit analysis will be undertaken due to the high level of risk and impact associated with the project area from coastal hazards. The detailed cost-benefit analysis will use probabilistic hazard, Monte Carlo and economic modelling techniques to understand the impacts of up to 12 options across 5 zones on the built and natural assets within the project area to produce a final report and associated community engagement collateral that provides a non-technical but meaningful summary of the results and implications.

Bank and riparian condition assessment – Camden Haven

A risk assessment was completed as part of the stage 1 scoping study of Port Macquarie Hastings Council's coastal management program, which identified riverbank erosion as being a high risk to natural and built assets.

The bank and riparian condition assessment will provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues associated with bank and riparian land condition within the Camden Haven estuary and identify targeted costed actions to inform future management actions in the coastal management program.

Coastal hazard assessment and coastal vulnerability area mapping

This project will undertake a coastal hazard assessment and coastal vulnerability area mapping. The coastal hazard assessment will include mapping of:

• beach erosion
• shoreline recession
• coastal lake/watercourse entrance stability
• coastal inundation
• coastal cliff/slope instability
• tidal inundation and erosion and inundation of foreshores caused by tidal waters and the actions of waves

Based on the findings of the hazard assessment, coastal vulnerability area mapping will be undertaken to understand potential impacts associated with coastal processes along the open coastline. The assessment will inform future planning proposals and guide development actions.

Illaroo Road emergency coastal erosion works

This project will provide interim protection to stormwater assets at the southern end of Illaroo Road that have become critically threatened by ongoing erosion experienced during autumn and winter 2022. The level of protection is designed to permit time for programmed sand nourishment works to take place in early 2023, which will augment the protection afforded and improve the currently degraded beach amenity in this precinct.

Kissing Point Park foreshore protection works

This project will rehabilitate sections of eroding foreshore identified as being of a high priority and in poor condition along Kissing Point Park. A 50-metre section of embankment with an approximate 500-millimetre erosion scarp encompasses the end of Yaralla Road, Putney. This foreshore consists of rocky shoreline with saltmarsh at the lower portions of the beach.

Putney Park seawall improvement upgrades

This project will see the upgrade of the seawall at Putney Park and result in increased foreshore accessibility. The existing Putney Park seawall is experiencing heavy erosion and scouring of the land behind the seawall due to ferry wash and overtopping during king tides.

Citywide dune revegetation and maintenance

This project will stabilise dune systems at identified high-priority sites at Mollymook, Shoalhaven Heads, Callala Beach, Warrain Beach, Narrawallee Beach, Currarong Beach, Collingwood Beach, Collers Beach, Boat Harbour Beach, Bendalong and Culburra Beach with fencing and revegetation, as well as community education and signage.

Coastal monitoring implementation – CoastSnap expansion

This project will involve:

• the expansion of the council's existing CoastSnap citizen science coastal monitoring program
• monitoring of coastal erosion hazards at an additional 5 high-risk beach locations utilising CoastSnap citizen science time-series photographs and analysis
• public display of the live photographs and data on the council's website, as well as integration to an internally used online dashboard that incorporates time-lapse videos, water level and tidal data to aid management decisions during and after events
• the analysis and interpretation of the data collected over time to inform longer term management decisions
• targeted community involvement and education campaign to encourage the local community and tourists to participate in data collection and develop an understanding of coastal processes and likely future trends.

Wollongong hazard studies and preparation of a coastal management program

Wollongong City Council has commenced the process to prepare a coastal management program for the coastline of local government area (excluding Lake Illawarra and the Port of Port Kembla). A Scoping Study has been prepared, setting out a forward program of activities recommended to prepare the coastal management program.

This project will undertake coastal hazard studies to identify and map the coastal hazards along the Wollongong coast and document these studies in a combined coastal hazard dataset and report. This will be followed by a detailed risk assessment to analyse and evaluate current and future risks. Options to address the priority risks and opportunities, and to preserve our coastal values, will be identified and evaluated to inform the preparation of a draft coastal management program in collaboration with the range of stakeholders involved in managing the Wollongong coastline.

Lake Ainsworth riparian vegetation management works

This project will deliver riparian vegetation planting, weed management, educational signage and fencing along the foreshore of Lake Ainsworth to address foreshore erosion, foreshore accessibility and safety, stormwater impacts, poor riparian condition, and terrestrial weeds. This will improve the aesthetic quality of the lake and address legacy issues resulting from stormwater runoff.

Lake Ainsworth coastal management plan, action one: aerator trials

This project will trial the effects of aeration regime modification on Lake Ainsworth's water quality and the incidence of blue green algae blooms. A monitoring program will be designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the aerator, the influence of weather and potential risks. This will be used to provide recommendations regarding aerator operation and whether any further monitoring is required.

Houghlahans Creek rehabilitation

A parcel of land adjacent to Houghlahans Creek and Maguires Creek tributaries will be rehabilitated. This project involves weed control, riparian vegetation planting and fencing. It will address the lack of riparian vegetation at the site.

The biological diversity and ecosystem integrity of the site will be enhanced by improved aquatic and terrestrial habitat. This project will contribute to improved water quality and the overall health of the Richmond River estuary.

Scoping study for the Shaws Bay coastal management program

This project will prepare a coastal management program (CMP) for Shaws Bay, which will set out a long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the coastal zone in this area. The scoping study represents the first step in transitioning the current coastal zone management plan (CZMP) to a coastal management program to meet the requirements of the new coastal management framework.

Cook Park Kyeemagh – management of beach access points

There is a narrow dune strip between Cook Park and Lady Robinsons Beach. There are 8 existing formal accessways constructed through the dunes to enable public access to the beach.

This project will upgrade dune fencing to encourage the public to only use the existing formal access points to the beach.

Bermagui River coastal management program

This project will enable the completion of a coastal management program for the Bermagui River estuary. The coastal management program will update existing reports, gather new information on coastal hazards and assess risks. It will highlight threats to the estuary's social, environmental and cultural characteristics and identify management actions to address these issues.

Wallaga Lake, Merimbula and Back Lake and Lake Curalo coastal management programs

This project will prepare 3 individual coastal management programs for Wallaga Lake, Merimbula, Back Lake, and Lake Curalo estuaries. The coastal management programs will update existing reports, gather new information on coastal hazards, assess risks and identify management actions to address these issues.

North Beach access upgrade and dune rehabilitation

Historical sand mining and unregulated recreation access have caused vegetation disturbance and weed infestation at North Beach, Mylestom. This project involves

• rehabilitation of 3.4 hectares of degraded dune system
• formalisation of 4-wheel drive and pedestrian beach access points
• installation of signage explaining the importance of the coastal area.

Byron Bay – Main and Clarkes Beach dune stabilisation project

This project aims to restore the sand dune ecosystems of Main and Clarkes Beach within the Byron Bay embayment. The project aims to:

• help protect the dune system against short to medium-term erosion and inundation
• restore/rehabilitate the dune ecosystem and habitat
• improve public beach access and amenity.

The project will involve redistributing sand within the system to artificially speed up dune building (volume and height), rehabilitating dune ecosystems, and restoring public beach access ways (including removing some access ways).

Stage 2 – coastal management program for Byron Shire's Southern coastline and Belongil estuary

Byron Shire Council has prepared a scoping study for the Southern Byron Shire coastline and Belongil estuary. Council is now proceeding to complete stage 2 of preparing a coastal management program. This project will allow for the completion of important studies and investigations to achieve a comprehensive understanding of risks to coastal and estuary values and allow for actions for management to be developed and evaluated.

Catchment action plan for sub-catchments of the Prospect Creek

Prospect Creek is one of the major tributaries of the Georges River. This project will develop a catchment action plan, which will focus on ways to retrofit and install new stormwater devices to reduce pollutants entering Prospect Creek sub-catchments. The area includes several significant wetlands and ponds.

Deepwater Park – bank stabilisation project

Deepwater Park is a highly eroded site, and this causes significant issues for the Georges River estuary, including degradation of water quality, sedimentation and the loss of flora and fauna species habitat. This project will manage riverbank erosion through a combination of engineering structures (sawn sandstone block walls and rock beaching) and vegetation.

Coffs Creek bank stabilisation – Englands Park

This project aims to construct engineered coastal protection works at Englands Park (Esplanade Foreshore) in the Coffs Creek estuary that is environmentally and aesthetically acceptable. The existing retaining structure is failing. This project will maintain and improve public access to the estuary foreshore, support recreational uses and protect the environment.

Central Coffs estuaries coastal management program

The scoping study for the Central Coffs estuaries (Moonee Creek, Coffs Creek and Boambee/Newports Creek) recommends that the remaining stages of the coastal management program process be undertaken by combining the estuaries and catchments into one joint coastal management program. This combined coastal management program will set the forward plan for strategically managing the estuaries into the future.

Coffs Harbour open coast coastal management program scoping study

This project will develop a scoping study for the Coffs Harbour open coast. The scoping study will set the direction for the remaining stages of the coastal management program for the area.

Open coast coastal management program Aboriginal community engagement strategy

Eurobodalla Shire Council is preparing a coastal management program for its open coastline, covering over 144 kilometres of beaches, headlands, and shorelines, from South Durras Beach in the north to Akolele on the shoreline of Wallaga Lake. This land is of significant cultural, social, and economic value to a wide range of Aboriginal stakeholders.

The scoping study, completed in May 2021, highlighted the need for increased and tailored engagement activities with Aboriginal representatives. This project will improve engagement with Aboriginal communities, to facilitate meaningful and significant contributions of Aboriginal peoples to Eurobodalla's open coast coastal management program.

Improving ecological health and water quality of One Tree Reach Wetland by restoring river connectivity

This project will improve the connectivity of One Tree Reach Wetland with the Hawkesbury River to enhance tidal flushing, fish passage, water quality and environmental values in the wetland itself. This will be achieved by reinstating the existing failed pipeline and collapsed culvert connecting the wetland with the estuary and managing water levels in the wetland by remediating the weir within the main inlet.

Strengthening biodiversity corridors along the lower Lane Cove and Parramatta River estuaries

Bushcare groups and bush regeneration contractors will work across 3 reserves (Boronia Park, Riverglade Reserve and Kellys Bush) to regenerate 5 hectares of bush, restore and increase the resilience of endangered ecological communities and rehabilitate key habitat for native threatened fauna.

The project will also increase community awareness and knowledge of local biodiversity values. This will be achieved through a biodiversity awareness campaign, including using the council's and Habitat Networks' digital platforms, a promotional video and door-knocking residents, schools and businesses.

Kempsey local government area coastal zone coastal management program – stage 3

This project will complete stage 3 of preparing a coastal management program for the Kempsey local government area coastal zone. It includes a full-scale risk assessment to identify and evaluate management actions and prepare a management action report.

Foreshore protection and riparian vegetation restoration Coon Island, Swansea

This project will undertake foreshore protection and riparian vegetation restoration at Coon Island, Swansea. This involves the installation of rock revetments and rock groins to mitigate existing foreshore erosion and encourage mangrove and saltmarsh restoration along the northern and eastern foreshore of Coon Island.

In addition, the project will rehabilitate existing saltmarsh and swamp oak floodplain forest located along the eastern foreshore. This will reduce impacts from transformer weeds, restore/preserve habitat values in these areas, reduce foreshore erosion, improve water quality and reduce the risk of projected sea level rise by improving the buffering capacity of coastal wetlands.

Erosion protection works – Georges River

In recent years, the Georges River has experienced significant erosion along the riverbanks and erosion at various stormwater outlets flowing into the river. This riverbank erosion has resulted in poor water quality in the river due to sediment transportation downstream.

This project involves:

• erosion protection works near Powerhouse Road
• erosion protection works at 2 stormwater outlets at Helles Park
• weed management of riparian vegetation at Helles Park.

Implementation of the works will result in riverbank stability, reduced suspended solids and sediments in the river, and improved water quality.

Hunter Estuary vibrant river education

An education campaign on the importance of the Hunter River in relation to recreational use of the river will be undertaken. Issues to be addressed are streambank erosion from boating, 4-wheel drive access, illegal dumping from recreational use around Melville Ford and Morpeth, and the importance of the river as a community asset.

This project will include an education campaign, signage, fencing/barricading of some illegal access points and enhancement of at least one key community space to create a sense of ownership and an area of enjoyment for the community.

Improving erosion and sediment control systems in Wallis and Smiths Lake estuaries

This project will build the capacity of designers, builders, council staff and the construction industry to reduce sediment runoff from public and private developments. It will involve an independent assessment of erosion and sediment control practices across the Mid Coast region, informing a behaviour change program to reduce sediment runoff to the local estuaries.

Improving waterway and land Management through ecological health assessment – Wallis and Smiths Lake estuaries

Good management of estuaries relies on understanding how they work. Only through the collection and evaluation of scientific data can informed decisions be made about management actions to achieve the environmental, social and cultural outcomes the community expect.

This project includes 3 estuary ecological health assessments and will improve the council's understanding of water quality at identified risk locations.

Curl Curl coastal dune restoration

Aerial imagery of the northern most sand dune on Curl Curl Beach indicates it is the fastest landward moving dune on the northern beaches. Current impacts include the inundation of 7,000 square metres of coastal vegetation and the accelerated sedimentation of Curl Curl Lagoon.

This project aims to install dune-forming coir meshed fences to reduce pedestrian access and wind movement of the sand, while maintaining good access to the beach. Sand will be scraped to shape the dune and reduce sand near the mouth of the lagoon; 6,000 native coastal species will be planted with 200 coir logs and 1,000 tree guards to better protect the plants.

Dee Why dunes restoration and weed control

This project comprises restoration and protection of a coastal dune system at Dee Why Beach. The site is approximately 80 hectares and aims to control and remove widespread invasive weeds, revegetate the site with suitable endemic species, enhance wildlife habitat and corridor connections to the Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge and improve public recreational experiences.

Northern Beaches open coast and lagoons coastal management program scoping study

This project will develop a scoping study for the Northern Beaches open coast and lagoons, as a first step towards developing a coastal management program. The scoping study will set the direction for the remaining stages of the coastal management program for the area.

North Narrabeen dune restoration

This project aims to stabilise the northern and largest dune bay at North Narrabeen Beach. The main elements of this project will be approximately 700 metres of dune fencing, coir mesh and 100 coir logs to reduce sand movement and 4,000 plants following minor dune shaping/scraping. This project aims to reduce landward sand inundation into the Narrabeen Lagoon entrance.

Investigation of causes of creek bank erosion, works required to stabilise and restore the banks, and priorities for works and costings along lower Toongabbie Creek in the Parramatta local government area

This project will investigate erosion prevention measures at several sites along Toongabbie Creek, which have been impacted by high velocity flood flows and are subsequently experiencing heavy erosion. This is contributing to large amounts of sediment entering the Parramatta River.

An investigation will be undertaken to understand and determine the affected sites, explore the type of environmentally sensitive remediation works required, and prioritise them based on risk and cost.

Bank and riparian condition assessment – Hastings River

There is currently a lack of comprehensive, up-to-date bank and riparian condition data for the Hastings River estuary. This assessment will provide an updated and comprehensive understanding of the issues associated with bank and riparian land conditions within the Hastings River estuary. It will identify targeted actions to inform future management within the Hastings River.

Coastal recreational user needs analysis

The stage one scoping study for this area identified the impacts of public access and recreational usage on the environment as a key issue. This study aims to assess the recreational user groups and activities undertaken in the coastal zone of Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area; review the assets that support both foreshore-based and water-based recreational activities: identify and assess other potential recreational opportunities within the coastal zone. This will inform future management actions to be incorporated into the coastal management program.

Dredging of Lower Cathie Creek and sand nourishment of Lighthouse Beach

Up to 20,000 m3 of marine sand will be dredge from a designated area of lower Cathie Creek, east of Ocean Drive. This sand will be used to nourish a section of Lighthouse Beach adjacent to Illaroo Road and the eastern end of Bundella Avenue.

Sand nourishment of beach will provide protection to surrounding public infrastructure and private property against coastal erosion, as well as improve the recreational amenity of the beach.

Hydrodynamic modelling update – Lake Innes/Lake Cathie

This project involves updating a hydrodynamic model of the Lake Innes/Lake Cathie/Cathie Creek waterway. The update of the hydrodynamic model includes collecting and collating additional environmental data from the waterway, which will be used in an improved computer model. The model would assess various site-specific management options over a range of climate, weather, and entrance conditions.

Hydrographic dilution study Kooloonbung Creek

This project will conduct dye tracer studies in Kooloonbung Creek, Port Macquarie, to develop numerical modelling and specialist research for sewerage discharges/overflows and the potential impacts on the oyster harvest areas in the Hastings estuary. This project will inform the Hastings estuary water quality improvement strategy.

Illaroo Road coastal hazard protection options review and co-design

This project is intended to deliver a package of works for coastal hazard management at Illaroo Road. It will entail a comprehensive review of historical options for coastal hazard protection and new solutions to manage coastal erosion. It will then conduct a targeted co-design process with the community, to identify the most appropriate options based on professional expertise and community values.

Nelson Bay eastern groyne dune erosion

Council will complete stages 3 and 4 of their coastal management program. Stage 3 will investigate management options for key coastal hazards identified in stage 2. Economic assessments will determine equitable funding distributions for implementation of management actions among the community and key stakeholders. Stage 4 will involve preparing the draft coastal management program, which will be publicly exhibited for comment.

Port Stephens Council coastal management program stages 3 and 4

Council will complete stages 3 and 4 of their coastal management program. Stage 3 will investigate management options for key coastal hazards identified in stage 2. Economic assessments will determine equitable funding distributions for implementation of management actions among the community and key stakeholders. Stage 4 will involve preparing the draft coastal management program, which will be publicly exhibited for comment.

Coraki riparian project

This project will restore a high priority Richmond River riparian area adjacent to Coraki village, improving waterway health and riparian condition. The project will involve indigenous landowners and the community and enhance access to the river. The project will include restoration work on riverfront road reserves, publicly accessible riverfront at Windsor Park and the road reserve south of the Glebe Bridge.

Beach monitoring program – understanding our changing coastline

This project will implement beach monitoring points (BeachStat and CoastSnap) along the Shellharbour coastline.

• CoastSnap is a citizen science platform providing low-cost beach monitoring, relying on crowdsourced imagery collected and submitted by community members.
• BeachStat is an image-based beach monitoring system using low-cost, automated, self-contained cameras. Ideal for collecting routine, high frequency time-lapse imagery of beaches.

The information gathered will allow the council to monitor and understand any long-term changes to the coastline, while also engaging with the local community and beach users, to help develop their understanding of beach processes and beach management activities.

Reddall Reserve and Elliot Lake sand scraping

Sand scraping and foreshore nourishment will occur within two coastal estuaries, Elliot Lake and Reddall Reserve in Lake Illawarra. The works aim to reduce the impacts of tidal movements, protect the banks and adjacent assets from erosion and destabilisation, and allow foreshore access and recreational improvements.

At Reddall Reserve, it is proposed to move approximately 2,000 square metres of sand to nourish approximately 200 metres of foreshore at the eastern end of the reserve. At Elliot Lake, it is proposed to move approximately 3,900 square metres of sand to nourish approximately 110-metre stretch of eroding foreshore.

Warilla dune restoration

This project will continue the restoration work to North Warilla Beach sand dunes, along Pur Pur Point, Windang Bay and finishing at the lifeguard tower near the Warilla Barrack Point Surf Life Saving Club. The project will increase the diversity of native species planted, increase plant density in dieback areas, and control weeds and blowouts.

Callala Bay foreshore protection

Foreshore protection measures will be implemented to rehabilitate the shoreline at Sheaffe Street, Callala Bay. The area has been significantly impacted by coastal erosion at high tides and storm events. The project will protect the road, control stormwater runoff and slow loss of sand. The project will involve re-vegetation, improvement and consolidation of pedestrian access and enhancement of natural defences to coastal hazards.

Coastal monitoring implementation – Coastsnap/BeachStat

This project will involve:

• monitoring of coastal erosion hazards at 5 high risk beach locations utilising Coastsnap citizen science time-series photographs and analysis
• monitoring of entrance change at 3 high priority lake and river entrances utilising the BeachStat permanent camera monitoring system
• public display of the live photographs and data on an online dashboard that incorporates time-lapse videos, water level and tidal data
• the analysis and interpretation of the data collected over time to inform longer term management decisions.

Foreshore protection and preservation – community engagement

Ongoing foot traffic on informal beach access tracks, vegetation vandalism, lack of community support for planting dune vegetation, deteriorating dune resilience and increased exposure of these critical areas to coastal hazards are issues in this area.

Council will engage with foreshore reserve property owners, residents and beach users throughout the Shoalhaven about the values of dune vegetation and address current and future issues such as: trapping windblown sand and maintaining dune resilience; ecological functions and buffering against coastal hazards; the importance of foreshore vegetation in providing shade and wind protection, filtering runoff, improving water quality and providing habitat.

Hydraulic assessment in risk areas

This project aims to assess the council's stormwater drainage network capacity in high risk coastal cliffs and slope areas, as well as identifying actions to reduce runoff contributing to cliff and slope instability issues. This information will be incorporated into the council's coastal management program.

Implement beach scraping at Shoalhaven's identified high priority beaches

Beach scraping will be undertaken in response to coastal erosion events for the Shoalhaven's 6 highest priority beaches. Several beaches are currently eroded from a series of moderate storms, making access dangerous. Beach scraping will aim to mitigate coastal erosion by accelerating beach recovery following storm events. Beach scraping is recommended to increase sand volumes in front of key accessways and also in front of key assets, including surf clubs and associated infrastructure where assets are at increased risk.

Managing and stabilising dune systems through improving beach access in the Shoalhaven

This project aims to reduce the environmental impact by closing, consolidating and revegetating access tracks and repairing or replacing the existing beach access infrastructure. Upgrades to beach access ways in Shoalhaven will provide safe access for visitors coming to the beach, provide a clear path to access the beach, prevent trampling of dune vegetation, and upgrade assets that are considered at high risk from coastal erosion.

Mapping and assessing endangered ecological communities in coastal erosion areas

This project will involve surveys to ground truth and update mapping of the distribution and condition of endangered ecological communities in the Shoalhaven's coastal hazard areas. This is an important component of protecting at-risk coastal biodiversity and ecosystems.

Greater Sydney Harbour coastal management program – stage 2 investigation for integrated stormwater discharge and waterway health management

The scoping study identified urban stormwater discharge as a high priority threat to environmental and public health in the Sydney Harbour catchment. This study aims to better understand the threat of stormwater discharge from all catchments that drain into Sydney Harbour. This study will consolidate information on urban stormwater and allow individual councils to develop management actions.

Mooball Creek erosion control and access management structures

Mooball Creek estuary joins the ocean at Pottsville on the Tweed Coast. Pottsville and surrounding localities have experienced significant population growth in the past decade. People within the area are highly focused on a lifestyle that allows active engagement with the coastal environment.

The foreshores of the lower reaches of Mooball Creek are comprised of fragile dune sands, which are very easily eroded, particularly in locations where people access the creek for swimming and fishing. This project will focus on the reconstruction of 2 creek access points that have become degraded through high levels of use.

Tweed coast and estuaries coastal management program

This project will develop a coastal management program for the Tweed coastline and estuaries. It will enable the council to identify hazards and risks to the coast, and the appropriate next steps to manage them.

Bathymetric survey of Lake Illawarra

This study will provide information on the topography of the lake's bed, indicating the water depth across the lake. This information will be compared to a previous survey in 2008, to identify change. The results of the survey will determine if and where sedimentation is occurring. This information will be used to inform future management decisions.

Integrating the outcomes of the Lake Illawarra coastal management program into Wollongong and Shellharbour's development control plans

This project will assess how key objectives and strategies from the coastal management program can be integrated into relevant planning and policy. It will update both councils' assessment tools to promote preservation of vegetation, erosion and sediment control, management of nutrient and sediment exports, coastal hazards, including tidal inundation, and landscaping for new developments.

Lakeside vegetation restoration at Lake Illawarra

Wollongong City Council will restore ecological function to key wetland and swamp oak communities around Lake Illawarra by eradicating large quantities of invasive weeds and reinstating endemic vegetation in accordance with best practice bush regeneration techniques. The work will restore ecological function to Lakeside Drive Reserve, Koonawarra and increase the riparian buffer around the lake.

Rehabilitation of this wetland will increase biodiversity on the western foreshore of Lake Illawarra and increase runoff filtration. This foreshore is one of the remaining parts of the lake where limited riparian and wetland rehabilitation has been undertaken to date.

Protecting Lake Illawarra through community engagement and participation program

This project will allow a strategic and comprehensive community engagement and education program to be designed and implemented. It will include installing educational signage around the lake, developing and distributing educational materials to encourage community participation and prompt broad-scale behaviour change to reduce threats such as litter, pollution, and vegetation vandalism.

Thirroul Beach stormwater upgrade

The Thirroul Beach stormwater upgrade project will invest in replacing and relocating the Thomas Gibson Creek stormwater outlet structure, located at the southern end of Thirroul Beach. This structure, the surrounding section of seawall and nearby beach access stairs, suffered from localised undermining during a coastal erosion event in 2020. Landward relocation and replacement of this headwall will be undertaken.

Rose Bay beach sand scraping

This project will reinstate sand in front of the Dumaresq Reserve seawall, where erosion is occurring and addressing accreted sand currently impeding stormwater flow. This will be achieved through the redistribution of 6,000 cubic metres of sand from around Caledonian Road stormwater outlet and the placement of the sand near Dumaresq Reserve to protect the seawall assets and re-establish the beach.