Coastal and estuary grants awarded

2023-24

Funding for these projects came from the NSW Government Coastal and Estuary grants program.

The program funded 34 projects in the implementation stream awarding $11,325,375; and to date 5 projects in the planning stream awarding $215,441.

Grant recipient/local government area	Project name	Funding stream
Ballina Shire Council	Lake Ainsworth western foreshore management	Implementation
Ballina Shire Council	Maguires Creek riparian rehabilitation	Implementation
Bayside Council	Lady Robinsons Beach Ramsgate – beach nourishment	Implementation
Bega Valley Shire Council	Riparian restoration project	Implementation
Byron Shire Council	Cavvanbah and Belongil Beach dune recovery project	Implementation
Central Coast Council	Pearl Beach Lagoon coastal zone management plan implementation of sediment control and stormwater management actions	Implementation
City of Canada Bay	Sisters Bay seawall renewal works – implementation	Implementation
Coffs Harbour City Council	Stormwater management plan to protect and enhance estuarine health in the Bonville and Pine Creek Estuary	Implementation
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Eurobodalla coastal management program implementation 2023–2027	Implementation
Georges River Council	Donnelly Park foreshore protection and environmental enhancement	Implementation
Kiama Municipal Council	Restoration of coastal wetland surrounding Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Facility	Implementation
Lake Macquarie City Council	Lake Macquarie integrated coastal zone monitoring program	Implementation
Lake Macquarie City Council	Pendlebury Park coastal environmental rehabilitation	Implementation
Lane Cove Municipal Council	The Burns Bay living seawall in Lane Cove	Implementation
Lane Cove Municipal Council	Warraroon Reserve coastal wetland rehabilitation	Implementation
MidCoast Council	Protecting the Manning River Estuary – improving erosion and sediment control practices	Implementation
Nambucca Valley Council	Design of structures for priority estuary bank erosion sites on the Nambucca River	Planning
	Nambucca Valley coastal zone public access, formalisation, upgrade, and coastal environment protection program	Implementation
	Protecting our places and waterways – restoration and erosion control at Gumma Dock	Implementation
	Protecting the Nambucca Valley’s coastal environments from weed invasion	Implementation
	Riverbank stabilisation and revegetation at Grassy Park, Bowraville	Implementation
Northern Beaches Council	Curl Curl dune stabilisation – dune bay 2	Implementation
	Freshwater Beach – dune bay 2 stabilisation	Implementation
	Narrabeen Beach dunes restoration and weed control	Implementation
Rous County Council	Wilsons River tidal pool – riparian restoration	Implementation
Shellharbour City Council	Bass Point littoral rainforest regeneration	Implementation
Shellharbour City Council	Shellharbour North – dune protection fencing	Implementation
Shoalhaven City Council	Enhancing and restoring Shoalhaven's estuary threatened ecological communities	Implementation
	Mapping Shoalhaven's threatened ecological communities	Planning
	Shoalhaven dune care	Implementation
	Shoalhaven River entrance management plan and approvals	Planning
Tweed Shire Council	Tygalgah riverbank rehabilitation	Implementation
Wollongong City Council	Coastal wetland and littoral rainforest mapping in the Wollongong coastal management program area	Planning
	Identification and vulnerability assessment of Aboriginal cultural values and assets along the Wollongong coastal zone	Planning
	Integrating the outcomes of the risk-based framework Lake Illawarra study into Wollongong and Shellharbour's planning frameworks	Implementation
	Lake Illawarra banks and habitat enhancement	Implementation
	North Wollongong seawall (stage 2)	Implementation
	Stabilisation of Port and Puckeys dune systems	Implementation
	Water quality and ecological health monitoring of Lake Illawarra and it's catchment	Implementation

Ballina Shire Council

Lake Ainsworth western foreshore management

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

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.

Bayside Council

Lady Robinsons Beach Ramsgate – beach nourishment

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 visitors to Ramsgate Baths and Ramsgate Beach. In addition to improvements to formal public foreshore access, the sand will offer protection to the existing concrete seawall.

Bega Valley Shire

Riparian restoration project

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.

Byron Shire Council

Cavvanbah and Belongil Beach dune recovery project

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.

Central Coast Council

Pearl Beach Lagoon coastal zone management plan implementation of sediment control and stormwater management actions

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.

City of Canada Bay

Sisters Bay seawall renewal works

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.

Coffs Harbour City Council

Stormwater management plan to protect and enhance estuarine health in the Bonville and Pine Creek Estuary

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.

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Eurobodalla coastal management program implementation 2023–2027

The project will involve the implementation of 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.

Georges River Council

Donnelly Park foreshore protection and environmental enhancement

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 the re-introduction of 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.

Kiama Municipal Council

Restoration of coastal wetland surrounding Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Facility

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. By targeting this priority area, the seedbank will be dramatically reduced, which will further benefit coastal wetland areas downstream.

Lake Macquarie City Council

Lake Macquarie integrated coastal zone monitoring program

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 includes a significant focus 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

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.

Lane Cove Municipal Council

The Burns Bay living seawall in Lane Cove

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

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.

MidCoast Council

Protecting the Manning River Estuary – improving erosion and sediment control practices

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.

Nambucca Valley Council

Design of structures for priority estuary bank erosion sites on the Nambucca River

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

Council has identified a number of beach access points that are vital for community recreation and emergency services use that are in a state of disrepair due to age, or their use or designs are affecting the surrounding environment in a negative manner 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

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 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

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

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.

Northern Beaches Council

Curl Curl dune stabilisation – dune bay 2

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, management and stabilisation of dune systems, beach scraping to mitigate immediate coastal erosion risk, and restoring natural defences.

Freshwater Beach – dune bay 2 stabilisation

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

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.

Rous County Council

Wilsons River tidal pool – riparian restoration

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.

Shellharbour City Council

Bass Point littoral rainforest regeneration

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.

Shellharbour north – dune protection fencing

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.

Shoalhaven City Council

Enhancing and restoring Shoalhaven's estuary threatened ecological communities

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

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

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

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.

Tweed Shire Council

Tygalgah riverbank rehabilitation

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 is predominantly a combination of 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.

Wollongong City Council

Coastal wetland and littoral rainforest mapping in the Wollongong coastal management program area

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

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.

Integrating the outcomes of the risk-based framework Lake Illawarra study into Wollongong and Shellharbour's planning frameworks

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

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 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)

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 the replacement of ageing retaining wall structure, build on the existing investment within the North Wollongong Beach seawall (stage 1) and complete the full structure, create new amenity for visitors and support greater activation of the North Wollongong Beach precinct.

Stabilisation of Port and Puckeys dune systems

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 council will remove and treat high-impact weed species along with the implementation of joint actions such as reducing the many informal beach access points and trails through the dunes, which limit native species from being established. Council will employ regeneration and revegetation methods to encourage native dune communities to recover and ultimately provide habitat and food sources for native fauna and to stabilise and protect the beach areas from possible weather events.

Water quality and ecological health monitoring of Lake Illawarra and catchment

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.

2022-23

Funding for these projects came from the NSW Government Coastal and Estuary grants program.

The program funded 14 projects in the implementation stream awarding $6,839,946; and 12 projects in the planning stream awarding $2,670,122.

Grant recipient/local government area	Project name	Funding stream
Ballina Shire Council	Ballina Shire shoreline coastal management program	Planning
Bega Valley Shire Council	Dune resilience project	Implementation
Byron Shire Council	Byron Shire open coast stages 3 and 4 coastal management program	Planning
Canterbury Bankstown Council	Deepwater Park – bank stabilisation: stage 2	Implementation
Central Coast Council	Stages 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the coastal management plan for the open coast of Central Coast local government area	Planning
Hornsby Shire Council	Hawkesbury-Nepean River coastal management program: stages 3 and 4	Planning
Kempsey Shire Council	Kempsey local government area coastal zone coastal management program – stage 4	Planning
Kempsey Shire Council	Kempsey local government area coastal management program – coastal wetlands and littoral rainforest area investigation, mapping, and report	Planning
Lake Macquarie City Council	Future-proofing Belmont and Village Bay foreshore to adapt to climate change impacts	Implementation
Lake Macquarie City Council	Salts Bay littoral rainforest protection and enhancement works	Implementation
MidCoast Council	Big Swamp coastal wetland restoration project	Implementation
	Implementing stage 1 of the Manning estuary coastal management program community engagement program	Implementation
	Improving waterway and land management through ecological health assessment – Manning River estuary	Implementation
	MidCoast southern estuaries coastal management program – stages 2 to 4	Planning
	Old Bar Manning Point coastal management program – stages 2 to 4	Planning
	Restoring coastal wetlands and riparian vegetation to improve water quality and ecosystem health in the Manning estuary	Implementation
Newcastle City Council	Stockton coastal management program 2020 – buried terminal protection structure 1 – construction	Implementation
Newcastle City Council	Newcastle southern beaches coastal management program – stage 4	Planning
Port Macquarie Hastings Council	Bank and riparian condition assessment – Camden Haven	Planning
	Coastal hazard assessment and coastal vulnerability area mapping	Planning
	Illaroo Road emergency coastal erosion works	Implementation
Ryde City Council	Kissing Point Park foreshore protection works	Implementation
Ryde City Council	Putney Park seawall improvement upgrades	Implementation
Shoalhaven City Council	Citywide dune revegetation and maintenance	Implementation
Shoalhaven City Council	Coastal monitoring implementation – CoastSnap expansion	Implementation
Wollongong City Council	Wollongong hazard studies and preparation of a coastal management program	Planning

Ballina Shire Council

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.

Bega Valley Shire Council

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 Council

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.

Canterbury Bankstown Council

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.

Central Coast Council

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

Hornsby Shire Council

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 Shire Council

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.

Lake Macquarie City Council

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.

MidCoast Council

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.

Newcastle City Council

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 fulfill 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.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council

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.

Ryde City Council

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.

Shoalhaven City Council

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 City Council

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.

2021-22

Funding for these projects came from the NSW Government Coastal and Estuary grants program.

The program funded 35 projects in the implementation stream awarding $4,329,740; and to date 22 projects in the planning stream awarding $2,364,422.

Grant recipient/local government area	Project name	Funding stream
Ballina Shire Council	Lake Ainsworth riparian vegetation management works	Implementation
	Lake Ainsworth coastal management plan, action one: aerator trials	Planning
	Houghlahans Creek rehabilitation	Implementation
	Scoping study for the Shaws Bay coastal management program	Planning
Bayside Council	Cook Park Kyeemagh – management of beach access points	Implementation
Bega Valley Shire Council	Bermagui River coastal management program	Planning
Bega Valley Shire Council	Wallaga Lake, Merimbula and Back Lake and Lake Curalo coastal management programs	Planning
Bellingen Shire Council	North Beach access upgrade and dune rehabilitation	Implementation
Byron Shire Council	Byron Bay – Main and Clarkes Beach dune stabilisation project	Implementation
Byron Shire Council	Stage 2 – coastal management program for Byron Shire's southern coastline and Belongil estuary	Planning
Canterbury Bankstown Council	Deepwater Park – bank stabilisation project	Implementation
Canterbury Bankstown Council	Catchment action plan for sub-catchments of the Prospect Creek	Planning
Coffs Harbour City Council	Coffs Creek bank stabilisation – Englands Park	Implementation
	Central Coffs estuaries coastal management program	Planning
	Coffs Harbour open coast coastal management program scoping study	Planning
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Open coast coastal management program Aboriginal community engagement strategy	Planning
Hornsby Shire Council	Improving ecological health and water quality of One Tree Reach Wetland by restoring river connectivity	Implementation
Hunter's Hill Council	Strengthening biodiversity corridors along the lower Lane Cove and Parramatta River estuaries	Implementation
Kempsey Shire Council	Kempsey local government area coastal zone coastal management program – stage 3	Planning
Lake Macquarie City Council	Foreshore protection and riparian vegetation restoration Coon Island, Swansea	Implementation
Liverpool City Council	Erosion protection works – Georges River	Implementation
Maitland City Council	Hunter Estuary vibrant river education	Implementation
MidCoast Council	Improving erosion and sediment control systems in Wallis and Smiths Lake estuaries	Implementation
MidCoast Council	Improving waterway and land management through ecological health assessment – Wallis and Smiths Lake estuaries	Implementation
Northern Beaches Council	Curl Curl coastal dune restoration	Implementation
	Dee Why dunes restoration and weed control	Implementation
	Northern Beaches open coast and lagoons coastal management program scoping study	Planning
	North Narrabeen dune restoration	Implementation
Parramatta City Council	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	Planning
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council	Bank and riparian condition assessment – Hastings River	Planning
	Coastal recreational user needs analysis	Planning
	Dredging of Lower Cathie Creek and sand nourishment of Lighthouse Beach	Implementation
	Hydrodynamic modelling update – Lake Innes/Lake Cathie	Planning
	Hydrographic dilution study Kooloonbung Creek	Planning
	Illaroo Road coastal hazard protection options review and co-design	Planning
Port Stephens Council	Nelson Bay eastern groyne dune erosion	Implementation
Port Stephens Council	Port Stephens Council coastal management program – stages 3 and 4	Planning
Rous County Council	Coraki riparian project	Implementation
Shellharbour City Council	Beach monitoring program – understanding our changing coastline	Implementation
	Reddall Reserve and Elliot Lake sand scraping	Implementation
	Warilla dune restoration	Implementation
Shoalhaven City Council	Callala Bay foreshore protection	Implementation
	Coastal monitoring implementation – Coastsnap/BeachStat	Implementation
	Foreshore protection and preservation – community engagement	Implementation
	Hydraulic assessment in risk areas	Planning
	Implement beach scraping at Shoalhaven's identified high priority beaches	Implementation
	Mapping and assessing endangered ecological communities in coastal erosion areas	Planning
	Managing and stabilising dune systems through improving beach access in the Shoalhaven	Implementation
Sydney Coastal Councils Group Inc	Greater Sydney Harbour coastal management program – stage 2 investigation for integrated stormwater discharge and waterway health management	Planning
Tweed Shire Council	Mooball Creek erosion control and access management structures	Implementation
Tweed Shire Council	Tweed coast and estuaries coastal management program	Planning
Wollongong City Council	Bathymetric survey of Lake Illawarra	Implementation
	Integrating the outcomes of the Lake Illawarra coastal management program into Wollongong and Shellharbour's development control plans	Implementation
	Lakeside vegetation restoration at Lake Illawarra	Implementation
	Protecting Lake Illawarra through community engagement and participation program	Implementation
	Thirroul Beach stormwater upgrade	Implementation
Woollahra Municipal Council	Rose Bay beach sand scraping	Implementation

Ballina Shire Council

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.

Bayside Council

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.

Bega Valley Shire Council

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.

Bellingen Shire Council

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 Shire Council

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.

Canterbury Bankstown Council

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 Harbour City Council

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.

Eurobodalla Shire Council

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.

Hornsby Shire Council

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.

Hunter's Hill Council

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 Shire Council

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.

Lake Macquarie City Council

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.

Liverpool City Council

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.

Maitland City Council

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.

MidCoast Council

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.

Northern Beaches Council

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.

Parramatta City Council

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.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

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.

Port Stephens Council

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

Rous County Council

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.

Shellharbour City Council

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.

Shoalhaven City Council

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.

Sydney Coastal Councils Group Inc

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.

Tweed Shire Council

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.

Wollongong City Council

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.

Woollahra Municipal Council

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.

2020-21

Funding for these projects came from the NSW Government Coastal and Estuary grants program.

The program funded 32 projects in the implementation stream awarding $15,259,176; and to date, 38 projects in the planning stream awarding $5,800,560.

Grant recipient/local government area	Project name	Funding stream
Ballina Shire Council	Ballina Shire coastal management program coastline – scoping study	Planning
	North Creek hydrologic modelling study – stage 2 – North Creek coastal management program	Planning
	North Creek water quality monitoring program	Planning
Bayside Council	Landing lights wetland – nature restoration project	Implementation
	Marsh Street wetland – nature restoration project	Implementation
	Scarborough ponds – nature restoration project	Implementation
	Scott Park – nature restoration project	Implementation
Bellingen Shire Council	Bellingen Shire Council coastal management program	Planning
Byron Shire Council	New Brighton Beach dune stabilisation project	Implementation
Byron Shire Council	Byron Shire 2021 coastal hazards assessment study	Planning
Canterbury Bankstown Council	Cooks River catchment coastal management program	Planning
Central Coast Council	Central Coast dune stabilisation and restoration program	Implementation
	Central Coast – emergency coastal works – Wamberal July 2020 event	Implementation
	Macmasters Beach revetment wall construction	Implementation
	Stage 2 coastal management plan for open coast and coastal lagoons	Planning
	Tuggerah Lakes estuary coastal management program stage 2 and 3	Planning
City of Canada Bay Council	Sisters Bay Drummoyne foreshore remediation	Planning
Clarence Valley Council	Wooli Beach scraping and dune nourishment	Implementation
	Clarence River coastal management program scoping study	Planning
	Clarence Valley coastline and estuaries coastal management program – stages 2, 3 and 4	Planning
Coffs Harbour City Council	Coffs Creek priority stormwater outlet designs	Planning
	Cost benefit and distribution analysis: Coffs Creek coastal protection structures	Planning
	Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake, Willis Creek and Hearnes Lake coastal management program	Planning
	Moonee Creek, Coffs Creek and Boambee Newports Creek scoping study	Planning
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Enhancing Eurobodalla's natural defences for a resilient coastal environment	Implementation
Fairfield City Council	Green Valley Creek rehabilitation reaches one and two economic assessment	Planning
Fairfield City Council	Wilson Creek rehabilitation – economic assessment	Planning
Georges River Council	Detailed design for Donnelly Park foreshore protection works	Planning
Hawkesbury City Council	Mid to upper Hawkesbury River estuary health	Implementation
Hornsby Shire Council	Hawkesbury-Nepean River system coastal management program – stage 2 investigations	Planning
Inner West Council	Richard Murden reserve saltmarsh protection and enhancement	Implementation
Kempsey Shire Council	Kempsey local government area coastal zone coastal management program estuary entrances management study and plan	Planning
Kempsey Shire Council	Saltwater Creek and Lagoon coastal management program – stage 2 and 3 investigations	Planning
Kiama Municipal Council	Blue Angle Creek – bank stabilisation	Implementation
Kiama Municipal Council	Minnamurra estuary foreshore and rock wall assessment	Planning
Lake Macquarie City Council	Coastal saltmarsh and swamp oak floodplain forest rehabilitation Wyee Bay and Dora Creek	Implementation
	Lake Macquarie City, dune enhancement program, Redhead Beach and Crabbs Beach	Implementation
	Stage 2 of Lake Macquarie coastal management program	Planning
Maitland City Council	Hunter estuary coastal management program	Planning
MidCoast Council	Great Lakes, Karuah and Khappinghat estuary coastal management program scoping study	Planning
	Implementing water sensitive design for water quality improvement – Dunns Creek	Implementation
	Sand scraping at Old Bar Beach	Implementation
	Review of current framework for management of Jimmys Beach	Planning
Nambucca Valley Council	Bank stabilisation and protection – Nambucca Heads adjoining Foreshore Caravan Park	Implementation
Nambucca Valley Council	Saving our Waterways – Warrell Creek bank stabilisation	Implementation
Newcastle City Council	Stockton Beach Emergency Works – March to July 2020	Implementation
	Stockton Beach Emergency Works – August to September 2020	Implementation
	Opportunistic Stockton Beach sand nourishment feasibility study and placement approvals pathway	Planning
	Coastal management program development for the Newcastle local government area	Planning
Port Stephens Council	Birubi sand dunes, Anna Bay – sand dune management, design and rehabilitation	Implementation
Rous County Council	Richmond River coastal management program stage 1 scoping study	Planning
Shellharbour City Council	Bass Point littoral rainforest regeneration	Implementation
	Warilla Beach seawall renewal	Implementation
	Shellharbour City Council open coast coastal management program – scoping study	Planning
Shoalhaven City Council	Jervis Bay coastal management program	Planning
	Lower Shoalhaven River coastal management program	Planning
	Shoalhaven coastline coastal management program	Planning
	South Mollymook design and approvals	Planning
	St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek coastal management program	Planning
	Burrill Lake foreshore nourishment and vegetation	Implementation
	Collingwood Beach coastal implementation	Implementation
	Shoalhaven Heads viewing platform and dune management	Implementation
Sutherland Shire Council	Waterway rehabilitation Marina Crescent North West Arm, Gymea	Implementation
Wollongong City Council	Construction of a new seawall at North Wollongong Beach	Implementation
	Dune stabilisation at Port Kembla Beach	Implementation
	Implement water quality monitoring for estuary health, recreational use, and pollution hotspot identification in Lake Illawarra and its catchment	Implementation
	Lake Illawarra entrance management options study	Planning
	Restoring ecological function to endangered ecological communities around Lake Illawarra	Implementation
	Wollongong open coast scoping study	Planning
	Understanding and assessment of the bank condition of Lake Illawarra	Planning

Ballina Shire Council

Ballina Shire coastal management program coastline – scoping study

This project will commence the preparation of a new coastal management program for the Ballina Shire coastline, which will set out a long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the coastal zone in this area.

The scoping study will review the progress that has already been made in managing coastal issues, develop an understanding of the current issues and identify the focus for the remainder of the coastal management program.

North Creek hydrologic modelling study – Stage 2 – North Creek coastal management program

This project will undertake hydrologic modelling to understand how water moves within the estuarine locations of the catchment, including the Ballina Nature Reserve. Poor water quality, ponding, blackwater and threats to wetland ecology currently affect oysters and fish populations. Sea level rise and storm surge, as well as both rural and urban land use change, are projected to significantly affect local conditions. Stakeholder engagement is an integral part of this study.

North Creek water quality monitoring program

This project will carry out a water quality monitoring program, which will support the development of a coastal management program for North Creek. Up to 18 months of regular sampling, as well as event-based monitoring, will be conducted. The work aims to identify the key drivers of water quality decline in the North Creek catchment.

Bayside Council

Landing lights wetland – nature restoration project

Landing lights wetland is an important part of the Rockdale wetland corridor that stretches between Cooks River and the Georges River. This wetland contains some of the last remaining saline wetland areas on the Cooks River. Bush regeneration and planting will be undertaken to improve the condition of the endangered ecological communities and surrounding bushland at this site, to improve habitat for native species and amenity for local residents.

Marsh street wetland – nature restoration project

The Marsh Street wetland is important ecologically as it sits at the top of the wetland corridor, forms part of the Sydney green grid and surrounds important local refugia for the green and golden bell frog and other fauna. This project will carry out weed removal and planting activities, to achieve a significant improvement in the condition of the natural vegetation communities.

Scarborough ponds – nature restoration project

Scarborough ponds contains 2 endangered ecological communities, Sydney freshwater wetlands and swamp oak floodplain forest. Bush regeneration and planting activities are to be implemented to help to regenerate the wetland and surrounding bushland, improve habitat and natural vegetation resilience and provide improved amenity for local residents. The bush regeneration and planting works will be carried out by accredited bush regeneration contractors.

Scott Park – nature restoration project

Scott Park saltmarsh are the last wetlands in the Rockdale wetlands corridor and is one of 3 small areas of salt marsh left in the Bayside local government area. Grant funding will be put towards maintaining the saltmarsh and expanding bush regeneration activities further north along the wetland corridor.

Bellingen Shire Council

Bellingen Shire Council coastal management program

This project will complete the final stages of the development of a coastal management program for the Bellingen Shire. A scoping study has already been completed, and the following stages will be covered under this project:

determining risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities
identifying and evaluating management options
preparation, exhibition and adoption of a coastal management program.

Byron Shire Council

Byron Shire 2021 Coastal hazards assessment study

Byron Shire Council will update its existing coastal hazard assessment study (completed in 2013), using a contemporary probabilistic hazard assessment approach. This project aims to prepare a rigorous assessment of the current and projected future coastal hazard risks for the area's coastal zone. This project will provide contemporary information to support decision-making in the subsequent stages of the development of the coastal management program.

New Brighton Beach dune stabilisation project

This project aims to stabilise the southern area of the New Brighton Beach dune with fencing and revegetation, as well as community education and signage. Stabilisation is a proactive approach to reducing the coastal hazard risk at New Brighton. Revegetation and stabilisation will increase the sand volume due to the windblown sand being trapped by ground cover vegetation.

Canterbury Bankstown Council

Cooks River catchment coastal management program

This project will enable the completion of a coastal management program for the Cooks River catchment. The project will address the key coastal hazards and catchment issues identified under the scoping study, now and into the long-term, fill knowledge gaps, review potential best-practice management options and culminate in a coordinated agreed upon program of works to enhance, restore and protect the catchment.

Central Coast Council

Central Coast dune stabilisation and restoration program

This project will undertake targeted weed management, regeneration and dune stabilisation activities across 9 sites along the coastline of the Central Coast local government area. A variety of methods will be trialled to support and enhance the existing dune system, with an emphasis on the replacement of invasive weeds such as bitou bush and asparagus weed with native species.

Central Coast – emergency coastal works – Wamberal July 2020 event

An East Coast Low storm between 16 to 18 July 2020 resulted in beachfront properties along Wamberal Beach being undermined and exposed to collapse on to the beach.

Grant funding has been provided for engineering designs and placement of emergency toe protection measures in the most heavily impacted areas of Wamberal beachfront. This involved approximately 4000 tonnes of imported sand, 2300 tonnes of quarried rock and 1100 tonnes of rock-filled flexible bags being placed on the beach under engineering supervision. This project also involved the removal of contaminated material and the reinstatement of the beach escarpment.

Macmasters Beach revetment wall construction

A revetment wall will be constructed along a 110 metre stretch of Macmasters Beach, adjacent to the Macmasters Beach surf club. The revetment wall will have a dual purpose of protecting the surf club and long-term protection of an Aboriginal burial site.

Stage 2 coastal management plan for open coast and coastal lagoons

Central Coast Council has prepared a scoping study for the open coast and lagoons in their local government area. Following completion of the scoping study, council is proceeding to complete stage 2 of preparing the coastal management program. This project will complete important studies and investigations to fill knowledge gaps identified in the scoping study, to accurately identify risks, vulnerabilities, and opportunities.

Tuggerah Lakes estuary coastal management program stage 2 and 3

This project will complete stages 2 and 3 of preparing a coastal management program for the Tuggerah Lakes estuary. This project will allow for the completion of important studies and investigations to fill knowledge gaps identified in the scoping study. It will identify risks, vulnerabilities, and opportunities.

City of Canada Bay Council

Sisters Bay Drummoyne foreshore remediation

Sisters Bay foreshore in Drummoyne is an important community and environmental asset. The existing foreshore comprises of mixed revetment structures and areas of destabilised natural shoreline. This project will develop a concept design to renew the existing seawall along the foreshore and any new sections that may be needed. This design work is the final step before implementation works can begin.

Clarence Valley Council

Wooli Beach scraping and dune nourishment

Wooli Beach contains a designated significant open coast hazards location, with approximately 50 properties located within the immediate hazard zone. The southern 800-metre length of the beach has low sand volumes and needs sand replenishment to reduce the severity of the immediate coastal hazard risk. Beach scraping will be undertaken to provide an enhanced dune buffer at this site.

Clarence River coastal management program scoping study

Under the Coastal Management Act (2016), the council is required to update its existing plans into coastal management programs with guidance from the new Coastal Management Manual. The first stage in preparing a coastal management program is to develop a scoping study that sets a forward direction for the plan to follow.

Clarence Valley coastline and estuaries coastal management program – stages 2, 3 and 4

A scoping study for the Clarence Valley coastline and estuaries (excluding the Clarence River) was completed in March 2021. With this grant Council will complete stages 2, 3 and 4 of the coastal management program development as per the scoping study's outlined forward plan. 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.

Coffs Harbour City Council

Coffs Creek priority stormwater outlet designs

The Coffs Creek stormwater outlet maintenance plan identified a range of issues with the local stormwater network. While many of the priority issues were in relation to improving maintenance practices, 3 outlets were identified as being beyond rectification via a maintenance regime and require a complete stormwater design study. This project will carry out a design study for the Marcia and Hardacre Street outlets to remedy the current issues at these sites.

Cost Benefit and Distribution Analysis: Coffs Creek coastal protection structures

Coffs Creek coastal zone management plan contains high priority coastal protection works at two locations near the estuary entrance. The design and costings for both projects is currently underway. A cost benefit and distributional analysis is required for these protection works, and this project will prepare these.

Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake, Willis Creek and Hearnes Lake coastal management program

A scoping study has recently been completed for Darkum Creek, Woolgoolga Lake, Willis Creek and Hearnes Lake estuaries. This project will deliver the remaining stages of the development of a coastal management program for these estuaries. This process involves identifying threats and pressures impacting on the estuaries and developing targeted management actions to address them.

Moonee Creek, Coffs Creek and Boambee Newports Creek scoping study

This project will develop a scoping study for Moonee Creek, Coffs Creek and Boambee and Newports estuaries. The scoping study will set a forward direction for the remaining stages of the coastal management program for the area.

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Enhancing Eurobodalla's natural defences for a resilient coastal environment

Eurobodalla's coastal environment is experiencing increased pressures from urbanisation and changes in climatic conditions, including extreme impacts from the 2019–20 bushfires and floods. This project will involve managing the coastal dunes and riparian vegetation to protect and enhance the natural defences to coastal and estuarine hazards across 7 major estuaries and 132 kilometres of coast. Activities will include weed control, revegetation, regeneration through cultural burning, erosion control, marine debris removal and community education.

Fairfield City Council

Green Valley Creek rehabilitation reaches one and two economic assessment

Green Valley Creek is a tributary of Orphan School Creek, which is a significant tributary of Prospect Creek. Like many urban waterways, the creeks in Fairfield City have been severely impacted and degraded by current and past land use changes, weed infestation, sewerage and stormwater pollution and erosion caused by poorly built infrastructure within the waterway. Council's goal is to rehabilitate 780 metres of Green Valley Creek between the Cumberland Highway and the confluence of Orphan School Creek. This project will undertake an economic assessment of this work, to quantify the costs and various benefits of this rehabilitation project, to justify continued expenditure on it.

Wilson Creek rehabilitation – economic assessment

This rehabilitation project focuses on the headwaters of Wilson Creek, within Wilson Road Reserve, Bonnyrigg Heights. The approximate length of the natural and realigned channel to be rehabilitated is 600 metres, between Dowland Street and Simpson Road. The pressures of dense urban development near a natural waterway have caused significant channel degradation, incision and changes in the alignment of Wilson Creek.

This project will undertake an economic assessment, that will enable Council to quantify the costs and various benefits of this creek rehabilitation project and justify continued expenditure on it.

Georges River Council

Detailed design for Donnelly Park foreshore protection works

This project will prepare a detailed design for foreshore protection works required at Donnelly Park, Connells Point. The Donnelly Park foreshore protection project was identified as a priority within the recently completed River Foreshore Access and Improvement Plan. The project will prepare a detailed design of Donnelly Park foreshore protection works which, if built, may assist in mitigating future coastal impacts on the existing sea wall, by introducing a sandstone stepped block wall that incorporates salt marsh planting and engineered backfill rock protection to the toe of the wall.

Hawkesbury City Council

Mid to upper Hawkesbury River estuary health

Council implemented a local-scale water quality monitoring program for the tidal section of the Upper Hawkesbury River in 2018. Water quality and biological data were used to assess the health and baseline condition, including the development of annual report cards. This project is a continuation of the program to enable a robust dataset of water quality indicators to be gathered, which will enable changes to be identified and facilitate adaptive management.

Hornsby Shire Council

Hawkesbury-Nepean River system coastal management program – stage 2 investigations

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 stage 2 of developing a coastal management program. This involves the delivery of 6 studies identified in stage 1, to fill important knowledge gaps regarding values, threats and opportunities.

Inner West Council

Richard Murden reserve saltmarsh protection and enhancement

This project will protect and enhance remnant coastal saltmarsh on Hawthorne Canal and Richard Murden Reserve in Haberfield. Work to be undertaken includes removal of weeds, re-grading the bank, native planting using local provenance saltmarsh species, and stabilisation and protection works using sandstone rocks and coir logs. Educational signage will explain the significance of this threatened ecological community.

Kempsey Shire Council

Kempsey local government area coastal zone coastal management program estuary entrances management study and plan

The Kempsey local government area coastal zone and its estuary entrances are principle features and important assets to the local economy, environmental and social fabric. This project will prepare a coastal management program for the Kempsey local government area coastal zone.

Saltwater Creek and Lagoon coastal management program – Stage 2 and 3 investigations

The Saltwater Creek and Lagoon scoping study recommended undertaking additional water quality, hydrodynamic and estuarine vegetation condition assessments, to adequately derive and assess potential management actions during future stages of the coastal management program process. This project will assess risks and trends, increase our understanding of the hydrodynamic processes interacting within the system and identify estuarine vegetation condition and extent.

Kiama Municipal Council

Blue Angle Creek – bank stabilisation

This project includes implementing bank stabilisation and erosion control measures for 2 priority sites along Blue Angle Creek. Implementing these erosion control works will reduce sedimentation of downstream environments and formalise public access.

Minnamurra estuary foreshore and rock wall assessment

This project will deliver a condition report, priority assessment and recommendations for management of the existing rock wall foreshore located below Charles Avenue, Minnamurra. Establishing this report will provide Council with the appropriate knowledge in order to address bank stabilisation and erosion and recommendations to remediate the area.

Lake Macquarie City Council

Coastal saltmarsh and swamp oak floodplain forest rehabilitation Wyee Bay and Dora Creek

This project will continue saltmarsh and swamp oak floodplain rehabilitation, by reducing the impacts from transformer weed species, reducing foreshore erosion, improving water quality and improving the buffering capacity of coastal wetlands.

Lake Macquarie City, dune enhancement program, Redhead Beach and Crabbs Beach

This project focuses on restoration works at Redhead and Crabbs Beach; currently in a degraded state from ongoing access disturbances and previous weed removal leaving exposed areas of dune. Remediation works involve closure of south-east facing informal tracks; formalisation of suitable public access; installation of dune formation fencing and revegetation with native coastal dune species. Biodiversity and ecological values will be significantly boosted by planting 40,440 native coastal plants. Dune rehabilitation works to mitigate sand mobility and inland dune movement will increase resilience to storm events.

Stage 2 of Lake Macquarie coastal management program

Lake Macquarie City Council is preparing a new coastal management program to cover the Lake Macquarie coastline, estuary and Swansea Channel. This project will undertake further work on dune height and overtopping, vulnerability assessment, socio-economic assessment, ecosystem services benefits, surf safety, emergency management sub-plan and impacts of the power station closures on estuary health.

Maitland City Council

Hunter estuary coastal management program

Maitland City Council in collaboration with Newcastle City Council, Port Stephens Council, Dungog Shire Council and Hunter Local Land Services will review and update the Hunter estuary coastal zone management plan to form a coastal management program. This project will assess existing estuary management practices and set the strategic management direction for the Hunter River estuary. The coastal management program will cover the estuary limits from Oakhampton at Maitland to the Harbour at Newcastle, extending up the Paterson River to Gostwyck and to Seaham Weir on the Williams River.

MidCoast Council

Great Lakes, Karuah and Khappinghat estuary coastal management program scoping study

MidCoast Council in collaboration with Port Stephens Council will prepare a scoping study covering the estuaries of Wallis, Smiths and Myall Lakes, Karuah River and Khappinghat Creek. This study will establish the strategic context; purpose, vision and objectives; scope of issues and area of focus for the development of one or more coastal management programs for the remaining estuaries.

Implementing water sensitive design for water quality improvement – Dunns Creek

This project will address water quality decline in Pipers Bay (Wallis Lake) by restoring natural hydrology and re-establishment of wetlands in the Dunns Creek catchment to filter nutrients and sediments before entering Wallis Lake. The wetland will provide water quality treatment for an existing untreated residential area of approximately 120 hectares. This project is designed to protect ecological, social and economic values of Wallis Lake by reducing sediment, nutrients and gross pollutants entering the estuary.

Sand scraping at Old Bar Beach

This project will see the movement of sand through beach scraping at 3 locations on Old Bar Beach. This is designed to be a short-term interim response to current erosion and recession trends being experienced at the site.

Review of current framework for management of Jimmys Beach

Jimmy's Beach coastal zone management plan, recommended that on-demand sand nourishment in the form of hydraulic pumping equipment as the preferred management option for the beach. Since the commissioning of the sand transfer system in July 2019, 2 renourishment campaigns have been completed. This study will evaluate the system's performance and identify efficiencies and optimal options for renourishment of Jimmy's Beach. The findings of this study will inform council's coastal management program.

Nambucca Valley Council

Bank stabilisation and protection – Nambucca Heads adjoining Foreshore Caravan Park

Erosion in the area has become significant and the reserve is being lost to boat wash, tidal inundation and general foreshore recession. This project proposes to stabilise this vulnerable section of the Nambucca river foreshore through the delivery of a contemporary protection structure. This work will reduce sediment loss to the river and protect riparian habitat.

Saving our Waterways – Warrell Creek bank stabilisation

This project proposes to stabilise a vulnerable section of the bank through best practice, ecologically sensitive design methods, using rock and hardwood timber root-balls to protect banks and to create a zone for mangrove establishment. The works will result in a range of environmental benefits, including a reduction in sediment input, bank retreat and subsequent channel widening, as well as enhancing aquatic and terrestrial habitat.

Newcastle City Council

Stockton Beach Emergency Works – March to July 2020

Stockton Beach experienced several erosion events in 2020 which resulted in risks to public and private assets at Stone Street and Griffith Avenue along Barrie Crescent, Stockton. Several emergency works campaigns were undertaken to secure public and private assets along the Stockton coastline in a variety of locations.

Stockton Beach Emergency Works – August to September 2020

Stockton Beach experienced severe erosion in July and August 2020 which resulted in risks to public and private assets at Stone Street and Griffith Avenue along Barrie Crescent, Stockton. The City of Newcastle installed large 0.75 and 2.5m³ sandbags and geofabric on the escarpment to protect immediately landward assets from further risk of erosion.

Opportunistic Stockton Beach sand nourishment feasibility study and placement approvals pathway

This project encapsulates investigation, assessment and planning for access and beneficial reuse of Hunter River South Arm sand to potentially satisfy Stockton Beach sand nourishment as specified in the Stockton Coastal Management Program. Feasible opportunistic sand sources will be identified that may be utilised pending assessed quality and quantity. Sand may facilitate:

amenity works as an alternative to terrestrial sand nourishment
mass nourishment as an alternative to offshore options based on securing economically viable sand.

Coastal management program development for the Newcastle local government area

This project will develop a coastal management program for the entire coastline in the Newcastle local government area, including revising some elements of the Stockton Beach program. It will enable council to better understand how to manage the local coastal environment and address both immediate and future risks.

Port Stephens Council

Birubi sand dunes, Anna Bay – sand dune management, design and rehabilitation

Birubi Beach lies at the northern end of the mobile dune landscape of Stockton Bight and south of the rocky coastline of Tomaree Peninsula. The foredune at Birubi Beach has become unstable and unvegetated due to increased demand for access to the beach and aeolian sand transfer. This project will formalise access to the beach and fence and re-vegetate the foredune to minimise erosion and blowout of the dune.

Rous County Council

Richmond River coastal management program stage 1 scoping study

Rous County Council will prepare a stage 1 scoping study for the Richmond River (including the Evans River) in partnership with all local government authorities within the catchment. The scoping study will outline the proposed pathway through the specified stages of preparing a coastal management program.

Shellharbour Council

Bass Point littoral rainforest regeneration

This project aims to undertake bush regeneration and revegetation activities within the littoral rainforest of Bass Point reserve in the Shellharbour local government area; addressing the threat of weeds on this vegetation community will improve its ecological integrity, habitat value, and resilience. These outcomes will be achieved using best practice techniques for bush regeneration and weed control.

Warilla Beach seawall renewal

Warilla Beach is a coastal embayment spanning between Elliot Lake entrance to the south and Windang Island to the north. The current revetment has been developed in and ad-hoc way from the early 1950s to protect public and private infrastructure through the dumping of armour rock along the toe of the erosion scarp. This revetment has not been built to an engineering standard and is continually monitored/inspected and repaired as required in reaction to storm events. This project will replace the existing revetment, to ensure that a suitable level of coastal protection is provided for Warilla Beach residence and essential infrastructure.

Shellharbour City Council open coast coastal management program – scoping study

This scoping study will cover the entire open coastal areas in the local government area. The study will review the adequacy of the existing open coast coastal zone management plan and Elliot/Little Lake estuary management plan and underpinning studies, including hazard assessments, current management arrangements in regards to what is working well and where there are gaps, or changes that may be required, as well as more recent relevant coastal assessments and studies completed. The scoping study will also identify key management issues and studies required to fill knowledge gaps, undertake a risk assessment to prioritise threats and prepare a forward program for preparing a coastal management program, including a community engagement strategy.

Shoalhaven City Council

Jervis Bay coastal management program

Council will prepare a stand-alone coastal management program for Jervis Bay to address issues specific to Jervis Bay. It will include an updated assessment of geotechnical hazards and an updated risk assessment for the environment and coastal use areas.

Lower Shoalhaven River coastal management program

This project will prepare a coastal management program for the Lower Shoalhaven River. The project will involve bringing existing documents up to date, gathering new information, and bringing together management actions, risk assessments and updated studies addressing management gaps. The coastal management program aims to address issues identified by the local community.

Shoalhaven coastline coastal management program

A coastal management program will be prepared for the Shoalhaven coastline in consultation with the community and agency partners. This involves reviewing and updating existing documents, gathering new data and information, bringing together management actions, undertaking risk assessments, and updating studies addressing management gaps.

South Mollymook design and approvals

This project will develop a detailed design and undertake environmental assessments and approvals for the preferred seawall at the golf club and car park at the south end of Mollymook Beach. A seawall already exists in front of the Mollymook Golf Club and public roadway, but it is nearing the end of its design life and needs to be upgraded. This project will finalise all pre-construction components.

St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek coastal management program

Shoalhaven City Council will prepare a coastal management program for St Georges Basin, Sussex Inlet, Swan Lake and Berrara Creek. These areas are considered a high priority for development of a coastal management program because there are a large number of high priority risks and issues which are causing community concern. The preparation of the coastal management program will include updating of existing documents, collecting new data and information and addressing management gaps.

Burrill Lake foreshore nourishment and vegetation

There has been erosion observed at Lions Park, Burrill Lake for several years, which has been steadily increasing and impacting on a popular recreational foreshore area and key assets, including a road. This erosion has been occurring due to increased tidal conveyance through the entrance and has been exacerbated during 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 roadway.

Collingwood Beach coastal implementation

This project will include approximately 1250 square metres of restoration work along Collingwood Beach, where vandalism has occurred and additional planting of sections requiring more diverse species with varying root systems to help stabilise the dunes. Fencing will be installed along the length of the site to help prevent vegetation vandalism, allow the new plants to establish, and help to deter feral pest species. A viewing platform will be built, as well as two bench seats along the path to allow a safe accessway for pedestrians to escape the busy pathway and enjoy the dunes and vistas without trampling the dunes or jumping fences.

Shoalhaven Heads viewing platform and dune management

This project will improve beach access and undertake dune management work in front of the surf club. Existing beach access and facilities have been compromised by prevailing coastal exposure and flood break out of the Shoalhaven River. Revegetation will occur with a wide range of species, and changes to beach access alignment will provide better resistance to wind erosion impact.

Sutherland Shire Council

Waterway rehabilitation Marina Crescent North West Arm, Gymea

This project includes weed removal, bank stabilisation, stream clearing, construction of a rock weir/chute, regeneration of littoral rainforest, revegetation and rehabilitation of stormwater outlets. The key issues addressed through this project include improvement to general habitat conditions, reducing streambank erosion, protection of endangered ecological communities and improving public access to the foreshore.

Wollongong City Council

Construction of a new seawall at North Wollongong Beach

This project involves the construction of a seawall at North Wollongong Beach. This new seawall will extend from the northern end of the pavilion to the dune vegetation north of the Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club building. The new seawall will provide protection from the increasing risk of coastal erosion for the built infrastructure and open spaces assets landward from North Wollongong Beach.

Dune stabilisation at Port Kembla Beach

Port Kembla Beach is located at the northern end of Perkins Beach which stretches for 6.5 kilometres from the entrance of Lake Illawarra at Windang to Hill 60 at Port Kembla and has ongoing issues with sand drift onto infrastructure. This project involves the planting of 3150 endemic coastal plants in the dunes at the northern end of the beach to improve dune stabilisation. Local Bushcare volunteers will be involved in planting activities.

Implement water quality monitoring for estuary health, recreational use, and pollution hotspot identification in Lake Illawarra and its catchment

This project will undertake water quality monitoring in Lake Illawarra and its catchment to help assess its condition. A number of strategic locations within the lake and its tributaries will be monitored and the results will be used to define the condition of the lake, determine the effectiveness of management actions and identify areas that are contributing greater pollution loads and require greater management efforts.

Lake Illawarra entrance management options study

Wollongong City Council, in collaboration with Shellharbour City Council and with an interagency technical working group, will undertake a management options study to identify preferred options to manage the significant erosion, accretion, and inundation issues that have resulted from the changed entrance hydrodynamics, resulting from the permanent opening of the Lake in 2007.

Restoring ecological function to endangered ecological communities around Lake Illawarra

Wollongong and Shellharbour City Councils aim to restore ecological function to key saltmarsh, 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. This project will restore ecological function to 8 sites – William Beach, Hooka Point, Holborn wetlands, Grandview outlet, and Kully Bay within Wollongong local government area and Picnic Island, Pelican Reserve and natural areas adjacent to Cec Glenholmes Oval within Shellharbour local government area.

Wollongong open coast scoping study

This project is to complete stage one of the coastal management program process - for the open coast and estuaries (excluding Lake Illawarra) of the Wollongong Local Government Area.

The project will involve engaging a coastal management consultant to undertake the coastal management program scoping process, including reviewing previous and current coastal management issues, engaging with internal and agency stakeholders and community to develop a shared understanding of the current coastal management situation and identity the focus of the new coastal management program.

Understanding and assessment of the bank condition of Lake Illawarra

Wollongong City Council and Shellharbour City Council will undertake a bank condition assessment of the Lake Illawarra foreshore and tributaries up to the tidal limit and beyond where evidence suggests is necessary. The assessment will identify where erosion is occurring, its extent and impact/potential impact to ecosystems and assets. Following this assessment, areas for rehabilitation will be prioritised and feasible and appropriate erosion control methods will be suggested for each site.

2019-20

Funding for these projects came from the NSW Government Coastal and estuary management program.

The program funded 10 projects in the implementation stream awarding $1,053,500.00 and, to date, 5 projects in the planning stream awarding $297,150.00.

Grant recipient/local government area	Project name	Funding stream
Ballina Shire Council	Boulder Beach – rock revetment	Implementation
Byron Shire Council	Southern Byron shire coastline and Belongil estuary scoping study	Planning
Clarence Valley Council	Clarence coastal management program scoping study	Planning
The Council of the Municipality of Kiama	Rehabilitation of endangered ecological communities – Bailey's Island Crooked River Gerroa	Implementation
MidCoast Council	Feasibility of Seal Rocks Road diversion and local area plan	Implementation
	Improving stormwater quality for estuary health	Implementation
	Manning River estuary coastal management program – stages 3 and 4	Planning
Nambucca Shire Council	Upgrade of beach access ways and footbridge at Hyland Park	Implementation
Newcastle City Council	Beach nourishment at the southern part of Stockton Beach	Implementation
	Emergency sandbagging works at end of Griffith Avenue and Stone Street, Stockton	Implementation
	Planned retreat and demolition of former North Stockton Surf Life Saving Club	Implementation
Shoalhaven City Council	Preparation of an integrated Shoalhaven environmental monitoring program	Implementation
Shoalhaven City Council	Shoalhaven Beach asset management strategy	Implementation
Strathfield Municipal Council	Mason Park plan of management	Planning
Sutherland Shire Council	Feasibility investigation of stormwater quality improvement devices in Gwawley Creek catchment	Planning

Ballina Shire Council

Boulder Beach – rock revetment

There has been recent erosion in the southern corner of Boulder Beach from wave attack during high tides and storm events. The erosion is threatening a section of a popular walking track, as well as adjoining remnant vegetation. It is expected that the erosion will worsen in the short-term due to continued wave attack and will be exacerbated in the medium-to-long term by shoreline recession.

This project involves the installation of rock revetment, earth backfill, and track works to prevent loss of the walking track at the southern end of Boulder Beach.

Byron Shire Council

Southern Byron shire coastline and Belongil estuary scoping study

A scoping study will be completed for the coastline between Broken Head and Cape Byron headland. The project location encompasses two primary areas of concern; the Tallow Creek estuary south of the Byron Bay town centre and the Belongil Creek estuary to the north-west of the town centre. This study will determine where action is required, identify knowledge gaps and outline studies required to inform the later stages of the coastal management program development.

Clarence Valley Council

Clarence coastal management program scoping study

Council will develop a coastal management program for the coastline of the local government area and some critical sections of estuaries, using guidance from the coastal management manual. This project will deliver the first stage in the process and develop a scoping study which sets the direction for the plan to follow.

The Council of the Municipality of Kiama

Rehabilitation of endangered ecological communities – Bailey's Island Crooked River Gerroa

The Swamp Oak Forest and Bangalay Sand Forest endangered ecological communities at Bailey's Island, Gerroa, will be rehabilitated through the control of major invasive weeds which include asparagus fern, Norfolk Island hibiscus and lantana. These weeds are inhibiting the ability of these vegetation communities to regenerate naturally.

MidCoast Council

Feasibility of Seal Rocks Road diversion and local area plan

This project will reduce risks from coastal hazards by identifying and prioritising actions to re-route Seal Rocks Road. It will also develop a local area management plan to address issues associated with parking, stormwater runoff, beach access, recreational facilities, soil management and environment values of the Seal Rocks precinct.

Improving stormwater quality for estuary health

This project is designed to protect the ecological, social and economic values of Wallis Lake by reducing sediment and gross pollutants entering the estuary. This project involves the upgrade of the gross pollutant trap in Little Street, Forster on the foreshore of Wallis Lake, and the raising of the weirs in the gross pollutant trap in Condell Place.

Manning River estuary coastal management program – stages 3 to 4

This project will set the long-term strategy for coordinated management of the Manning River estuary and engage the community in the process to ensure the plan reflects their knowledge, use and values.

Nambucca Shire Council

Upgrade of beach access ways and footbridge at Hyland Park

The Hyland Park Beach access track and footbridge is the only access to the beach for the Hyland Park community. It directly services an estimated population of 500 people, as well as tourists. The access track traverses coastal bushland, a dune system and a wetland. This project will upgrade parts of the track and footbridge over the wetland.

Newcastle City Council

Beach nourishment at the southern part of Stockton Beach

The southern end of Stockton Beach experienced significant erosion in August and September 2019. The erosion resulted in significant loss of sand from the beach profile and reduction in amenity, including access to the beach, for the local community. The beach nourishment campaign will replenish sand lost during these erosion events.

Emergency sandbagging works at end of Griffith Avenue and Stone Street, Stockton

Large geofabric sandbags will be installed on the beach to protect public assets from further erosion, while a longer-term solution for ongoing coastal hazards is developed through a coastal management program.

Planned retreat and demolition of former North Stockton Surf Life Saving Club

This project involves the demolition of the former North Stockton Surf Lifesaving Club at Barrie Crescent Reserve. The existing building is at high risk from coastal erosion and its demolition will result in the removal of significant public safety risk for users of the beach.

Shoalhaven City Council

Preparation of an integrated Shoalhaven environmental monitoring program

Shoalhaven coastal zone management plan identified the need to review all environmental monitoring activities undertaken within the local government area and to formalise, consolidate and potentially expand monitoring activities into a single, strategic and comprehensive environmental monitoring program.

This project will develop and cost a single coordinated monitoring program. It will also include a communication plan, so that the results of the monitoring are easily accessible for the community.

Shoalhaven Beach asset management strategy

A beach access strategy including methodology for assessing rationalisation of the number of access points will be developed. This will allow strategic management of the council's beach assets, reduction in unnecessary access points and restoration of the dunes in these areas. Council can then focus its resources into maintaining priority accessways. This project will also allow the relocation of foreshore lookouts which have been identified to be at risk from cliff instability.

Strathfield Municipal Council

Mason Park plan of management

Mason Park includes substantial saltmarsh, which is threatened by mangrove encroachment, poor tidal inundation and sea level rise. The site is also recognised as an important habitat and feeding site for migratory birds.

This project will develop a plan of management that lists management actions to improve tidal inundation; to manage weed and mangrove encroachment; mitigate climate change impacts; protect the saltmarsh and the endangered and threatened species that depend on the site for roosting, feeding and breeding.

Sutherland Shire Council

Feasibility investigation of stormwater quality improvement devices in Gwawley Creek catchment

This project will investigate the feasibility of stormwater quality improvement devices in the stormwater drainage network that feeds into Gwawley Creek and recommend the most suitable device. The proposed devices will treat stormwater from upstream catchments and trap gross pollutants, sediment and litter from flowing into Georges River.

2018-19

Funding for these projects came from the NSW Government Coastal and estuary management program.

The program funded 19 projects in the implementation stream awarding $1,811,083 and 14 projects in the planning stream awarding $765,250.

Grant recipient/local government area	Project name	Funding stream
Ballina Shire Council	Shaws Bay dredging and foreshore improvements	Implementation
Bega Valley Shire Council	Bega River Estuary riparian restoration project	Implementation
	Bega Valley coast and estuary scoping study	Planning
	Riparian assessment and rehabilitation works Pambula Lake	Implementation
Bellingen Shire Council	Dalhousie Creek entrance management program	Implementation
Central Coast Council	Scoping study for the coastal management program of open coast and coastal lagoons	Planning
Clarence Valley Council	Brooms Head revetment wall extension design and environmental assessment	Planning
Clarence Valley Council	Wooli beach nourishment scheme design and environmental assessment	Planning
Coffs Harbour City Council	Arrawarra Creek, Corindi River and Pipe Clay Lake coastal management program	Planning
Coffs Harbour City Council	Scoping study – Willis, Woolgoolga, Darkum and Hearnes estuaries	Planning
Hunters Hill Council	Habitat restoration along the lower Parramatta River estuary – stage 2	Implementation
Kempsey Shire Council	Implementation of management action 11 – Kempsey coastal zone management plan – South West Rocks foreshore upgrade	Implementation
	Macleay River – Killick Creek – Korogoro Creek coastal management program – stage 2 investigations	Planning
	Saltwater Creek Estuary coastal management program – stage 1 – scoping study	Planning
Lake Macquarie City Council	Coastal dune revegetation project	Implementation
	Foreshore rehabilitation project	Implementation
	Lake Macquarie City Council – coastal management program scoping study	Planning
	Rehabilitating the wetlands of Lake Macquarie	Implementation
Nambucca Shire Council	Scotts Head outer seawall replacement	Implementation
Newcastle City Council	Dune management and revegetation at Stockton Beach and Bar Beach	Implementation
	Management of beach accessways at Stockton Beach	Implementation
	Monitoring of cliff stability along the Newcastle coast	Implementation
Northern Beaches Council	Northern Beaches Council coastal zone emergency action subplan	Planning
Northern Beaches Council	Northern Beaches Council open coast and lagoons scoping study	Planning
Port Stephens Council	Sand nourishment Corlette – priority 1 of Sandy Point/Conroy Park foreshore coastal zone management plan	Implementation
Rous County Council	Richmond River water quality monitoring project	Implementation
Rous County Council	Richmond River coastal management program – stage 1 scoping study	Planning
Shoalhaven City Council	Preparation of a coastal management program for the Shoalhaven River estuary	Planning
	Preparation of the Lake Conjola coastal management program	Planning
	Protecting and enhancing Shoalhaven's coastal wetlands and bushland reserves	Implementation
Wollongong City Council	Improving native vegetation condition and connectivity along Bellambi Estuary	Implementation
	Restoration of ecosystem integrity at significant sites around Lake Illawarra	Implementation
	The Perkins Dunes – rainforest on the beach project	Implementation

Ballina Shire Council

Shaws Bay dredging and foreshore improvements

This project will undertake:

Dredging of 2 areas within the main section of Shaws Bay to address long-term sedimentation and potential for reduction in tidal circulation.
Utilisation of dredged sand for the nourishment of numerous beaches around Shaws Bay for erosion control, foreshore revegetation, public access and amenity.
Establishment of an ecological protection area, with the creation of a new coastal saltmarsh and expansion of an adjoining stand of coastal cypress pine forest.
Creation of a saltmarsh/mangrove boardwalk to link segments of the shared pathway circling Shaws Bay.
Repurposing of an existing picnic pavilion with educational signage.
Monitoring (hydrographic survey, saltmarsh establishment success, water quality).

Bega Valley Shire Council

Bega River Estuary riparian restoration project

This project seeks to restore the only remaining cleared riparian area on the lower Bega River Estuary. The proposed works will see the revegetation and stabilisation of a public reserve. This area was previously farmland used originally as a dairy and in recent years for beef cattle grazing. Due to unrestricted stock access and human visitation by campers and boaters along the river, the riparian zone is currently in poor condition.

This project seeks to rehabilitate 700 metres of estuary foreshore with a focus on weed control, bank stabilisation and revegetation.

Bega Valley coast and estuary scoping study

A scoping study will be prepared for the Bega Valley local government area, which covers 225 kilometres of coastline and 29 estuaries. This will be the first step in preparing coastal management programs to guide future management of the coast and estuaries of the Bega Valley. The scoping study will review current management, identify issues, determine what studies are needed to fill knowledge gaps, undertake a risk assessment to prioritise threats and prepare a forward program for preparing coastal management programs.

Riparian assessment and rehabilitation works Pambula Lake

Pambula Lake possesses significant ecological, recreational and socioeconomic values, all of which are reliant on good water quality and a healthy ecosystem. Key threats to the health of Pambula Lake are bank erosion, riparian vegetation degradation, presence of weeds, pollution inputs from agricultural land and insufficient stormwater drainage.

This project will provide a detailed assessment and prioritised list of specific locations for remediation works. On-ground works including habitat restoration, erosion reduction and management of pollution sources will be implemented at the top 10 priority sites.

Bellingen Shire Council

Dalhousie Creek entrance management program

This project will implement actions identified in the Dalhousie Creek entrance management strategy. Dalhousie Creek, an intermittently closed and open lagoon at Hungry Head, Urunga is a very popular patrolled beach/lagoon precinct used by residents and tourists. Storms have caused significant erosion of the foreshore dunes and this has impeded the surf life saving club from safely patrolling the beach and users accessing the beach.

Through beach scraping, beach nourishment and dune management works, this project aims to mitigate immediate coastal erosion risks, reduce exposure to coastal hazards and improve the resilience of the foreshore to impacts of climate change.

Central Coast Council

Scoping study for the coastal management program of open coast and coastal lagoons

The open coastline of Central Coast extends approximately 80 kilometres from Budgewoi Beach in the north to Patonga in the south. Historically, coastal processes have threatened sections of this coastline and caused damage to public assets and impacted upon recreational amenity. These issues are likely to be intensified as a result of climate change and projected sea level rise.

Currently, the council are managing the open coastlines and lagoons through several management plans. This project will prepare a scoping study to align with the NSW coastal management framework. The primary purpose of this scoping study is to review progress that has been made in managing issues in coastal areas, develop a shared understanding of the current situation and identify the focus for a future coastal management program.

Clarence Valley Council

Brooms Head revetment wall extension design and environmental assessment

The Brooms Head Beach and Lake Cokora coastal zone management plan recommended extension of the foreshore reserve revetment at the north end of Brooms Head reserve to the southern bridge abutment, to ensure protection of public assets. This project will prepare a detailed design and environmental impact assessment. The design will allow for public foreshore access and stormwater management.

Wooli beach nourishment scheme design and environmental assessment

The Wooli Beach coastal zone management plan identified a beach nourishment scheme as being the key high priority action. Wooli Beach has a long history of coastal recession and the village of Wooli is at risk from coastal erosion. This project will complete a detailed design and environmental assessment for a beach nourishment scheme to reduce current and future hazards/risks from coastal erosion and recession.

Coffs Harbour City Council

Arrawarra Creek, Corindi River and Pipe Clay Lake coastal management program

The scoping studies for Arrawarra, Corindi and Pipe Clay estuaries recommend that the council proceed with the development of the coastal management program (CMP). It is recommended that this be done through one joint CMP for the 3 estuaries and catchments, to gain efficiencies and to set a plan for strategically managing the estuaries into the future.

Scoping study – Willis, Woolgoolga, Darkum and Hearnes estuaries

Willis, Woolgoolga, Darkum and Hearnes estuaries all have existing coastal zone management plans (CZMP's) prepared under the repealed Coastal Protection Act (1979). Under the new Coastal Management Act (2016), the council is required to update its existing plans into coastal management programs (CMPs).

This project will develop a scoping study, which sets a forward direction for a future CMP for Willis, Woolgoolga, Darkum and Hearnes estuaries.

Hunters Hill Council

Habitat restoration along the lower Parramatta River estuary – stage 2

This project will undertake 3 hectares of restoration works to improve ecological connectivity between Bushcare sites, restore endangered ecological communities, improve native fauna habitat and increase the resilience of these communities, which will then have a greater capacity to survive rising sea levels as a result of climate change.

Kempsey Shire Council

Implementation of management action 11 – Kempsey coastal zone management plan – South West Rocks foreshore upgrade

This project will replace existing (failed) foreshore erosion works with a 60-metre-long 'stepped' retaining wall constructed from large sandstone blocks to remediate foreshore instability and address erosion. This work will reduce public safety risks resulting from coastal process events and further damage to public infrastructure.

Macleay River – Killick Creek – Korogoro Creek coastal management program stage 2 investigations

This project will fund additional work recommended from the scoping study. Sea level rise is anticipated to expose low-lying coastal areas within the Kempsey Shire to increasing coastal inundation impacts. The Macleay River, Killick Creek and Korogoro Creek scoping studies (2019) recommended, that:

a tidal inundation study be undertaken to specifically model and map permanent tidal water levels within the estuaries and adjacent coastal landscapes
coastal vulnerability area mapping is produced for the estuaries to enhance the council's capacity and knowledge to prepare and adapt to climate change/sea level rise scenarios and facilitate progression towards development of a combined coastal management program (CMP) for the 3 estuaries.

Saltwater Creek Estuary coastal management program – stage 1 – scoping study

The Saltwater Creek and lagoon estuary is a principal feature and important asset to the local economy, environmental and social fabric. In recognition of the estuarine values, Kempsey Shire Council is committed to preparing a coastal management program (CMP) for Saltwater Creek and lagoon estuary.

This project will deliver stage one – a scoping study, that will form the first step of a Saltwater Creek estuary CMP, setting out long-term strategies for the coordinated management of land within the coastal zone.

Lake Macquarie City Council

Coastal dune revegetation project

This project involves the planting of 49,000 endemic coastal plants across 5 beaches. These areas are currently in a degraded state, the revegetation of these sites will significantly increase resilience from coastal processes and new weed incursions. This project will increase storm event resilience and the ecological value of the dune fields.

Foreshore rehabilitation project

This project aims to restore degraded foreshore environments, which are contributing sediment into the lake via foreshore erosion, and to rehabilitate littoral vegetation to increase the buffering capacity of foreshores to treat stormwater runoff before it enters the lake.

Lake Macquarie City Council – coastal management program scoping study

This project involves the preparation of a scoping study which will identify current studies of the area, key data gaps and additional information needed to support the migration of the existing coastal zone management plan into a coastal management program. The coastal management program will allow clearer and more coordinated strategic management of land within the coastal zone.

Rehabilitating the wetlands of Lake Macquarie

This project will rehabilitate selected wetlands to improve the conditions and coverage of saltmarsh communities, which are vital in maintaining nursery areas for fish and prawns and habitat for shorebirds. Work to increase the coverage of saltmarsh will aim to re-establish saltmarsh, which has been reduced by up to 80%.

Nambucca Shire Council

Scotts Head outer seawall replacement

This project will maintain and upgrade the outer revetment wall (seawall) at Scotts Head headland. This seawall is showing signs of age and failure and the proposed improvements are necessary to protect public infrastructure and open space located behind the wall.

Newcastle City Council

Dune management and revegetation at Stockton Beach and Bar Beach

This project will conduct dune management and revegetation at Stockton Beach, to assist in regenerating the degraded dune system and assist in managing erosion in the area. The revegetation works will also provide amenity to the southern part of the beach, which is the most frequently used part of Stockton Beach.

Dune management and revegetation will also occur at Bar Beach, to address an area vulnerable to erosion. This will provide amenity for users of the beach area and Bathers Way coastal walk, which is elevated above the dune system.

Management of beach accessways at Stockton Beach

This project involves the construction of 2 formal beach accessways to Stockton Beach at Griffith Avenue and Dalby Oval. The 2 accessways will provide appropriately managed entrance points to Stockton Beach and facilitate closure of formal and informal accessways that have resulted in erosion of the dune system. The project will also include the reconstruction of a beach access point at Stockton break wall that is used by the local surf life saving club for launching of equipment and vehicle access.

Monitoring of cliff stability along the Newcastle coast

This project will monitor Newcastle coastal cliff lines via unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) to detect any change in the cliff face, potential rock falls or stability issues that may require management. Monitoring by UAV at a high resolution will allow the council to proactively manage risks to public safety from cliff stability hazards, particularly in association with the iconic Bathers Way coastal walk where it passes along or near cliff lines or headlands.

Northern Beaches Council

Northern Beaches Council coastal zone emergency action subplan

This project aims to improve council preparedness and response to coastal storms through the preparation of a coastal zone emergency action subplan (CZEAS) for the Northern Beaches.

The CZEAS will outline the roles and responsibilities of Northern Beaches Council and other public authorities in response to emergencies immediately preceding or during periods of beach erosion, coastal inundation and cliff instability that occur through storm activity or an extreme or irregular event.

Northern Beaches Council open coast and lagoons scoping study

This project will develop a scoping study for Northern Beaches open coast and lagoons, as the first step towards development of coastal management programs (CMPs). A review of current coastal management arrangements will determine gaps, develop the scope and priorities.

This scoping study will cover; strategic context, CMP scope, first-pass risk assessment, a stakeholder and community engagement strategy, preliminary business case, studies needed for stages 2 and 3 and a time frame and cost for moving forward to prepare one or more CMP.

Port Stephens Council

Sand nourishment Corlette – priority 1 of Sandy Point/Conroy Park foreshore coastal zone management plan

Corlette Beach is subject to significant swell-driven, long-shore sediment transport from east to west, resulting in progressive erosion along the western side of Sandy Point and in front of Conroy Park and accumulation of sand east of The Anchorage breakwater. The coastal zone management plan identifies sand nourishment as the number one priority for the study area and identified the work as necessary to address the high degree of erosion immediately in front of and to the east of Conroy Park.

This project involves moving sand from precinct 1 (estimate 16,400 tonnes) and depositing it into precincts 2 and 3. This will restore beach width fronting Conroy Park and allow the proper operation of stormwater outlets adjacent to The Anchorage.

Rous County Council

Richmond River water quality monitoring project

Rous County Council will conduct water quality monitoring of key locations in the lower Richmond River to provide timely notice of potential negative water quality events, to assist stakeholders with water quality information and to provide important input into broader ecohealth assessment. Rous County Council water quality monitoring will include automated continuous data loggers at 5 sites and weekly manual sampling at 6 sites.

Richmond River coastal management program – stage one scoping study

Rous County Council will coordinate the delivery of a scoping study for the Richmond River, in partnership with all local government authorities within the catchment. The scoping study will outline the proposed pathway for preparing a coastal management program (CMP). This will eventually form part of a whole-of-catchment Richmond River CMP to replace the existing Richmond River coastal zone management plan (CZMP).

Shoalhaven City Council

Preparation of a coastal management program for the Shoalhaven River estuary

The Shoalhaven River estuary has complex social and environmental management challenges around entrance management, oyster production, recreational use, farming practices and acid sulfate soil. This project will update the existing estuary management plan to align with the Coastal Management Act 2016 to guide future management of this important estuary.

Preparation of the Lake Conjola coastal management program

This project will develop a coastal management program for Lake Conjola, to maintain and, where possible, improving the lakes' environmental condition and health. The coastal management program will provide the council with a plan to guide future management.

Protecting and enhancing Shoalhaven's coastal wetlands and bushland reserves

This project will deliver:

Improved condition and resilience of 175 hectares of coastal endangered ecological communities.
Support and improve the capacity of 13 volunteer Bushcare groups to protect, restore and rehabilitate coastal endangered ecological communities.
Raised community awareness of the importance of coastal vegetation in protecting foreshore and estuarine landscapes.

Wollongong City Council

Improving native vegetation condition and connectivity along Bellambi Estuary

This project will protect and enhance the endangered ecological communities in the Bellambi Gully Creek estuary. The work will concentrate on the riparian areas along Bellambi Gully Creek and will involve weed control and revegetation across 4.6 hectares. This project will also promote community involvement in weeding and planting works through the council's Bushcare program.

Restoration of ecosystem integrity at significant sites around Lake Illawarra

Working together, Wollongong and Shellharbour City Councils will restore ecological function to key saltmarsh wetland and swamp oak communities around Lake Illawarra by eradicating large quantities of invasive weeds and reinstating endemic vegetation. The work will occur at 3 sites:

Primbee foreshore
Heritage Park at Windang
Horsley Creek in Oak Flats.

The Perkins Dunes – rainforest on the beach project

The Perkins dune system is a 4-kilometre sand spit from Port Kembla to Windang and is one of the only examples of original remnant dune system along the Wollongong coast. This project will concentrate on weed control and revegetation across 6.5 hectares of dunes, to improve the condition and resilience of these important remnant vegetation communities.

2017-18

Funding for these projects came from the NSW Government Coast and Estuary Management Program.

The program funded 19 projects in the implementation stream with $2,666,175; 4 projects from the reserve list with $260,750; 1 significant open coastal hazard project received $5,505,000; and 21 projects in the planning stream with $1,671,100.

Grant recipient/local government area	Project name	Funding stream
Ballina Shire Council	Emigrant Creek – riverbank stabilisation and rehabilitation	Implementation
Ballina Shire Council	Richmond River Governance and Funding Project	Planning
Bayside Council	Lady Robinsons Beach Ramsgate – beach nourishment	Implementation
Bayside Council	Lady Robinsons beach – investigation and design study	Planning
Bega Valley Shire Council	Bega Valley Shire Council dune enhancement	Implementation
Bellingen Shire Council	Scoping study – Bellingen Shire coastal management program	Planning
Byron Shire Council	Coastal management program – stage one scoping studies for the Byron Shire coastline	Planning
Byron Shire Council	Upgrade of Jonson Street protection works – pre-construction investigation	Planning
Central Coast Council	Implementation of Pearl Beach Lagoon coastal zone management plan stage one	Planning
Central Coast Council	Wamberal terminal protection and sand nourishment investigation and design	Planning
Coffs Harbour City Council	Coffs Harbour estuary and freshwater Ecohealth monitoring program 2018-20	Implementation
	Strategically aligning coastal risk to asset management	Implementation
	Implementation of strategy H3 Coffs Creek Estuary coastal zone management plan	Planning
	Scoping study – Corindi and Pipe Clay estuaries	Planning
	Stormwater management operational plan – Coffs Creek	Planning
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Enhancing Eurobodalla’s Coastal Environment 2018–2021	Implementation
Fairfield City Council	Green Valley Creek rehabilitation – Cumberland Highway to Orphan School Creek	Implementation
Georges River Council	Georges River estuary scoping study	Planning
Hawkesbury City Council	Upper Hawkesbury estuary health card	Implementation
Hunters Hill Council	Sediment and weed management to enhance coastal saltmarsh in Tarban Creek	Implementation
Kempsey Shire Council	Implementation of management action 12 Kempsey CZMP Grassy Head option C	Implementation
Lake Macquarie City Council	Integrated coastal zone monitoring program for Lake Macquarie	Implementation
Lake Macquarie City Council	Restore, regenerate, revegetate – riparian habitat in Lake Macquarie	Implementation
Lane Cove Municipal Council	Lane Cove Bushland Park: stormwater improvements stage 2 – implementation works	Implementation
Mid-Coast Council	Blueys Beach pedestrian access management for erosion control	Implementation
	Addressing water sensitive urban design priorities to improve estuary health	Implementation
	Checking in with ecological health assessment – Wallis, Smiths and Karuah	Implementation
	Cost-benefit analysis: Big Swamp coastal wetland rehabilitation project	Planning
	Evaluate threats and risks to the health of the Manning River estuary	Planning
	Racecourse Creek impact on Old Bar Beach study	Planning
Nambucca Shire Council	Improvements to seawall at Bellwood, Nambucca Heads reducing future risk	Implementation
Nambucca Shire Council	Restoration of beach access way – Nyambaga walking trail, Nambucca Heads	Implementation
Newcastle City Council	Preparation of a coastal management program for Newcastle local government area coastline	Planning
Northern Beaches Council	Collaroy–Narrabeen Beach coastal protection works	Significant open coastal hazard
Port Macquarie–Hastings Council	Illaroo Road stormwater redirection construction	Implementation
Shellharbour City Council	Restoration of Warilla sand dunes	Implementation
Shellharbour City Council	Warilla seawall cost-benefit and distributional analysis	Planning
The Council of the Municipality of Kiama	Blue Angle Creek erosion control options analysis	Implementation
	Minnamurra coastal wetlands rehabilitation program	Implementation
	Preparation of the Kiama local government area coastal management program	Planning
The Council of the Shire of Hornsby	Hawkesbury River system stage one – scoping study	Planning
Tweed Shire Council	Tweed Coast coastal management program	Planning
Waverley Council	Eastern beaches open ocean coastal management program	Planning
Wollongong City Council	Restoration of foreshore vegetation and drainage lines of Lake Illawarra	Implementation
Wollongong City Council	Cost-benefit analysis and distributional analysis of Wollongong North Beach seawall	Planning

Ballina Shire Council

Emigrant Creek – riverbank stabilisation and rehabilitation

This project will undertake riverbank stabilisation and rehabilitation along Emigrant Creek from Tintenbar downstream to the intersection of Old Bangalow Road and Tamarind Drive (just north of Ballina). The riparian zone is currently either bare of vegetation or dominated by weed infestation. In some areas, the banks are badly eroded and as a result the creek has a very high sediment load. Weeds will be killed and/or removed, endemic plant species planted, and erosion and banks stabilised to prevent further erosion.

Richmond River governance and funding project

The Richmond River governance and funding project will develop a governance model to substantially improve strategic investment towards improving the health of the Richmond River. A new governance framework is necessary to mitigate the ongoing degradation of the river system and to improve environmental, economic, and social opportunities for current and future generations. The model will consider what resources are required, how these can be sustained into the future, and how they would be utilised efficiently across the catchment for maximum effect.

Bayside Council

Lady Robinsons Beach Ramsgate – beach nourishment

In 1997 Council completed the restoration of Lady Robinsons Beach between Sandringham Bay and Florence Street, Ramsgate. The project involved the construction of 8 rock and concrete panelled groynes and the placement of 151,000 cubic metres of sand between the compartments. In the 20 years since the above-mentioned project was completed, erosion has continued to occur along Lady Robinsons Beach. This project will undertake beach nourishment along Lady Robinsons Beach, using sand sourced from south of Dolls Point.

Lady Robinsons beach – investigation and design study

The western foreshore of Botany Bay continues to be affected by beach erosion and dune degradation, caused by both natural events and man-made structures in Botany Bay. A list of works to reinstate the beach amenity, stabilise the shoreline and manage coastal hazard risks has been prepared. This project will assess the works, undertake a condition survey along the beach, prepare detailed concept designs, undertake a cost-benefit analysis and commence construction plans.

Bega Valley Shire Council

Bega Valley Shire Council dune enhancement

Bega Valley Shire contains roughly one-eighth of the New South Wales coastline and, while the area is known for having some of the most natural and intact coastal ecosystems in New South Wales, coastal events and human pressures require Council to actively manage these systems. This project will map issues and develop a two-year implementation plan for 19 key Council managed beach and dune environments. The rehabilitation phase will involve access consolidation, weed removal, seed collection and propagation and revegetation.

Bellingen Shire Council

Scoping study – Bellingen Shire coastal management program

This project will undertake a scoping study, the first step towards developing a coastal management program. The scoping study will review and ascertain any data gaps in the current coastal and river studies, including the certified Bellingen coastal zone management plan. The scoping study will include a strategy to engage the community and other stakeholders.

Byron Shire Council

Coastal management program – stage one scoping studies for the Byron Shire coastline

The Byron Shire coastline has endured a long history of coastal storms and coastal erosion and has been identified as an area undergoing long-term coastal recession. To provide a strategic and robust mechanism to manage these issues, Council will commence the process of preparing a coastal management program for the Byron coastline. This project will complete 2 scoping studies which will involve the synthesis of relevant literature and studies and the identification of any additional information needs.

Upgrade of Jonson Street protection works – pre-construction investigation

The Jonson Street protection works are a public asset that protects Byron Bay town centre from coastal erosion and recession. The land area adjacent to the works is widely regarded as an iconic Australian coastal location. There is an immediate threat to the structural integrity of the protection works and the integrity of the Byron Bay memorial pool, adjacent land and infrastructure. Undertaking an investigation and design of potential future works is important to ensure the most appropriate design for the location. This project is the pre-construction phase of the project, focusing on the design investigation, financial appraisal, planning and approvals.

Central Coast Council

Implementation of Pearl Beach Lagoon coastal zone management plan stage one

Pearl Beach Lagoon is a small and mostly closed coastal lagoon on the New South Wales Central Coast. The lagoon is a significant local landscape feature with both ecological and aesthetic value.

The primary goal of the Pearl Beach Lagoon coastal zone management plan is to improve the health of the lagoon. This project aims to address the initial stages through the investigation and design of 3 of the management actions listed in the plan, which relate to the hydrological and sedimentary processes occurring within the lagoon.

Wamberal terminal protection and sand nourishment investigation and design

This project will investigate the feasibility and design for a seawall and beach nourishment program for Wamberal Beach, to protect against future coastal erosion. The project will develop a design and costing package, cost-benefit analysis, benefits distribution analysis and funding model for the works. This will allow for an informed decision to be made on the implementation of a terminal protection structure and beach nourishment.

Coffs Harbour City Council

Coffs Harbour estuary and freshwater ecohealth monitoring program 2018-20

This project will provide comprehensive water quality information for the Coffs Coast and Orara catchments. It will allow Council to identify and investigate any issues and monitor trends in ecosystem health over time. A simple report card will be developed for the community and a more comprehensive technical report detailing site condition and trends for Council.

Strategically aligning coastal risk to asset management

This project will integrate the risks associated with coastal hazards into the Council's existing electronic asset management system. By utilising risk notifications in the asset register, appropriate and hazard-aware project design is triggered early in the asset planning process. This allows for the delivery of community services in a way that proactively responds to coastal hazards.

Implementation of strategy H3 Coffs Creek estuary coastal zone management plan

Council will investigate options to repair a popular area of Coffs Creek within Park Beach Reserve in a way that rehabilitates the shoreline habitat and formalises public access to the creek and beach. A range of different designs will be explored to maintain community access and current site usage, balanced with managing ecosystem requirements.

Scoping study – Corindi and Pipe Clay estuaries

Council will commence the process of updating existing plans for these areas into coastal management programs. The scoping study will set the direction for these plans. The Coffs Coast is an important location and planning for the future is crucial to ensure the area is managed effectively.

Stormwater management operational plan – Coffs Creek

This project will develop a stormwater management operational plan for Coffs Creek. The plan will explore and identify strategies and designs for the maintenance and upgrade of existing stormwater infrastructure, in the context of future coastal inundation and estuary health requirements.

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Enhancing Eurobodalla’s Coastal Environment 2018–2021

This project will protect and enhance Eurobodalla’s coastal environment, by undertaking river and foreshore restoration works including weeding, revegetation and erosion control as well as implementing localised community education programs to increase community awareness and participation in environmental protection works. It will improve the condition of 656 hectares of key estuarine endangered ecological communities and high-value foreshore vegetation.

Fairfield City Council

Green Valley Creek rehabilitation – Cumberland Highway to Orphan School Creek

Green Valley Creek is a tributary of Orphan School Creek (a significant tributary of Prospect Creek) which has been severely impacted and degraded by various land use changes, weed infestation, sewerage and stormwater pollution. There is also significant erosion caused by poorly built infrastructure along the creek. This project will rehabilitate 780 metres of Green Valley Creek between the Cumberland Highway and the confluence of Orphan School Creek. The proposed works will utilise a combination of environmental rehabilitation, stormwater management and landscaping works. This will ultimately reduce bed and bank erosion, improve water quality, restore native vegetation and provide greater amenity for the local community.

Georges River Council

Georges River estuary scoping study

This project will undertake a scoping study to transition the existing Georges River estuary coastal zone management plan into a coastal management program. Eight councils will work together to achieve this. A summary report and a community and stakeholder engagement plan will be developed through this project.

Hawkesbury City Council

Upper Hawkesbury estuary health card

Council will implement a local-scale water quality monitoring program for the tidal section of the Upper Hawkesbury River. Water quality and biological data will be used to assess the health and baseline condition, and for the development of biennial report cards. The monitoring program will establish baseline water quality condition for the Upper Hawkesbury River which will allow Council to assess the benefits and impacts of future rehabilitation and restoration works in the estuary.

Hunters Hill Council

Sediment and weed management to enhance coastal saltmarsh in Tarban Creek

This project will involve sediment and weed removal to enhance coastal saltmarsh and mangroves in Tarban Creek. Sediment and weed removal works will focus on reinstating the natural substrate as far as practical to allow for optimum tidal regimes for the saltmarsh and mangroves.

Kempsey Shire Council

Implementation of management action 12 Kempsey coastal zone management plan (CZMP) Grassy Head option C

Recent coastal processes and community usage has damaged existing beach access provisions and is impacting on coastal environmental values. This project will result in improved and safer beach access for the general community and holiday park visitors and reduced environmental impacts such as dune destabilisation and native vegetation damage.

Lake Macquarie City Council

Integrated coastal zone monitoring program for Lake Macquarie

An integrated coastal zone monitoring program will be undertaken to monitor the physical and ecological condition of key components of Lake Macquarie’s coastal zone: beach/dune morphology, aquatic health of the estuary, and ecological health of foreshore inter-tidal zones.

Restore, regenerate, revegetate – riparian habitat in Lake Macquarie

This project will carry out work on the stability of the bed and banks of tributary creeks of Lake Macquarie to maintain estuary health. It will improve stream health at multiple sites commencing in Crokers Creek. Crokers Creek has been highly modified by urbanisation and carries a significantly increased amount of discharge compared to natural pre-development runoff.

Lane Cove Municipal Council

Lane Cove Bushland Park – stormwater improvements stage 2 – implementation works

This project will protect, rehabilitate and stabilise the creek bed, bank and infrastructure in 3 drainage lines that run into Gore Creek. These areas have been prioritised for the following reasons: high levels of erosion causing massive movement of sediment, and risk to existing stormwater infrastructure and sewer. These works will greatly improve the 3 drainage lines but will also improve Gore Creek and its surrounds.

Mid-Coast Council

Blueys Beach pedestrian access management for erosion control

This project will address issues surrounding multiple unstable pedestrian beach access points at the southern end of Blueys Beach. It will improve pedestrian safety and allow for improved ecological management of the dunes.

Addressing water sensitive urban design priorities to improve estuary health

This project will address water quality impacts in Forster and Wallis Lake through the implementation of water sensitive urban design. The project will focus on the refurbishment of the Townsend Street constructed wetland, which receives considerable stormwater flow from 90 hectares of the surrounding catchment. The constructed wetland requires refurbishment to ensure the effective treatment of urban stormwater to minimise pollutant loads to the Wallis Lake estuary. Additional erosion control works will also be carried out including rock lining and vegetation planting to stabilise 2 large inlet channels to the wetland.

Checking in with ecological health assessment – Wallis, Smiths and Karuah

This project will undertake ecological health assessments of the Wallis Lake estuary, Smiths Lake estuary and Karuah River estuary, focusing on key ecological indicators including:

Chlorophyll, turbidity, temperature and dissolved oxygen.
The health and extent of seagrass and reliant sponge communities within southern Wallis Lake and Smiths Lake.

The results will be reported to the community through 2 report cards and associated engagement activities. This information will also be used to monitor progress of management actions and identifying future actions that are needed.

Cost-benefit analysis: Big Swamp coastal wetland rehabilitation project

The Big Swamp project is a broad-acre acid sulfate soil remediation project within the Pipeclay Canal-Cattai Creek catchment, which has been identified as one of the worst acid sulfate soil hotspots in the State. The project area consists of 2000 hectares of coastal floodplain that has been extensively cleared and drained for agriculture, resulting in the significant discharge of acid runoff into the Manning River estuary. The runoff has adverse impacts on water quality, aquatic ecology, oyster production and commercial and recreational fishing.

Mid-Coast Council will undertake a cost-benefit analysis and distributional analysis to quantify the cost and the economic, social and environmental benefits, of undertaking the rehabilitation project.

Evaluate threats and risks to the health of the Manning River estuary

This project will develop an understanding of critical processes and drivers underpinning the health of the Manning River estuary on the mid-North Coast. This will be achieved through engagement with the community, key stakeholders and public authorities to identify the purpose, preliminary vision, objectives, issues and opportunities for the Manning River estuary. It will inform future management actions to protect and enhance the environmental values of the estuary in a sustainable, practical, socially and economically viable way.

Racecourse Creek impact on Old Bar Beach study

Through this project, Council will identify potential solutions to mitigate hazards on Pacific Parade and Old Bar Beach, from the passage of Racecourse Creek across Old Bar Beach. This will be accomplished through the completion of a risk management study and plan for Racecourse Creek using a revised approach to combine catchment flooding and coastal inundation flooding behaviour. This study is essential for the development of the Old Bar/Manning Point coastal management program and identifying management solutions for this dynamic section of the NSW coast.

Nambucca Shire Council

Improvements to seawall at Bellwood, Nambucca Heads reducing future risk

Bellwood Park, Nambucca Heads, is a valuable asset for the Nambucca Shire community which provides facilities and open space for passive recreation. This project proposes to reconstruct a failed and ineffective foreshore protection structure which is presently causing safety issues for the public.

Restoration of beach access way – Nyambaga walking trail, Nambucca Heads

This project will replace the existing failed geofabric beach access path with a robust design, using recycled plastic planks at a beach access path connecting the V-Wall and Shelly Beach. The project will install the planks for the length of the path, which is about 150–200 metres, to improve the popular beach walking trail linking 2 popular local spaces and tourist destinations.

Newcastle City Council

Preparation of a coastal management program for Newcastle local government area coastline

The Newcastle coastline supports a range of natural landscapes, including open sandy shores and biologically diverse rock platforms, and constructed infrastructure such as urbanised seawalls and breakwaters that support the largest commercial shipping port in New South Wales. Managing the interaction of coastal processes and hazards on future and existing infrastructure, while still protecting the natural environment and preserving the coastal lifestyle, poses real challenges.

This project will develop a coastal management program for Newcastle. The coastal management program will set long-term strategies for the coordinated management of the entire coast in the local government area.

Northern Beaches Council

Collaroy–Narrabeen Beach coastal protection works

The June 2016 storm demonstrated that properties along Collaroy–Narrabeen Beach are under imminent threat of damage. This requires coastal protection works to be implemented in a coordinated manner. The proposed works are identified as suitable and desirable in the coastal zone management plan for Collaroy–Narrabeen Beach and Fishermans Beach and extend a length of 1.29 kilometres from South Narrabeen Beach to Collaroy Beach. They will provide effective protection to public and private assets from coastal storms.

The project benefits include ensuring public safety and preventing risks to human life, as well as maintaining public access, amenity and use of the beach and foreshore. These works will also significantly reduce the reliance on emergency response during and after coastal storms.

Port Macquarie–Hastings Council

Illaroo Road stormwater redirection construction

At present, stormwater infrastructure on Illaroo Road directs runoff to Lighthouse Beach via 2 stormwater outlets. These existing outlets pose a risk of erosion to the beach foredune and subsequent potential undermining of Illaroo Road. This project will construct new stormwater infrastructure along Illaroo Road to direct stormwater runoff to the northern end of the road and discharge to Lake Cathie, therefore, bypassing the existing outlets on Lighthouse Beach.

Shellharbour City Council

Restoration of Warilla sand dunes

This project aims to restore dune stability by replanting blow out areas due to natural deterioration of coastal wattle. The Warilla dune system was extensively planted in the 1990s and since has had areas that have died off. This project will increase the diversity of native species planted and will target the removal of environmental weeds including asparagus fern and turkey rhubarb.

Warilla seawall cost-benefit and distributional analysis

Several studies completed for Warilla Beach, highlight a need to reconstruct the beach's seawall to an appropriate engineering standard. While the seawall currently protects residential properties, infrastructure and public amenity, its future utility is uncertain.

This project will determine the feasibility and viability of management options, through a cost-benefit and distributional analysis.

The Council of the Municipality of Kiama

Blue Angle Creek erosion control options analysis

This project will assess the bank erosion issues along the Blue Angle Creek and develop an erosion control options assessment report. There are 2 priority areas where erosion is active which is impacting the social and environmental values of Blue Angle Creek and the Crooked River. Other areas to be looked at in the options analysis will include access points and potential future infrastructure to deal with the access ways into the creek, including the kayak launching area and potential for future fishing platforms on the bank of the creek. The preparation of an erosion control options assessment is essential for implementing works along Blue Angle Creek which will provide Council with sufficient technical and financial information to allow for future implementation of suitable erosion control recommendations.

Minnamurra coastal wetlands rehabilitation program

This project will control asparagus fern and other wetland weeds impacting the estuarine wetlands at the northern end of Charles Avenue, Minnamurra. The main weed species to be dealt with include asparagus fern, cape ivy, moth vine, bridal creeper, Norfolk Island hibiscus and other incidental weeds being removed as required.

Preparation of the Kiama local government area coastal management program

This project will develop a coastal management program to identify and address coastal hazards and vulnerabilities. It will identify management opportunities to develop locally relevant responses to issues in the areas of planning and development; infrastructure and asset management; environmental conservation; cultural heritage; and community use.

The Council of the Shire of Hornsby

Hawkesbury River system stage one – scoping study

This project will undertake a scoping study for the tidal waterways of the Hawkesbury River system. This study will engage with the community and set the strategy for the development of the coastal management program.

This project will cover the tidal waters of the Hawkesbury River system from the upstream area of Windsor at South Creek to the mouth of the estuary between Box Head and Barrenjoey Head in Broken Bay.

Tweed Shire Council

Tweed Coast coastal management program

Tweed Shire Council will develop a coastal management program for managing the social, environmental and economic issues, and risks along its 37-kilometre coastline. This coastal management program will also set a long-term strategy for more sustainable management of the Tweed coast based on a risk management approach.

Waverley Council

Eastern beaches open ocean coastal management program

This project will prepare a scoping study to inform the preparation of a combined coastal management program for the open ocean coast of Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick Councils will work together to undertake this project, so they can implement a consistent and comprehensive approach to coastal management along the coastline in this area.

Wollongong City Council

Restoration of foreshore vegetation and drainage lines of Lake Illawarra

Lake Illawarra is a highly valued natural resource within the Illawarra region and is immensely valuable from an ecological, social and economic perspective. The foreshore of the lake has major environmental problems, including invasive plants, fragmented remnant native vegetation and weedy drainage lines that run directly into the lake.

This project aims to restore and enhance the condition of estuarine riparian vegetation at 5 highly degraded sites along the foreshore of Lake Illawarra. These sites all have drainage lines and creeks that feed directly into the lake and are a source of sediments and nutrients. Priority actions include primary and secondary weed control and revegetation with appropriate native species. The objective is to increase estuarine habitat condition and connectivity in heavily weed infested areas and to enhance bank stability through targeted revegetation to improve the estuary health of Lake Illawarra.

Cost-benefit analysis and distributional analysis of Wollongong North Beach seawall

The construction of a seawall at Wollongong North Beach is identified as a priority option within Wollongong City Council's coastal zone management plan: Implementation Plan. Wollongong City Council has developed a concept design and completed a cost estimate for the construction of a new seawall. This project will undertake a cost-benefit analysis and distributional analysis to confirm if the construction of a new seawall is the most cost-effective option for protecting coastal infrastructure and natural assets at North Beach.

2016-17

Funding for these projects came from the NSW Government Coast and Estuary Management Program.

The program funded 13 projects in the implementation stream with $1,071,600; 24 projects in the planning stream with $1,520,275; 2 projects from the reserve list with $47,964.50; and 1 significant open coastal hazard project received $50,000.

Grant recipient/local government area	Project name	Funding stream
Ballina Shire Council	Chickiba Creek – moving on up (to a B–)	Implementation
	Lake Ainsworth coastal management program	Planning
	North Creek scoping study	Planning
	Shaws Bay dredging feasibility investigations	Planning
	Shaws Bay East Arm habitat stabilisation and erosion control works	Implementation
Bayside Council	Lady Robinsons Beach/Cook Park Kyeemagh – dune restoration	Implementation
Bayside Council	Restoring degraded wetlands of western Botany Bay	Implementation
Bellingen Shire Council	Protecting Dalhousie Creek habitat and maintaining community safety at Hungry Head	Implementation
Byron Shire Council	Coastal management program – North Byron Shire coastline	Planning
Canterbury–Bankstown Council	Cooks River catchment coastal management program – stage 1 scoping study	Planning
Central Coast Council	Umina/Ocean Beach erosion management strategy	Planning
City of Parramatta Council	Developing a river watch monitoring program for the Parramatta River: Phase 1	Implementation
City of Parramatta Council	Parramatta River seawall audit and options investigation	Planning
Clarence Valley Council	Beach scraping at Wooli Beach	Implementation
Coffs Harbour City Council	Cost benefit and distribution analysis for Campbells Beach protection works	Planning
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Prepare Moruya and Wagonga Coastal Management Program	Planning
Georges River Council	Georges River foreshore access and improvement plan	Planning
Kempsey Shire Council	Killick Creek estuary coastal management program – stage 1 scoping study	Planning
	Korogoro Creek estuary coastal management program – stage 1 scoping study	Planning
	Macleay River estuary coastal management program – stage 1 scoping study	Planning
	Management action 11: Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Plan – investigate and design foreshore concept plan	Planning
Lake Macquarie City Council	Improving geomorphic stability and ecosystem health of Lake Macquarie’s tributaries	Implementation
	Lake Macquarie comprehensive seagrass assessment	Implementation
	Lake Macquarie high priority estuary foreshore stabilisation project	Implementation
	Lake Macquarie native dune vegetation and enhancement continuation program	Implementation
	Pelican foreshore stabilisation – concept design options and detailed design	Planning
	Wetland rehabilitation for wildlife in Lake Macquarie	Implementation
Mid-Coast Council	Trial interim trucking program, Winda Woppa to Jimmy’s Beach	Implementation
Mid-Coast Council	Development of the Old Bar and Manning Point Coastal Management Program	Planning
Nambucca Shire Council	Coastal zone management plan to a coastal management program to support estuary management actions	Planning
Nambucca Shire Council	Nambucca Shire Council – stage 2 Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club protection	Implementation
Northern Beaches Council	Collaroy–Narrabeen protective works benefit distribution analysis	Planning
Port Macquarie–Hastings Council	Illaroo Road stormwater redirection detailed design	Planning
	Lake Cathie–Illaroo Road revetment wall funding model	Planning
	Middle Rock and Chepana Street stormwater works	Implementation
Port Stephens Council	Preparation of a coastal management program for the Port Stephens waterways	Planning
Shoalhaven City Council	Preparation of Shoalhaven City Council Coastal Management Program	Planning
Shoalhaven City Council	South Mollymook coastal protection cost benefit analysis and impact assessment	Planning
Sutherland Shire Council	Bate Bay Coastline Management Program	Planning
The Council of the Municipality of Kiama	Minnamurra River entrance foreshore rehabilitation project	Implementation

Ballina Shire Council

Chickiba Creek – moving on up (to a B–)

This project expands on previous works to restore the hydrological regime of Chickiba Wetland. Chickiba Creek received an ecohealth grade of D+ in 2014. The main areas of concern are the lack of riparian vegetation and the water quality in the catchment. This project involves re-establishment of habitat within Chickiba Wetland including the creation of connectivity between Chickiba Creek (tidal waters) and Chickiba Wetland for aquatic fauna. This project also includes working with and educating the local community to explain the work undertaken and their role in its maintenance.

Lake Ainsworth coastal management program

Lake Ainsworth is a popular destination for visitors and locals and is a significant natural icon in the area. A recent report into the water quality of Lake Ainsworth has indicated reasons for concern, one of the main concerns is that nutrient levels have doubled since 1995 and resulted in cyanobacteria outbreaks. This project will develop a management frameworks, including a recreational use strategy, to preserve the ecological condition of the riparian zone and lake function while also allowing for public access and use. It will also establish the impacts of climate change in this area, including sea-level rise and coastal inundation.

North Creek scoping study

North Creek is a complex system with significant estuary health issues. It is a relatively unstudied estuary and there no clear understanding of processes and interactions within the study area to identify cause and effect with respect to the significant health issues. As a result of reduced estuary health, the previously robust oyster industry is no longer viable and fish populations are compromised, with a reduced range and abundance of fish present. This project will undertake the first stage of a coastal management program, a scoping study. The study will review all relevant literature, aerial photographs, water quality data and other study results to determine the issues for further investigation and the likely methodologies to pursue these investigations. The structure of the scoping study has been designed to allow the stakeholders to provide detailed input.

Shaws Bay dredging feasibility investigations

Siltation and shoaling within Shaws Bay underlies a number issues within the bay including poor flushing and tidal exchange, poor water quality, smothering of seagrass and shallowing of high-usage swimming areas. Dredging will help address these issues and encourage users to sections of the bay with better water quality, allow the creation of an environmental zone in the northern section and generate material for the creation of sandy beaches. This project will determine the feasibility, environmental, legislative and logistical constraints and approvals of dredging so that implementation of dredging within Shaws Bay can be undertaken in an optimal manner. This project is a key component in the long-term management of Shaws Bay.

Shaws Bay East Arm habitat stabilisation and erosion control works

This project is the first priority of the Shaw's Bay Coastal Zone Management Plan and seeks to arrest bank erosion, create shoreline habitat and improve public amenity at this increasingly popular location. The project is considered an excellent candidate to showcase effective, functional and environmentally sensitive shoreline management measures. The resulting shoreline will consist of sandy beaches with saltmarsh fringes and mangrove habitat as well as a more traditional rock wall along a shady bank which is highly consistent with the aesthetics of the location.

Bayside Council

Lady Robinsons Beach/Cook Park Kyeemagh – dune restoration

Lady Robinsons Beach at Cook Park Kyeemagh is located on the western foreshore of Botany Bay and contains a narrow dune strip varying in width from six metres to 15 metres. Over the last 20 years Council has been undertaking works to restore the dunes that are constantly impacted by beach erosion and windblown sand impacts from storm events in Botany Bay. These works have resulted in a stable foredune however, the backdune that is partly protected by a steel corrugated wind control fence has deteriorated resulting in a steep unmanageable bank full of weeds and exotic plants that is a hazard to pedestrians using the adjacent pathway. In order to restore this 300 metre by five metre wide section of the dunes it is proposed to remove the metal barrier fence, regrade and recondition the bank and then plant out the bank with local coastal native trees which will merge into the stable frontal dunes.

Restoring degraded wetlands of western Botany Bay

This project will implement a number of priority actions identified in Council's Natural Areas Restoration Plan for wetlands stretching from Scarborough Ponds, Monterey in the north to the Georges River in the south. These works will focus on staged terrestrial and aquatic weed removal which will improve the condition of endangered ecological communities, wetland areas and waterways, as well as habitat for the threatened grey-headed flying-fox, southern myotis and migratory birds. This project will also create opportunities for community stewardship of the natural environment through Bushcare days, community planting days and wetland tours.

Bellingen Shire Council

Protecting Dalhousie Creek habitat and maintaining community safety at Hungry Head

This project will address impacts from coastal erosion and impeded beach access at Hungry Head Surf Life Saving Club. It will assist in maintaining safe pedestrian and surf club vehicle access to Hungry Head beach and also address the impacts of informal pedestrian access through native vegetation, which have arisen as a result of the impeded access. The project involves formalise access ways, fencing, weed control and revegetation.

Byron Shire Council

Coastal management program – North Byron Shire coastline

This project will prepare a coastal management program for the northern precincts of the Byron Shire coastline including the townships of South Golden Beach and New Brighton. The coastal management program will build on existing studies and management plans that have been developed for the coastline and will identify viable management responses for this area of the Byron Shire coastline.

Canterbury–Bankstown Council

Cooks River catchment coastal management program – stage 1 scoping study

There are 3 major issues contributing to the physical degradation of the river: high volumes of stormwater adversely impacting stream flow regimes and degrading aquatic habitats; sewer overflow into the river during intense rainfall events; and degraded physical structures i.e. banks instability and sedimentation. This project will develop a scoping study to underpin and inform the development of a coastal management program for the Cooks River catchment. Undertaking a scoping study will assist in identifying management issues and prioritise management actions.

Central Coast Council

Umina/Ocean Beach erosion management strategy

Umina/Ocean Beach is in Broken Bay at the southern end of the Central Coast local government area. The sedimentary system within Broken Bay is extremely complex manifesting in medium to long term periods of cyclical beach erosion and accretion. During extended periods of erosion, the integrity and stability of The Esplanade behind the beach is often compromised and historically this has been managed through ad hoc protection and beach scraping.

This project aims to set the direction for the long-term management of coastal hazards within this embayment in accordance with the Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan. This project will investigate 2 aspects: nourishment of the beach utilising sand from the Ettalong Shoal offshore of Half Tide Rocks; and protection of The Esplanade between Ocean Beach Surf Life Saving Club and Koorong Street boat ramp.

City of Parramatta Council

Developing a river watch monitoring program for the Parramatta River: Phase 1

The Parramatta River Catchment Group, an alliance of State and local government and the community, is working to make the Parramatta River swimmable again by 2025. This project will undertake Phase one of the Parramatta River Catchment Group’s proposed river watch monitoring program, which involves initial contaminant screening at 7 proposed swimming sites along the river. Contaminants to be monitored will include heavy metals, dioxins, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, surfactants and pesticides.

Parramatta River seawall audit and options investigation

There are about 8.2 kilometres of seawalls along the Parramatta River in the City of Parramatta Council area which protect public and private assets. These seawalls are in various states of repair. Council is seeking to carry out an audit of the condition of all seawalls in the Council area to inform future repair and maintenance requirements. The audit will also investigate the possibility of making existing seawalls more environmentally friendly by providing improved habitat for local aquatic life.

Clarence Valley Council

Beach scraping at Wooli Beach

This project will trial beach scraping on Wooli Beach, with the aim of increasing dune volume to reduce the current coastal erosion risk, for sections of the beach profile with sand volumes less than 220 cubic metres per lineal metre. Scraping works will enhance natural dune rebuilding at the time of year when deposition most commonly occurs (spring/summer), when impacts on nesting fauna will be minimised and when dune revegetation will be more successful.

Coffs Harbour City Council

Cost benefit and distribution analysis for Campbells Beach protection works

This project will undertake a cost benefit analysis and distributional analysis for possible protection works at Campbells Beach. This analysis will assist in determining and justifying the best option for long-term protection at this location. It will also identify the distribution of costs and benefits among the different parties affected by the management actions.

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Prepare Moruya and Wagonga Coastal Management Program

The Moruya Estuary Management Plan and Wagonga Estuary Management Plan Review identified projects and initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring key environmental assets and social amenity. A recent review of these plans determined that most of the high priority projects have been implemented, including major erosion control works, weed control and water quality monitoring programs.

This project will develop a new plan that considers changes in land use within the catchment and community opinion on how the estuaries are currently managed. It will deliver a structured framework for stakeholders to reference in managing and monitoring these estuaries. The outcome of this project is to maintain and where possible, improve the environmental condition and health of Moruya and Wagonga estuaries.

Georges River Council

Georges River foreshore access and improvement plan

This project will develop a Georges River foreshore access and improvement plan, including mapping of current and future coastal hazards. Coastal inundation, tidal inundation and foreshore erosion mapping will be overlayed over these hazards to consider potential locations for the enhancement of endangered ecological community habitat.

This project will also identify locations within the publicly owned foreshore suitable for enhanced recreational access and amenity, and the construction of environmentally friendly seawalls. Concept designs and costings will be produced for these improvement works.

Kempsey Shire Council

Killick Creek estuary coastal management program – stage 1 scoping study

This project will review and upgrade the existing Killick Creek estuary management plan into a Killick Creek estuary coastal management program by commencing a scoping study. The primary purpose is to set out long-term strategies for the co-ordinated management of land within the coastal zone to meet local needs.

This scoping study will collate and review all relevant information relating to the coastal zone, identify issues relative to coastal management, consider opportunities affecting the coastal zone now and in the future and assess the adequacy of existing coastal management arrangements.

Korogoro Creek estuary coastal management program – stage 1 scoping study

Council will review and upgrade the existing Korogoro Creek estuary management plan into a Korogoro Creek estuary coastal management program. The primary purpose of the Korogoro Creek estuary coastal management program is to set out long-term strategies for the co-ordinated management of land within the coastal zone to meet local needs.

Macleay River estuary coastal management program – stage 1 scoping study

This project will transition the existing Macleay River estuary coastal zone management plan into a Macleay River estuary coastal management program by commencing a scoping study. This study will collate and review all relevant information relating to the coastal zone, identify issues relative to coastal management, consider opportunities affecting the coastal zone now and in the future and assess the adequacy of existing coastal management arrangements.

Management action 11: Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Plan – investigate and design foreshore concept plan

Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Plan identified issues associated with foreshore erosion by coastal processes and increasing risks to public safety arising from the existing foreshore protection works adjacent to the South West Rocks Surf Life Saving Club and primary community beach access location. This project will investigate possible management options and prepare design concept plans to upgrade the existing foreshore protection works to abate future coastal processes impacts and facilitate improved public usage and safety in the area.

Lake Macquarie City Council

Improving geomorphic stability and ecosystem health of Lake Macquarie’s tributaries

The stability of bed and banks of tributary creeks of Lake Macquarie is an important factor that contributes to the maintenance of estuary health. Slatey Creek, Dora Creek, Stoney Creek and Wyee Creek are identified as being subject to long-term sensitivity to the combined impacts of total suspended solids, bio-available nitrogen and organic enrichment from catchment sources.

This project aims to identify and redress stream bank and bed erosion through the design and implementation of in-stream stabilisation works in conjunction with riparian habitat restoration. The use of remote sensing technology (supported with ground truthing), will be trialled for the rapid assessment of stream and habitat condition. Works will include techniques such as bed and bank control structures, rock-fillets, bush regeneration, weed management and revegetation.

Lake Macquarie comprehensive seagrass assessment

Seagrass health and extent is a key issue for the management of the Lake Macquarie estuary, as seagrass is critical to the ecological function and productivity of the estuarine system. Lake Macquarie contains the third largest area of seagrass within NSW. Mapping is the most cost effective mechanism to monitor its extent. A new assessment is required to provide contemporary information to feed into Council's Estuary Health Report Card, State of the Environment Report, Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, and NSW State-wide Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting framework, and to aid in effective estuary management.

Lake Macquarie high priority estuary foreshore stabilisation project

This project will rehabilitate selected priority foreshore areas of Lake Macquarie which have become degraded over time due to a number of factors including vegetation loss, public use of the foreshore and subsequent erosion by wind waves. These combined factors act to elevate sediment loads in the Lake, reducing water quality, whilst loss of littoral vegetation diminishes the natural processes of filtering stormwater runoff before entering the Lake. All aspects of the foreshore rehabilitation will improve the overall health of Lake Macquarie.

Lake Macquarie native dune vegetation and enhancement continuation program

The Lake Macquarie native dune vegetation and enhancement project aims to engage contractors and support ‘Coast Keeper’ teams to work along the entire coastline to plant about 20,000 native dune plants, eradicate bitou bush and other transformer weeds, reshape dunes and exclude vehicles to enhance and increase dune resilience.

Pelican foreshore stabilisation – concept design options and detailed design

The Pelican foreshore contains some of New South Wales most vulnerable assets, which are at risk from coastal erosion. Ongoing erosion is currently threatening essential emergency service facilities and recreational assets and if left unchecked, will threaten residential housing. The cause of this erosion (ongoing migration of Swansea Channel) is well understood, however, this largely unprotected stretch of foreshore at Pelican will continue to claim assets unless foreshore protection works are effectively designed, costed and installed. The high vulnerability of the Pelican area to sea level rise impacts necessitates that various adaptation pathways be considered, as part of the concurrent Pelican–Blacksmiths local adaptation planning process.

This project will prepare an agreed concept design for foreshore protection works, considering coastal processes on-site. The concept designs and detailed design produced by this project will also inform a climate change adaptation plan for the Pelican-Blacksmiths area.

Wetland rehabilitation for wildlife in Lake Macquarie

This project will undertake wetland rehabilitation around Lake Macquarie. The identification of priority wetlands for rehabilitation has been informed by a process that considers current biological health of the wetland, on-going maintenance and the outcomes of a recent study. Works under this grant aim to improve water quality, restore/preserve habitat values, reduce poor management practice and improve the buffering capacity of wetlands against projected sea level rise.

Mid-Coast Council

Development of the Old Bar and Manning Point Coastal Management Program

This project will develop a coastal management program for Old Bar and Manning Point areas. This project will undertake extensive community consultation to enhance the communities understanding of coastal process. The coastal management program will determine the future management options of these areas.

Trial interim trucking program, Winda Woppa to Jimmy’s Beach

Mid-Coast Council (previously Great Lakes Council) is currently designing a sand transfer system for the ongoing provision of sand from a stockpile site at Winda Woppa. In the interim Jimmy’s Beach needs to be maintained to protect the beach, road and subsequent private residences.

This project involves a trucking campaigns of 5000 cubic metres of sand from the stockpile on Winda Woppa to Jimmy’s Beach.

Nambucca Shire Council

Nambucca Shire Council – stage 2 Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club protection

The Nambucca Heads Surf Lifesaving Club and ancillary infrastructure at Main Beach Nambucca Heads is located in a vulnerable area of the coast affected by coastal erosion processes. Council's certified Coastal Zone Management Plan prioritises actions for the immediate and urgent maintenance of the seawalls at Main Beach with an aim to maximise the life of the existing infrastructure. This project will address the area adjacent to the club facilities, driveway, public foreshore and car parking area to the north of the club and also provide a new beach access point between the carpark and the Surf Club.

Coastal Zone Management Plan to a Coastal Management Program to support estuary management actions

This project will support Nambucca Shire Council to prepare a coastal management program. This program will review and update Councils existing plans and strategies and consolidate them into a comprehensive guide for coastal management across the Nambucca local government area.

Northern Beaches Council

Collaroy–Narrabeen protective works benefit distribution analysis

This project will fund the development of a distribution analysis of costs and benefits among the various parties for construction of protective works along Collaroy–Narrabeen beach. Development along Collaroy–Narrabeen beach is classified as the most at risk in New South Wales from coastal processes. This site was subjected to coastal erosion during the June 2016 East Coast Low and significant impacts occurred to private and public properties.

Port Macquarie–Hastings Council

Illaroo Road stormwater redirection detailed design

This project involves the completion of detailed designs, reports, documents and gaining all necessary approvals for the redirection of stormwater from two existing outlets which empty directly onto Lake Cathie beach directly opposite Illaroo Road.

Lake Cathie–Illaroo Road revetment wall funding model

This project involves the development of a funding model for the construction of the Lake Cathie revetment wall and ongoing beach nourishment.

The development of a funding model will use and expand on existing cost-benefit analysis work in this area, finalise actual costs and apportion those costs to all stakeholders that benefit from construction of the revetment wall and accompanying beach nourishment.

Middle Rock and Chepana Street stormwater works

Active coastal erosion is undermining existing stormwater infrastructure along Lighthouse Beach, between Lake Cathie and Middle Rock. The Middle Rock Road project will involve the design and reconstruction of the degraded infrastructure and locally eroded dune (including shaping/filling, revegetation and fencing) to prevent ongoing localised erosion and damage to infrastructure. The Chepana Street project will involve maintenance of a degraded stormwater outlet and locally eroded dune to prevent ongoing localised erosion and damage to infrastructure.

Port Stephens Council

Preparation of a coastal management program for the Port Stephens waterways

This project will develop a coastal management program for Port Stephens waterways, that will set clear and transparent long-term strategy for the management of land within the coastal zone.

Shoalhaven City Council

Preparation of Shoalhaven City Council coastal management program

The Shoalhaven coastline (165 kilometres) has a diversity of coastal features and coastal risks. This project will consolidate information from existing plans into a new coastal management program that includes the risks, consultation outcomes and management options that have been identified over the last 5 years.

South Mollymook coastal protection cost-benefit analysis and impact assessment

Mollymook Beach South is at high risk of coastal erosion. Following storms in the 1970s, measures were taken to protect major sewage infrastructure, rising mains and the public pathway located in front of the golf club, as well as Ocean Street and the Surf Life Saving Club. The 160-metre gabion mattress revetment and 50-metre sandstone wall were damaged by storms in 2015 and 2016 and are now reaching the end of their lives. Concept designs to repair, replace and upgrade existing coastal protection structures to protect public and private assets are available. This project involves undertaking a cost-benefit analysis and impact assessment of the preferred options.

Sutherland Shire Council

Bate Bay Coastline Management Program

Ongoing erosion of the beaches within Bate Bay has led to a gradual degradation of the recreational beach amenity and threat to public assets. This project will develop a coastal management program that addresses issues including beach use, water use, safety, flora and fauna, water quality and the impact of adjacent development.

This coastal management program will aim to improve Council’s knowledge and understanding of the physical dynamics of the Bate Bay system and will include objectives, strategies and actions related to the medium- and longer-term preservation, maintenance, development and use of Bate Bay and its foreshores.

The Council of the Municipality of Kiama

Minnamurra River entrance foreshore rehabilitation project

The Minnamurra River bank is affected by erosion from the ocean waves and flood tides. This project will be stabilise the areas affected by erosion with bank rocks sourced on site and imported ballast, re-battered to a more natural bank grade, jute matting and replanted with low growing native vegetation. In addition, a stormwater flow line which causes erosion issues will be stabilised.

2015-16

The Coastal Management and Estuary Management Grant Programs were separate programs in 2015–16. Changes to legislative and policy framework brought about by the Coastal Management Act 2016 resulted in the 2 programs being merged into the Coastal and Estuary Grant Program after the 2015–16 funding round.

In 2015–16, 18 projects were funded under the Coastal Management Program and 30 projects were funded under the Estuary Management Program.

Grant recipient/local government area	Project name	Grant type
Bega Valley Shire Council	Bega Valley Shire Coastal Zone Management Plan	Coastal management
	Bermagui River Estuary Coastal Zone Management Plan	Estuary management
	Estuary management plan reviews: Wallaga Lake, Merimbula/Back Lake and Curalo	Estuary management
Byron Shire Council	New Brighton Beach scraping works 2015 to 2017	Coastal management
Clarence Valley Council	Everlasting Swamp hydrodynamic modelling	Estuary management
	Geotechnical survey and coastal hazard lines review for Brooms Head hotspot	Coastal management
	Pilot Hill, Yamba groundwater and slope stability data review and action plan	Coastal management
Coffs Harbour City Council	Bonville and Pine Creeks Coastal Zone Management Plan	Estuary management
Coffs Harbour City Council	Implementation of coastal zone management plan geotechnical assessment Woolgoolga, Arrawarra, Sandy Beaches	Coastal management
Council of the City of Sydney	Sydney Harbour Estuary Processes Study	Estuary management
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Endangered ecological community conservation works across Eurobodalla estuaries 2016	Estuary management
	Eurobodalla estuary health monitoring and reporting	Estuary management
	Review: Tuross Coila Estuary Management Plan	Estuary management
Fairfield City Council	Burdett Street gross pollutant trap installation	Estuary management
Gosford City Council	Engaging the community to foster long-term improvement of our wetland ecosystems	Estuary management
Gosford City Council	Gosford coastal lagoons entrance management review	Estuary management
Great Lakes Council	Miles Island weed and feral pest animal control project	Estuary management
Greater Taree City Council	Arresting riverbank erosion within the Manning River estuary	Estuary management
Greater Taree City Council	Big Swamp acid sulfate soil remediation project (Stage 3)	Estuary management
Hunter Local Land Services	Bank protection, Cobbans Creek to Ramsar Road, Ash Island, Hunter River South Arm – stage 3	Estuary management
Kempsey Shire Council	Implementation of management action 8: Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Plan – Hat Head	Coastal management
	Implementation of management action 12: Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Plan – Grassy Head	Coastal management
	Implementation of management strategies 8 and 11: Macleay River Estuary Coastal Zone Management Plan	Estuary management
	Implementation of management strategy 21: Macleay Estuary Coastal Zone Management Plan	Estuary management
Kogarah City Council	Dover Park West foreshore remediation Project	Estuary management
Lake Macquarie City Council	City-wide Dune Ecosystem Enhancement Continuation Program	Coastal management
	Detailed geotechnical assessment of cliff-top stability in high hazard locations	Coastal management
	Living creek corridors – creating the connections in Lake Macquarie	Estuary management
	Restoring functionality of degraded foreshores – Lake Macquarie	Estuary management
	Wetlands for wildlife in Lake Macquarie 2015–2016	Estuary management
Lane Cove Municipal Council	Bushland Park stormwater improvements Stage 1 – investigation and design	Estuary management
Manly Council	Fairy Bower seawall remediation and protection project Manly NSW	Coastal management
Nambucca Shire Council	Nambucca River – bank stabilisation and restoration	Estuary management
	Nambucca EcoHealth Monitoring Program	Estuary management
	Scotts Head headland coastal hazard reduction	Coastal management
	Valla Crown Reserve Endangered Ecological Community restoration	Coastal management
Newcastle City Council	Themeda Endangered Ecological Community restoration King Edward Park	Coastal management
Newcastle City Council	Astra Street inundation action plan	Estuary management
Pittwater Council	Pittwater Local Government Area coastal dunes restoration	Coastal management
Port Macquarie–Hastings Council	Estuarine lake linkages: protecting the islands and foreshores of the Camden Haven	Estuary management
Port Macquarie–Hastings Council	Flynns Beach retaining wall replacement Stage 1	Coastal management
Richmond River County Council	Water quality monitoring – Richmond River Catchment	Estuary management
Sutherland Shire Council	Wanda to North Cronulla dune maintenance plan development	Coastal management
Tweed Shire Council	Tweed Estuary Coastal Zone Management Plan preparation	Estuary management
Waverley Council	Bronte seawall – technical assessment and design project	Coastal management
Wollongong City Council	Lake Illawarra Coastal Zone Management Study and Plan	Estuary management
Woollahra Municipal Council	Reconstruction of Lyne Park Rose Bay north-east section of the seawall	Coastal management
Wyong Shire Council	Foreshore rehabilitation at Noamunga Crescent, Gwandalan	Estuary management

Bega Valley Shire Council

Bega Valley Shire Coastal Zone Management Plan

This project will complete a Bega Valley Coastal Zone Management Plan that will focus on the key locations of Bermagui Coast, Cuttagee/Murrah Coast, Tathra Coast, Merimbula Coast, Twofold Bay and Wonboyn. The plan will allow Council to effectively understand and manage coastal risks.

Bermagui River Estuary Coastal Zone Management Plan

Bega Valley Shire Council will complete a Coastal Zone Management Plan for the Bermagui River. It is a relatively small estuary which does not have a vast range of difficult management issues, however as this is a growth area an Estuary Management Plan is required to provide the best outcomes for its management into the future.

Estuary management plan reviews: Wallaga Lake, Merimbula/Back Lake and Curalo

This project will review the estuary management plans for Wallaga Lake, Merimbula and Back Lake and Lake Curalo to consider new information, data, approaches to better estuary and catchment management and to capture changing views within the community in terms of how the estuaries are managed. Council has successfully implemented a range of actions from their existing plan and this review will help prioritise future actions.

Byron Shire Council

New Brighton Beach scraping works 2015 to 2017

New Brighton Beach is subject to coastal erosion and inundation, with both public infrastructure and private development located adjacent to or intersected by the immediate coastal hazard zone. The primary aim of these works is to mitigate the immediate coastal erosion and inundation threat by increasing the dune volume adjacent to public and private property and land. The works will reduce the severity of the threat that currently exists.

Clarence Valley Council

Everlasting Swamp hydrodynamic modelling

The Everlasting Swamp has been referred to as the ‘Kakadu of the South’ but extensive drainage and modification since 1928 has significantly reduced its ecological attributes. This project will provide land managers with a detailed understanding of the water, soil and ecological processes that can then be used to develop strategies that will lead to the rehabilitation of the wetland. The project will also identify any risks or obstacles that need to be addressed for this to occur.

Geotechnical survey and coastal hazard lines review for Brooms Head hotspot

This project will undertake geotechnical assessment of strata and review the coastal hazard lines for the coastal hotspot. Data will be used to assist implementation of actions in the Brooms Head Beach and Lake Cakora Coastal Zone Management Plan. The Brooms Head is a coastal erosion hotspot. It will also inform landowners in the area who are of the view that, due to the existence of clay, rubble and other resistant material at the Lake Cakora entry, combined with distance from the ocean, the coastal hazard is not as significant as stated.

Pilot Hill, Yamba groundwater and slope stability data review and action plan

The Yamba Coastline Management Plan recommended further groundwater monitoring at Pilot Hill, Yamba. The purpose of groundwater monitoring is to enable more precise definition and possible reassessment of landslide risk. This project will review and analyse technical reports by consultants, daily rainfall records, groundwater data monitoring records and inclinometer measurement records taken over the past 10 years. Following the review, recommendations on actions to address all aspects of the Yamba Coastline Management Plan, stabilisation, subsurface drainage and classification of the landslide risk zones will be made.

Coffs Harbour City Council

Bonville and Pine Creeks Coastal Zone Management Plan

This project will develop a Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) for Bonville and Pine Creek. The CZMP will aim to preserve environmental and cultural values. The main issues relating to the creek are bank erosion, entrance management, Aboriginal heritage management and water quality. A CZMP for Bonville Creek will include the revision of existing studies, community consultation and an implementation schedule for strategic actions.

Implementation of coastal zone management plan geotechnical assessment Woolgoolga, Arrawarra, Sandy Beaches

This project will conduct a geotechnical assessment at Woolgoolga Beach, Sandy Beach, Emerald Beach and Arrawarra Beach to determine the depth to bedrock in areas shown to be at extreme to high risk of erosion and recession by 2100, focusing on residential areas. Ground-truthing or field work exercises during the study shall focus on those properties found to be at immediate, high or extreme risk. The study will also identify other substrates that may provide suitable foundation capacity to withstand erosion and recession hazards.

Council of the City of Sydney

Sydney Harbour Estuary Processes Study

This project will develop the Sydney Harbour Estuary Processes Study. The over-arching objective of the Sydney Harbour Estuary Processes Study is to assist decision-making for the prioritisation of management actions for a subsequent Sydney Harbour Estuary Management Plan. The Sydney Harbour Estuary Processes Study will provide a comprehensive report on the existing physical, chemical and biological condition of the estuary and those processes and interactions that influence the condition of the estuary, both within and external to the study area. It will also identify enhancement, development and management needs to ensure the long-term ecological sustainability of the estuary.

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Endangered ecological community conservation works across Eurobodalla estuaries 2016

This project will continue to control threats in the five major estuaries of the Eurobodalla Shire (Clyde, Tomaga, Moruya, Tuross/Coila and Wagonga estuaries). This project will expand on works already undertaken in previous stages and will commence work in a further four new sites. The project will involve undertaking weeding and revegetation works, as well as implementing localised community education programs to improve the condition of these habitats and increase the communities’ awareness and participation in environmental protection works.

Eurobodalla estuary health monitoring and reporting

This project will see the continuation of estuary health monitoring in the 6 main Eurobodalla estuaries, and the completion of up-to-date estuary health report cards that track how well each estuary is being managed over time. They will also inform the community of the current health of its estuaries. The project will also incorporate updated mapping of macrophytes in the 6 estuaries to expand on previous work.

Review: Tuross Coila Estuary Management Plan

This project will review the Tuross Coila Estuary Management Plan which was written in 2005. As Council have implemented a lot of activities from the plan, this plan review will consider proposed intensification of landuse within the catchment, and develop a new plan of management to capture changing views within the community in terms of how the estuary is managed.

Fairfield City Council

Burdett Street gross pollutant trap installation

This project involves the installation of a gross pollutant trap on two stormwater pipes that discharge into Orphan School Creek. It will reduce the volume of gross pollutants, sediment and nutrient loads and contribute to enhanced water quality and estuary health in the Georges River.

Gosford City Council

Engaging the community to foster long-term improvement of our wetland ecosystems

The project aims to control weeds within the target wetlands. On-ground works will target Juncus acutus and Weeds of National Significance (WONS) including asparagus weeds and lantana and will be undertaken by appropriately qualified bush regeneration contractors using best practice bush regeneration techniques. In addition the project will work in partnership with the Central Coast Waterwatch program to implement a community engagement strategy. This will include activities such as water quality monitoring, workshops and field days, catchment crawls, preparation and dissemination of education materials. The engagement strategy will contribute to 4 of the 10 high priority catchment-wide management actions identified in the Coastal Zone Management Plan.

Gosford Coastal Lagoons Entrance Management Review

This project will involve a review of the Council’s lagoon entrance management regime so the desired environmental values are better considered and options are identified for adjusting practices to facilitate desired ecological benefit while meeting the flood mitigation imperatives. The review will be applied operationally to eight lagoon entrances across the Gosford Local Government Area.

Great Lakes Council

Miles Island weed and feral pest animal control project

Miles Island is a recreationally and biologically important asset. Historical land use and modification has allowed invasion by a range of noxious and invasive weeds and there is a substantial population of foxes known on the island. This project will provide for the deployment of a coordinated and integrated suite of noxious and environmental weed and fox controls to enhance the condition, function and resilience of Miles Island. The project will also include community awareness and promotion and facilitated natural regeneration.

Greater Taree City Council

Arresting riverbank erosion within the Manning River estuary

The project will address the sedimentation of the Manning River by stabilising at least one kilometre of severely eroding riverbank located on private land within the Manning River estuary in partnership with local landholders. The project will involve the implementation of a suite of best practice riverbank stabilisation techniques including rock revetment, rock fillets, stock exclusion fencing, weed management and the revegetation of the riparian zone. The project will result in an improvement in water quality and the enhancement of key fish habitat within the lower Manning River.

Big Swamp acid sulfate soil remediation project (Stage 3)

The Big Swamp project is a broad-acre acid sulfate soil remediation project within the Pipeclay Canal-Cattai Creek catchment. Significant discharge of acid sulfate soil products into the Manning River estuary has adverse impacts on water quality, aquatic ecology, oyster production and commercial and recreational fishing. The project proposes to acquire and remediate a further 200 hectares of land which will result in a reduction in acid sulfate soil discharge into the Manning River and an improvement in estuarine health.

Hunter Local Land Services

Bank protection, Cobbans Creek to Ramsar Road, Ash Island, Hunter River South Arm – stage 3

The project will stabilise the eroding river bank on the south arm of the Hunter River between Cobbans Creek and Ramsar Road at Kooragang Wetlands. Rock revetment will be installed to prevent further erosion of the river bank while allowing public access to the river. This stage of the work covers the construction at the next highest priority section of the site. Planting of riparian vegetation will be undertaken to restore the construction site.

Kempsey Shire Council

Implementation of management action 12: Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Plan – Grassy Head

Grassy Head holiday park is a popular tourist location on the mid north coast of New South Wales. Recent coastal processes have significantly damaged community valued infrastructure and beach access provisions. This project will provide for community infrastructure that provides safe public usage, reduces environmental impacts and is designed and constructed with climate change considerations.

Implementation of management action 8: Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Plan – Hat Head

The coastal village of Hat Head is a popular tourist location on the mid north coast of New South Wales. Recent coastal processes and community usage patterns have significantly damaged community valued infrastructure and beach access facilities. This project will provide for community infrastructure that provides safe public usage, reduces environmental impacts and is designed and constructed with climate change considerations.

Implementation of management strategies 8 and 11: Macleay River Estuary Coastal Zone Management Plan

There are issues with riverbank erosion and proliferation of spiny or sharp rush (Juncus acutus) within the lower Macleay estuary. This project aims to rehabilitate 300 metres of lower Macleay River estuary foreshore by: removing environmental weeds identified as posing a high threat to a saltmarsh endangered ecological community, reinstating foreshore stability, enhancing the riparian zone, and expanding fisheries habitat within the intertidal zone through a combination of timber/rock fillet protection works.

Implementation of management strategy 21: Macleay Estuary Coastal Zone Management Plan

There is a lack of information about migratory and threatened bird species in the Macleay River estuary. This project will gather up-to-date information to help identify bird usage patterns, species richness, threats and management issues and high-conservation-value habitats in the Macleay River estuary. It will subsequently develop appropriate management outcomes to protect migratory and threatened bird species in the Macleay River estuary.

Kogarah City Council

Dover Park West foreshore remediation project

This project involves the design and construction of a revetment structure to reduce ongoing erosion on a steep sediment foreshore slope in Dover Park West. This will involve reducing the existing foreshore slope, installing a sandstone rip-rap treatment on sections to increase foreshore strength while also increasing the variability of habitat on the existing, habitat poor foreshore. The revegetation of a section with riparian and saltmarsh will also be a part of this project.

Lake Macquarie City Council

City-wide Dune Ecosystem Enhancement Continuation Program

This project seeks to increase dune resilience and links to coastal hazard reduction. The activities will include dune reshaping, revegetation, bitou bush eradication and pedestrian exclusion strategies (signage, fencing and access restrictions). The project supports a combined Coastal Land Managers Group and a Coast Keepers team for work along the coastline.

Detailed geotechnical assessment of cliff-top stability in high hazard locations

This project will undertake a detailed geotechnical assessment of locations identified as being at high risk from coastal cliff instability and in proximity to assets such as roads, services and homes. The assessment will prepare a fine-scale study of erodibility of geological strata, jointing and other geophysical features, mine subsidence, sea level rise, and historical slips and block falls to predict the likely extent of clifftop instability up to 2100, and recommend suitable development setbacks and planning controls.

Living creek corridors – creating the connections in Lake Macquarie

The ecological health of the Lake Macquarie estuary is highly dependent on inflows from its catchment and tributaries. Altered hydrology from urbanisation has resulted in many of these tributaries exhibiting increased erosion, sedimentation and weed problems. This project aims to undertake stream stabilisation and riparian restoration at priority sites to enhance green corridor connectivity and reduce pressures impacting on the Lake. Works will include soft engineering solutions such as rock fillets, bed control structures, bush regeneration, weeding and planting with provenance tube stock as required.

Restoring functionality of degraded foreshores – Lake Macquarie

This project will rehabilitate selected priority foreshore areas of Lake Macquarie which have become degraded over time due to a number of factors including vegetation loss, public use of the foreshore and subsequent erosion by wind and waves. These combined factors act to elevate sediment loads into the Lake, reduce water quality, whilst loss of littoral vegetation diminishes the natural processes of filtering stormwater runoff before entering the lake. The rehabilitation of degraded foreshores of Lake Macquarie will contribute to improving and maintaining the water quality of the lake.

Wetlands for wildlife in Lake Macquarie 2015–2016

This project will continue to undertake wetland rehabilitation across the city. The identification of priority wetlands for rehabilitation will be informed by a process that considers current biological health of the wetland, on-going maintenance and the outcomes of a recent study. These works aim to improve water quality, restore and preserve habitat values in these areas, exclude poor management practice and, as a management response, improve the buffering capacity of wetlands against projected sea level rise.

Lane Cove Municipal Council

Bushland Park stormwater improvements Stage 1 – investigation and design

Poor stormwater quality, sediment and gross pollutants from the Gore Creek catchment flow into the Lane Cove River estuary damaging saltmarsh areas, reducing river water quality and threatening the critically endangered Hygrocybeae Fungi community which grows along the banks of Gore Creek in Bushland Park. This project will undertake a feasibility study to investigate the best location, environmental controls and options to install stormwater quality improvement devices and erosion works to improve stormwater quality. This feasibility study will include stormwater modelling and some geotechnical assessment.

Manly Council

Fairy Bower seawall remediation and protection project Manly NSW

Fairy Bower seawall forms part of a continuous seawall stretching along Manly Ocean Beach to Shelly Beach Manly. The Fairy Bower seawall is in need of upgrade to address immediate risk of failure of the toe section and to increase the height of the seawall crest to address wave overtopping. The project involves detailed design and construction work to raise the seawall crest, add a wave return parapet and provide structural support to the base of the seawall and the Manly Ocean outfall sewer contained within the seawall.

Nambucca Shire Council

Nambucca River – bank stabilisation and restoration

This project will restore 200 metres of river bank on the Nambucca River at Macksville through bank stabilisation and erosion protection works including the construction of rock fillets, weed management and revegetation. The project will be a pilot for future treatment in similar locations along the Nambucca River and its upper catchment.

Nambucca EcoHealth Monitoring Program

This project will provide an assessment of the health of Nambucca catchments using standardised indicators and reporting. The project will assess estuaries and freshwater river reaches using hydrology, water quality, riparian vegetation and habitat quality, and macroinvertebrate assemblages as indicators of ecosystem health in streams of the Nambucca region. This scientific information will contribute to the development of a report card system for communicating the health of the estuarine and freshwater systems in the Nambucca Local Government Area.

Scotts Head headland coastal hazard reduction

This project will include maintaining and upgrading seawall protection, designing and implementing stormwater improvements, beach access improvements, dune and weed management and facility improvements. The project will facilitate the long-term protection of significant community assets, ensure beach users’ safety, and assist in the protection of the local environmental attributes including coastal habitat and endangered ecological communities.

Valla Crown Reserve Endangered Ecological Community restoration

This project will include increasing the remnant size and restoring two coastal habitats at Valla Beach. The project will mitigate the long-term effects of sea level rise and climate changes on a riparian endangered ecological community (EEC). Increasing the remnant size of the coastal headland habitat adjoining an EEC will be achieved through revegetation of a significant area of coastal headland and riparian vegetation and weed management techniques.

Newcastle City Council

Themeda Grassland Endangered Ecological Community restoration King Edward Park

The Themeda Grassland Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) within King Edward Park was listed as the highest priority coastal/estuarine vegetation site in Newcastle in the recently completed Newcastle Coast and Estuary Vegetation Management Plan. In 2014/15 Council commenced works in the park to restore and protect the EEC. The proposed project will include ongoing weeding and revegetation works within the Themeda Grassland EEC to ensure that the good condition of the EEC is maintained and protected.

Astra Street inundation action plan

In 2013 the final floodgates of Ironbark Creek were opened to restore tidal inundation to Hexham Swamp. As anticipated, the inundation has led to dieback of the Swamp Oak Forest, which is slowly converting to an estuarine vegetation system. This project will undertake a site investigation to determine what actions Council needs to undertake to manage the conversion of the Swamp Oak Forest to an estuarine system. It is expected that the required actions may include ongoing monitoring, weeding, revegetation, bank stability and/or groundwater management works.

Pittwater Council

Pittwater Local Government Area coastal dunes restoration

The coastal dunes in the Pittwater local government area are continually degraded and destabilised as a result of invasive weed species outcompeting native species. In order to prevent or minimise future environmental and asset damage, Council proposes to upgrade or replace fencing where appropriate to delineate access pathways for the public and revegetate a large proportion of the Pittwater coastal dunes through weed eradication and plant propagation of indigenous coastal fore dune species.

Port Macquarie–Hastings Council

Estuarine lake linkages: protecting the islands and foreshores of the Camden Haven

Port Macquarie–Hastings Council will conduct environmental restoration works on public land to protect the ecological values and resilience of this important estuarine corridor between two estuarine lakes. The area supports numerous threatened species and endangered ecological communities. The works will include weed removal, bush regeneration and vertebrate pest control.

Flynns Beach retaining wall replacement Stage 1

This project includes the replacement of a section of existing dilapidated vertical retaining wall, nearshore stormwater improvements and landscaping works. A new seawall will be constructed to replace the existing dilapidated retaining wall at Flynns Beach. The wall will comprise various elements including rock rubble, vertical wall and stepped concrete. The project will also include stormwater management using water sensitive urban design principles to avoid local beach scour, reduced beach amenity and adverse impacts on bathing water quality and marine ecology from local stormwater runoff. This grant covers the replacement of the northern most section of vertical wall.

Richmond River County Council

Water Quality Monitoring – Richmond River Catchment

The Richmond River and its tributaries frequently suffer from poor water quality and occasional fish kills. The floodplain contains large areas of drained acid sulfate soils causing acid drainage and Monosulfidic Black Ooze deposition and growth of exotic grasses and crops which can cause deoxygenation events (blackwater) during summer floods. This project will fund the ongoing maintenance of key data loggers, which monitor water quality, to keep them operational. Funding will also enable the continuation of real time monitoring via the website to enable a quick response to events.

Sutherland Shire Council

Wanda to North Cronulla Dune Maintenance Plan Development

The North Cronulla to Wanda Beach dunes stretch approximately 1.5 kilometres from Dunningham Park in the south to Wanda Reserve in the north. The dunes are being impacted by vegetation loss and erosion. This sand migration is affecting adjacent infrastructure. A Dune Maintenance Plan is proposed to provide a planned and practical response to these issues.

Tweed Shire Council

Tweed Estuary Coastal Zone Management Plan Preparation

This project will prepare a Coastal Zone Management Plan that identifies the current condition of the estuary ecosystems in the Tweed Local Government Area. It will also present a prioritised set of policies, strategies and actions that can be implemented over 10 years to enhance ecosystem condition. It will include community input into the uses of, and future preferences for use of, the Tweed River to balance the demand for recreational access and ecosystem condition.

Waverley Council

Bronte Seawall – Technical Assessment and Design Project

This project proposes to undertake coastal asset management at Bronte beach to ensure the Bronte seawall is structurally adequate to withstand future sea level rise and minimise the risk of collapse due to potential coastal impacts. This project will involve an independent technical assessment and design by an expert to determine the seawall's current stability and identify options to upgrade the existing infrastructure to minimise effects of future climate-related risks and related coastal hazards on the surrounding locality.

Wollongong City Council

Lake Illawarra Coastal Zone Management Study and Plan

Wollongong City Council will work jointly with Shellharbour City Council to develop a Coastal Zone Management Plan for Lake Illawarra. This project will undertake an analysis of the work already undertaken, fill in the identified gaps (including a comprehensive community consultation) and produce a Coastal Zone Management Plan that will identify strategies that Wollongong and Shellharbour City Councils can use to address the management issues for the lake through an intensive stakeholder consultation process.

Woollahra Municipal Council

Reconstruction of Lyne Park Rose Bay North-east Section of the Seawall

In 2013 Woollahra Council completed the first stage of the Woollahra Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) which provided a detailed investigation including all sea walls along the Woollahra foreshore area. The CZMP identified that significant lengths of Lyne Park seawall require urgent repair within two to three years. This project covers the reconstruction of the seawall.

Wyong Shire Council

Foreshore Rehabilitation at Noamunga Crescent, Gwandalan

Wyong Shire Council will address an area of significantly eroding lake foreshore in the suburb of Gwandalan. Sedimentation is known to deteriorate water quality, impact estuarine habitat and reduce the recreational amenity of Lake Macquarie. Rehabilitation of this site aims to address the erosion and prevent further sedimentation of Lake Macquarie from this site and improve the foreshore habitat.

2014-15

The Coastal Management and Estuary Management Grant Programs were separate programs in 2014–15.

In 2014–15, 20 projects were funded under the Coastal Management Program and 44 projects were funded by the Estuary Management Program.

Grant recipient/local government area	Project name	Grant type
Ballina Shire Council	Chickiba wetlands SEPP 14 restoration project	Estuary management
Ballina Shire Council	Northlakes Ballina - Water Quality Management Plan implementation	Estuary management
Bega Valley Shire Council	Beach Street foreshore stabilisation project	Estuary management
	Bega Valley Shire Dune Protection and Rehabilitation Program – Stage 4	Coastal management
	Rapid Catchment Assessment – Cuttagee Lake, Middle Lagoon and Nelsons Lagoon	Estuary management
	Short Point – restoring a coastal icon	Coastal management
Bellingen Shire Council	Friesians & Fish – Bellinger River floodplain and estuary water quality improvement	Estuary management
Coffs Harbour City Council	Arrawarra Creek Coastal Zone Management Plan	Estuary management
	Coffs Harbour estuary ecohealth	Estuary management
	Implementation of Coffs Harbour Coastal Zone Management Plan: Woolgoolga Beach rehabilitation project	Coastal management
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Endangered Ecological Communities Conservation works across Eurobodalla Estuaries 2015	Estuary management
Fairfield City Council	Orphan School Creek Rehabilitation – Avoca Road to Cumberland Highway, Canley Heights	Estuary management
Great Lakes Council	Dredge eastern channel of Lower Myall River and construct sand delivery system to Jimmys Beach	Coastal management
	Ecological health assessment of Wallis Lake – Karuah and Myall Rivers	Estuary management
	Implementing water sensitive urban design for water quality improvement	Estuary management
	Improving estuary health- Fostering community action in the Karuah – Myall	Estuary management
	Southern Wallis foreshore restoration plan – Stage 1	Estuary management
Greater Taree City Council	Big Swamp – Broad acre acid sulfate soil remediation to improve the health of the Manning River	Estuary management
	Continuation of Protecting the Health of the Manning project	Estuary management
	Dyers Crossing weir removal and fish ladder construction project	Estuary management
	Manning estuary floodgate projects	Estuary management
	Manning River estuary riparian fencing and roadside erosion control projects	Estuary management
	Manning River estuary water quality protection projects	Estuary management
	Manning River riparian rehabilitation project	Estuary management
Hunter Local Land Services	Stage 1: Conservation and rehabilitation masterplan implementation	Estuary management
	Stage 2: Bank protection – Cobbans Creek to Ramsar Road, Ash Island, Hunter River south arm	Estuary management
	Stage 3: Monitoring restoration works – Area E and Dead Mangrove Creek	Estuary management
Hurstville City Council	Upper Boggywell Creek Water Quality Improvement Scheme stage 1 design	Estuary management
Kempsey Shire Council	Implementation of Management Issue 4 – Korogoro Creek Estuary Management Plan	Estuary management
	Implementation of Strategy U – Saltwater Creek and Lagoon Estuary Management Plan	Estuary management
	Macleay River Catchment ecosystem health monitoring program – Ecohealth	Estuary management
Lake Macquarie City Council	Lake Macquarie Coastal Zone Management Plan – exhibition and consultation	Coastal management
	Rehabilitating foreshores of Lake Macquarie 2014–15	Estuary management
	Restoring urban creeks in the City of Lake Macquarie 2014–15	Estuary management
	Stage 3: Citywide dune ecosystem enhancement program	Coastal management
	Wetlands for Wildlife in Lake Macquarie 2014–15	Estuary management
Liverpool City Council	Jacqui Osmond Reserve stormwater outlet protection, Cabramatta Creek	Estuary management
Manly Council	Fairy Bower seawall remediation design	Coastal management
Nambucca Shire Council	Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club protection works	Coastal management
Nambucca Shire Council	Nambucca Shire Council – Nambucca estuary health improvement at Stuart Island	Estuary management
Newcastle City Council	Gross Street Reserve Tighes Hill – estuarine creek rehabilitation	Estuary management
Parramatta City Council	Rangihou Reserve – Saltmarsh expansion project	Estuary management
Pittwater Council	Mona Vale beach dune restoration – Stage 2	Coastal management
Port Stephens Council	Tanilba Bay foreshore erosion management works	Coastal management
Randwick City Council	A hazard risk assessment of Randwick's ocean beaches and cliff lines	Coastal management
Ryde City Council	Terry's Creek and Lane Cove River catchment enhancement project	Estuary management
Shellharbour City Council	Warilla Beach dune and habitat rehabilitation	Coastal management
Shoalhaven City Council	Acid sulphate soil remediation – demonstration and engagement for the Shoalhaven	Estuary management
	Citywide community engagement on Shoalhaven coastal erosion remediation strategy	Coastal management
	Estuary bank erosion remediation- Sussex Inlet – Orient point	Estuary management
The Council of the Municipality of Hunters Hill	Stormwater works to improve water quality and corridor along Tarban Creek	Estuary management
The Council of the Shire of Hornsby	Estuarine health monitoring of Hawkesbury's waterways	Estuary management
The Council of the Shire of Hornsby	Rehabilitation and management of riparian zones in Lower Hawkesbury River Estuary	Estuary management
Tweed Shire Council	Bio-engineered river bank erosion stabilisation in the upper Tweed Estuary	Estuary management
Tweed Shire Council	Kingscliff foreshore protection Stage 3: environmental impact study for foreshore protection works	Coastal management
Warringah Council	Technical guidelines for the design of protective works at Collaroy–Narrabeen	Coastal management
Wollongong City Council	Lake Illawarra estuary health monitoring and reporting	Estuary management
	Lake Illawarra – protecting and improving estuarine habitats	Estuary management
	Whartons Creek entrance management study and policy	Coastal management
	Wollongong beach and dune monitoring and management	Coastal management
	Wollongong dune vegetation management	Coastal management
Woollahra Municipal Council	Design of Lyne Park Rose Bay north-east section of the seawall	Coastal management
Woollahra Municipal Council	Woollahra Coastal Zone Management Plan: Stage 2	Estuary management
Wyong Shire Council	Soldiers beach restoration plan – investigation and design	Coastal management

Ballina Shire Council

Chickiba wetlands SEPP 14 restoration project

The Chickiba wetlands are of significant environmental value in a highly fragmented landscape which has suffered from wide-ranging human induced impacts. It is a designated SEPP 14 site, which is dominated by endangered ecological communities and threatened species. An action plan to rehabilitate the wetland by restoring its natural hydrology has been developed, which aims to improve the health of over eight hectares of native vegetation. Improvements to the drainage of the wetland involve the clearing and enhancement of existing drains and the installation of a weir barrier to reduce saltwater inundation. Vegetation rehabilitation works will be undertaken to compensate for native vegetation that is disturbed by the drainage works and to restore the SEPP 14 wetland to its original condition.

Northlakes Ballina - Water Quality Management Plan implementation

This project will implement the actions identified in the coastal zone management plan for the Richmond River Estuary and the Northlakes Water Quality Improvement Management Plan to improve water quality within and discharged from the lakes immediately and into the future. A partnership with Wetland Care will provide a professional, focused and friendly way for the community to be involved in managing the lakes, with council undertaking the technical works involved. This project addresses a long-standing issue for local residents and surrounding subdivisions, which is a source of poor-quality water entering North Creek close to oyster leases, recreational fishing sites and popular swimming areas. On-ground works will include drain clearing to increase drainage and tidal flushing to reduce water retention times, increase water flushing and improve water quality.

Bega Valley Shire Council

Beach Street foreshore stabilisation project

The existing log and rubble retaining wall currently in place at Beach Street has aged significantly and is in a state of disrepair. The original wall was installed in the 1960s and constructed without the use of geofabric matting; thus, leaching of sediments are affecting nearby seagrass and mangrove communities. Moreover, this also has negative impacts on the local oyster industry, which is sensitive to sediment entering the waterway after rainfall. The current state of the wall also poses public safety risks and has a negative impact on the recreational use of the facility. Bega Valley Shire Council aims to remove the aged wall and replace it with a modern-designed rock wall using the same techniques carried out on previous stages of the Merimbula Lake rock wall program. This project is seen as the last step in completing the major foreshore stabilisation and erosion control works required around the front section of the lake.

Bega Valley Shire Dune Protection and Rehabilitation Program – Stage 4

This project aims to rebuild and rehabilitate the degraded dune environment at Cocora Beach in Eden. The current dune environment is dilapidated, highly erodible and contains very little native vegetation. This lack of native vegetation paired with prevailing winds has led to the development of a flat incipient dune that provides a limited storm buffer.

Rapid Catchment Assessment – Cuttagee Lake, Middle Lagoon and Nelsons Lagoon

Bega Valley Shire Council aims to conduct a ‘Rapid Catchment Assessment’ on 3 catchments within the shire (Cuttagee Lake, Nelsons and Middle Lagoons). These intermittent closed and open lakes and lagoons (ICOLLs) possess significant ecological, recreational and socioeconomic values, all of which are reliant on good water quality. The aim of this project is to identify actual and potential threats within each catchment and provide council with recommendations based on appropriate remediation or land-use management techniques for the issues identified. Recommendations will be implemented into a catchment management plan and implemented as funding allows. This rapid visual assessment will be based on the successful Healthy Rivers Commission approach which has been showcased in other local studies conducted by Local Land Services. This approach identifies the processes and drivers in the catchment and assesses the waterway for areas of conservation potential, targeted repair and longer-term sustainable use.

Short Point – restoring a coastal icon

Since the early 1900s Short Point has experienced high levels of visitation, as a result of this long history of intensive use, it has a range of management issues including loss of native vegetation cover, erosion, degraded beach / headland access and environmental weeds intrusion. This project will develop and implement a comprehensive restoration plan for Short Point.

Bellingen Shire Council

Friesians & Fish - Bellinger River floodplain and estuary water quality improvement

This project aims to improve dairy effluent management practices to reduce potential impacts on water quality in the Bellingen River estuary - an important environmental, social and economic public asset. Three floodplain endangered ecological communities remain along the estuary and provide habitat for at least nine threatened species. Dairy farming is the dominant land use surrounding the estuary and in 2011, 11 dairy farms undertook a voluntary assessment of effluent management practices. This project will provide matched incentive funding for implementation of priority actions including: underground pipes for effluent irrigation field expansion to best management targets; concrete aprons and laneways to reduce sedimentation; riparian fencing and bush regeneration to reduce erosion and improve native vegetation; and a field day for industry/community education and networking. This project is a partnership between Bellingen Shire Council, Landcare and dairy farmers, with support from Local Land Services, Norco Dairy Cooperative, Urunga Anglers and oyster growers.

Coffs Harbour City Council

Arrawarra Creek Coastal Zone Management Plan

The development of the Arrawarra Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) for Arrawarra Creek will aim to preserve environmental and cultural values. The main issues relating to the creek are bank erosion, entrance management, Aboriginal heritage management and water quality. The CZMP for Arrawarra Creek will include the assembly of existing data on the creek, community consultation, development of an Estuary Condition Study, CZMP, and an implementation schedule of strategic actions.

Coffs Harbour estuary ecohealth

Key objectives for completed estuary management plans within the Coffs Harbour local government area (LGA) include estuary ecosystem and water quality health checks. Ecohealth is a cost-effective way to undertake an estuary health check - a periodic (three to four year) assessment of key ecosystem and water quality indicators. This form of assessment allows council to address any issues identified and to monitor trends in system health over time. Council initiated ecohealth in 2010. A technical report was produced by the University of New England indicating some sites are in good health and others in poor health. Since 2010 there have been changes in catchment land use. Council intends to revisit estuaries in the LGA and reassess estuarine condition. The project will also refine trigger values and produce up-to-date estuary health report cards that track how well each estuary is being managed. It will also inform the community of the current health of its estuaries.

Implementation of Coffs Harbour CZMP: Woolgoolga Beach rehabilitation project

This project will rehabilitate 200 linear metres of Woolgoolga Beach between the boat ramp and surf club. A series of beach erosion events have eroded the beach profile significantly. The project will rebuild the dunal system and rehabilitate the dune with low-lying vegetation.

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Endangered Ecological Communities Conservation works across Eurobodalla Estuaries 2015

This project will involve weeding and revegetation works, as well as implementing localised community education programs to improve the condition of five major estuaries of the Eurobodalla Shire and increase community awareness and participation in environmental protection works.

Fairfield City Council

Orphan School Creek Rehabilitation - Avoca Road to Cumberland Highway, Canley Heights

Orphan School Creek is the most significant tributary of Prospect Creek and the second longest creek in the Fairfield City Council area. It is also one of the city's most valuable natural assets. Like many urban creeks it has been severely impacted by increased stormwater runoff caused by land clearing and urban development. This has led to significant bed and bank erosion and weed infestation. This threatens remaining riparian vegetation and public assets. The goal of this project is to rehabilitate 800 metres of Orphan School Creek between Avoca Road and Cumberland Highway at Canley Heights. The proposed work will utilise a combination of environmental rehabilitation, stormwater management and landscaping works. This will ultimately reduce bed and bank erosion, improve water quality, restore locally native vegetation and provide greater amenity for the local community.

Great Lakes Council

Dredge eastern channel of Lower Myall River and construct sand delivery system to Jimmys Beach

The project involves the design, installation and testing of an efficient sand transfer system using terrestrial sand from the Winda Woppa spit for ongoing nourishment of the Jimmys Beach. The sand transfer system will provide for the on demand nourishment of Jimmys Beach.

Ecological health assessment of Wallis Lake – Karuah and Myall Rivers

Great Lakes Council will undertake an ecosystem health assessment of the Wallis Lake Estuary, focusing on key ecological indicators including chlorophyll, turbidity, temperature and dissolved oxygen, and the health and extent of seagrass and reliant sponge communities within southern Wallis Lake. This project will also include a ten-year review of the ecological health of the upper reaches of the Wallis, Myall and Karuah catchments to assess stream health.

Implementing Water Sensitive Urban Design for water quality improvement

This project addresses poor water quality, focusing on rehabilitating the most degraded part of Wallis Lake. A bio-retention trench will be constructed downstream of a stormwater drain to filter nutrients and sediments prior to entering Wallis Lake. The project also involves the investigation and assessment for refurbishment of the Townsend Street constructed wetland in Forster.

Improving estuary health- Fostering community action in the Karuah – Myall

Catchment land-use has been identified as a primary threat to the ecological health of the Karuah River, Myall Lakes and wider Port Stephens estuary; in particular land management practices which contribute to high turbidity, elevated nutrient levels and poor riparian zone health. Through education and engagement, this project aims to improve land manager understanding of catchment processes and the role that land management practices play within the catchment, to facilitate positive changes to land management and long term improvement of water quality and ecological condition.

Southern Wallis foreshore restoration plan – Stage 1

A comprehensive foreshore management plan for the crown reserve system for the foreshore area will be completed. The plan will identify priority management issues for water quality, biodiversity and cultural heritage protection in southern Wallis Lake. A comprehensive community engagement process will be undertaken to help direct the plan and make recommendations for appropriate public use of foreshore areas and adjacent lands, and future community education programs.

Greater Taree City Council

Big Swamp – Broad acre acid sulfate soil remediation to improve the health of the Manning River

The Big Swamp rehabilitation project is a broad acre wetland remediation project within the Pipeclay Canal - Cattai Creek catchment, which is predominantly degraded agricultural land with some areas containing significant coastal wetland communities. Currently, the site discharges significant volumes of acid sulfate soil products into the Cattai Creek Manning River estuary which is highly detrimental to the estuary's health. So far, about 700 hectares of land have been acquired and rehabilitated. The project aims to rehabilitate an additional 40 hectares of the Big Swamp landscape to minimise acid sulfate discharge into the Manning River and improve estuarine health, while also achieving additional ecological benefits of a rehabilitated landscape.

Continuation of Protecting the Health of the Manning project

This project proposes the continuation of the existing funded Estuary Management Plan project ’Protecting the Health of the Manning‘, which aims to achieve:

implementation of a monitoring program in the Manning River which is effective in providing estuary health information consistent with NSW monitoring, evaluating and reporting standards and protocols
collection, analysis and collation of water quality data for inclusion in a report card for community dissemination, and to enable comparison with other estuaries in New South Wales
producing and publishing a State of the Manning Annual Report Card to promote the results of the water quality monitoring program and raise community awareness of the health of the estuary and associated human-induced impacts.

Dyers Crossing weir removal and fish ladder construction project

This project is planned to partially remove an existing fish barrier (Dyers Crossing Weir) and construct a rock fish ladder to scale the remaining lower half of the weir wall to enable fish access to upstream habitat for breeding purposes. Community consultation has already commenced with adjacent landholders who are concerned about loss of the entire weir wall. The weir pool is an important local platypus habitat, a stock watering pool and serves as a barrier between private properties. Partially removing the wall and constructing a fish ladder to scale the remaining half of the wall is proposed to enable fish passage without the complete loss of the weir pool.

Manning estuary floodgate projects

This project includes works to repair riparian areas of the Manning River Estuary, and includes river bank erosion repair works, removal of Sharp Rush, and rehabilitation of saltmarsh areas. This project aims to address immediate threats to the riparian areas through stabilisation of active erosion sites, removal of environmental weeds, and addressing threats to saltmarsh through fencing, grazing removal and weed control for habitat protection and water quality improvements.

The project aims to implement works to rehabilitate saltmarsh, and this will be done through a variety of methods identified for each site; including fencing to exclude stock, weed control, soil erosion treatments, and other methods as appropriate. Removal of Sharp Rush has been identified as a priority action as Sharp Rush is currently spreading in the Manning River Estuary and dominating saltmarsh sites. It spreads by seed on water and stock (legs) to new sites, and smothers saltmarsh vegetation as it is taller and more vigorous than the native Saltmarsh Rush. About 10 hectares is currently known in the estuary. River bank erosion involves implementation of works at active river bank erosion sites to reduce soil loss from sites into the estuary, and works normally involve a number of treatment methods including fencing to exclude stock, rock fillets (in estuary) to enable Mangrove recruitment, earthworks (to reshape banks to reduce steepness and enable access), surface erosion control (hydro-mulching and seeding) and revegetation (Lomandra and riparian trees/shrubs) to provide long-term stability and deep soil keying-in.

Manning River estuary riparian fencing and roadside erosion control projects

The aim of this project is to protect water quality in the Manning River estuary and includes projects to assist landholders to implement riparian fencing (to exclude stock from river frontages to provide infiltration zones of ungrazed vegetation to allow natural regeneration, improve river bank stability and reduce sediment and nutrients entering the waterway from overland flows). The project plans to implement projects in collaboration with private landholders. The project also includes implementation of roadside erosion works to reduce sediment and nutrients from entering waterways and into the estuary. The project plans to involve the Local Land Services in the development and implementation of projects given their history of work in this area, and their cost benchmarks will be used to assess project proposals. Landholders will be required to involve Greater Taree City Council staff in development of the project to ensure they are technically sound, and contribute to the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the project.

Manning River estuary water quality protection projects

This project aims to protect the water quality of the Manning River estuary, and includes projects to review and upgrade eight gross pollutant traps (GPT), implement additional measures to reduce pollutants from urban waterways, implement dairy nutrient management works within the floodplain, and undertake soil erosion control works to reduce sediment inputs into the estuary. Browns Creek in Taree will be a focus for implementation of the works as Greater Taree City Council (GTCC) is currently developing a pollution control strategy with the Friends of Browns Creek group, which will prioritise sites and identify a range of treatment options (e.g. surface swales, GPTs, table drain treatments etc). If there are sufficient funds then additional sites will be used to implement additional works (such as Racecourse Creek at Old Bar, Wards Creek at Harrington, etc). The Dairy effluent management projects will be developed using the existing programs and networks developed by the Dairy Advancement Group and the Hunter Local Land Services. The results of the proposed programs will be monitored via GTCC's existing Manning River Monitoring Program.

Manning River riparian rehabilitation project

This project includes works to repair riparian areas of the Manning River estuary and includes river bank erosion repair works, removal of sharp rush, and rehabilitation of saltmarsh areas. It aims to address immediate threats to the riparian areas through stabilisation of active erosion sites, removal of environmental weeds, and addressing threats to saltmarsh through fencing, grazing removal and weed control for habitat protection and water quality improvements.

The project aims to implement works to rehabilitate saltmarsh, and this will be done through a variety of methods identified for each site, including fencing to exclude stock, weed control, soil erosion treatments, and other methods as appropriate. Removal of Sharp Rush has been identified as a priority action as Sharp Rush is currently spreading in the Manning River estuary and dominating saltmarsh sites. It spreads by seed through water and stock (legs) to new sites, and smothers saltmarsh vegetation as it is taller and more vigorous than the native saltmarsh rush. About 10 hectares are currently known to be affected in the estuary. River bank erosion involves implementation of works at active river bank erosion sites to reduce soil loss from sites into the estuary, and works normally involve a number of treatment methods including fencing to exclude stock, rock fillets (in estuary) to enable Mangrove recruitment, earthworks (to reshape banks to reduce steepness and enable access), surface erosion control (hydro-mulching and seeding) and revegetation (Lomandra and riparian trees/shrubs) to provide long-term stability and deep soil keying-in.

Hunter Local Land Services

Stage 1: Conservation and rehabilitation masterplan implementation

The project aims to provide detail on priority areas for riparian restoration in the Lower Hunter estuary so that efforts can be concentrated towards achieving on-ground works. The process will begin by providing detail to the concept masterplan. Stage 2 will review available riparian assessments, consult with stakeholders and provide details on current feasibility of sites for works consistent with Strategy 6 of the Hunter Estuary Management Plan 2009. Identification of priority areas will help to make best use of available funding. This process can also be used to form collaborations for identified sites to assist in implementing on-ground works. Riverbank monitoring techniques will be reviewed and the most suitable techniques will be trialled as part of the process of monitoring, evaluation, review and improvement of restoration activities.

Stage 2: Bank protection – Cobbans Creek to Ramsar Road, Ash Island, Hunter River south arm

This project proposes to stabilise the eroding riverbank along the south arm of the Hunter River between Cobbans Creek and Ramsar Road at Kooragang Wetlands (Ash Island) in the Hunter River estuary through the construction of rock revetment. Rock revetment will prevent further erosion of the riverbank while allowing public access to the river bank. This stage of the work covers the construction at the highest priority section of the site. Planting of riparian vegetation will be undertaken to restore the construction site.

Stage 3: Monitoring restoration works – Area E and Dead Mangrove Creek

This project fulfils the State Consent conditions for 2 adjacent sites:

Area E will monitor hydrodynamics, vegetation (including saltmarsh), shorebirds and occurrence of the green and golden bell frog following management of hydrology in Area E to restore saltmarsh as shorebird habitat. The response to vegetation restoration works will be assessed. These results will be made available in a report that can assist in the design and implementation of similar works locally and further afield.
Baseline monitoring for Dead Mangrove Creek project has been undertaken, now the Consent Conditions for pre-construction will be implemented.

Hurstville City Council

Upper Boggywell Creek Water Quality Improvement Scheme stage 1 design

Upper Boggywell Creek is located in Gannons Park and receives stormwater runoff from the adjacent urban and light industrial areas of Peakhurst. The stormwater runoff contains nutrients and sediments which drains untreated directly into the Georges River Estuary. The quality of this water is poor and lies outside the ANZECC and Georges River regional guidelines. Gannons Park has significance both as a recreational space and also as a habitat for native flora and fauna. The Upper Boggywell Creek Water Quality Improvement Scheme proposes the installation of a bioretention system, storage pond and the daylighting of stormwater lines through the use of swales to increase the quality of the water flowing to Boggywell Creek and the Georges River Estuary. Additionally, the project will lead to the creation of habitat to improve biodiversity and amenity. Concept and detailed designs will be produced as the first stage of this project.

Kempsey Shire Council

Implementation of Management Issue 4 – Korogoro Creek Estuary Management Plan

Korogoro Creek is a small coastal estuarine environment located adjacent to the coastal village of Hat Head, NSW. Extensively modified by flood mitigation works in the late 1960s, the estuary is approximately 4.5 km long and is currently experiencing varying degrees of riverbank erosion. Management Issue 4 of the adopted Korogoro Creek Estuary Management Plan (2009) identified river bank erosion within the mid to lower sections of the estuary as an issue of concern. This project will include strategically positioning suitably sized, locally sourced rock to construct rock armouring along a number of eroded bank sites (whilst maintaining public accessibility), and construction of mangrove rock fillets when riverbank and river shelf banks allow.

Implementation of Strategy U – Saltwater Creek and Lagoon Estuary Management Plan

Saltwater Creek and Lagoon is an estuarine ICOLL environment (intermittently closed and open lagoons and lakes) located within the Kempsey Shire local government area. The estuary is adjacent to an expanding urban landscape. A number of stormwater outlets discharge directly into the system. In 2006 the Saltwater Creek & Lagoon Estuary Management Study and Plan was developed. The Estuary Management Program (EMP) identified that the estuary is already at or exceeding its natural capacity to accept catchment loads. Strategy 'U' of the EMP recommends retrofitting stormwater outlets with filtration devices. Funding will assist Council in retrofitting two stormwater outlets with filtration mechanisms.

Macleay River Catchment ecosystem health monitoring program – Ecohealth

The development of a standardised means of collecting, analysing and presenting riverine, coastal and estuarine assessments of ecological condition has been identified as a key need for coastal Catchment Management Authorities (now Local Land Services) and local councils who are required to monitor natural resource condition and water quality in these systems. Using the framework of the South East Queensland Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program and protocols developed by the NSW Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting estuaries team, this monitoring program will provide consistency in monitoring and reporting, and establish the partnerships required for local and regional dissemination of outcomes. It will provide a means of benchmarking the health of the estuary against historic data and will provide a vital mechanism to educate the community about estuary health and the issues influencing it. The project will also provide a means of refining and updating the remedial actions and direction of the established Estuary Management Plans for the estuary and contribute to State of Environment reporting.

Lake Macquarie City Council

Lake Macquarie Coastal Zone Management Plan – exhibition and consultation

Lake Macquarie City Council has been preparing a single Coastal Zone Management Plan for the Lake Macquarie coastal zone. This project will deliver a community consultation program to engage with all stakeholders in the Lake Macquarie coastal zone, and the local community prior to finalisation of the new Coastal Zone Management Plan.

Rehabilitating foreshores of Lake Macquarie 2014–15

Foreshore erosion around the shores of Lake Macquarie is known to result in a deterioration of water quality, loss of habitat and a reduction in the amenity of these popular areas. This project will rehabilitate eroding foreshores at priority locations using a mix of proven rehabilitation techniques, and the refinement of proven treatments to trial innovative techniques to deal with a projected rise in lake water levels due to climate change. Preliminary works have been undertaken to develop designs to accommodate higher lake levels and using these results a site will be selected to use for demonstrating these techniques. For the other sites the cobble beach treatment, which Council has used successfully in other areas, will be implemented.

Restoring urban creeks in the City of Lake Macquarie 2014–15

The health of the Lake Macquarie estuary is highly dependent on inflows from its catchment and tributaries. The increasing volumes of runoff from urbanised catchments is resulting in an increasing proportion of lake sediment inflows (and other pollutants) being generated by eroding stream banks. This project aims to undertake stream bank stabilisation works and riparian vegetation rehabilitation in priority tributaries throughout the lake catchment. Development of priority sites has been informed by studies and management plans, including the Cockle Creek Improvement Study, the Lake Macquarie Ecological Response Model Project Stage 1 (OEH, 2011) and the Lake Macquarie Estuary Management Plan, as well as ground-truthing of sites by qualified staff. Works will include stream bank and bed stabilisation, rock fillet construction, bush regeneration and riparian revegetation as required. Outcomes from undertaking this project will include: bed and bank erosion control, water quality improvements, improved riparian habitats, as well as increased riparian corridor connectivity.

Stage 3: Citywide dune ecosystem enhancement program

This is Stage 3 of the Citywide dune enhancement work undertaken by Council in partnership with OEH. This project will increase dune resilience and involve activities including dune reshaping, revegetation, bitou bush eradication, vehicle and pedestrian exclusion strategies (signage, fencing and access restrictions) and dune formation fencing.

Wetlands for Wildlife in Lake Macquarie 2014–15

The project aims to address the ongoing degradation of wetland areas around Lake Macquarie by undertaking restoration works in priority locations (as identified in the Lake Macquarie Estuary Management Plan and subsequent management plans). These works aim to improve water quality, restore/preserve habitat values, exclude poor management practice and, as a management response, improve the buffering capacity of wetlands against projected sea level rise.

Liverpool City Council

Jacqui Osmond Reserve stormwater outlet protection, Cabramatta Creek

Sedimentation is a major issue for the Georges River estuary where it damages aquatic flora and causes increased turbidity. This project will address a serious erosion issue around a headwall on Cabramatta Creek where there's scouring of the bank and creek. The site is located within Jacqui Osmond Reserve at Warwick Farm and is part of the Cabramatta Creek Catchment which flows into the Georges River estuary. The works will include bank stabilisation using sandstone rocks and some revegetation works to stop the erosion.

Manly Shire Council

Fairy Bower seawall remediation design

The Marine Parade seawall along the Fairy Bower section of Manly Ocean Beach has been identified as being at immediate risk of geotechnical failure, due to undermining by wave action and overtopping during storm events. Wave overtopping constitutes a hazard to pedestrians and buildings behind the seawall crest. This section of Marine Parade is highly utilised by locals and visitors to Shelley Beach, including international tourists. It is also a popular access point for swimming and snorkelling in the adjacent Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve.

To identify remedial options and provide detailed cost analysis for seawall remediation, a site-specific study will be required. The proposed project will address public safety risks. It essentially involves design work, for example, conceptual and preliminary design for the seawall remediation, including physical model testing for wave overtopping, assessment of remediation options and scoping design.

Nambucca Shire Council

Nambucca Heads Surf Life Saving Club protection works

The Nambucca Heads Surf Lifesaving Club at Main Beach, Nambucca Heads is located in the active hazard area of the beach and is threatened with eventual inundation. The building and the reserve adjoining it are fronted by a stepped concrete seawall which is severely damaged. A consultant's preliminary report recommends the construction of a static structure to prevent further erosion of the reserve and the inundation of the building. As the building is in relatively good condition, protection of the existing building at this time is more economical than retreat or relocation options.

Nambucca Shire Council – Nambucca estuary health improvement at Stuart Island

This project will restore the natural estuarine environment at multiple locations in the Nambucca River around Stuart Island. The estuary health improvements will occur through erosion protection works, including the construction of rock revetments and fillets with artificial reef balls incorporated into the subsurface rock walls, and the revegetation of approximately 400 m of river bank. The project will have benefits for estuarine health by decreasing erosion and creating habitat for estuarine organisms.

Newcastle City Council

Gross Street Reserve Tighes Hill – estuarine creek rehabilitation

The Gross St Reserve, Tighes Hill Estuarine Creek Rehabilitation Project will restore the habitat and ecological performance of approximately 200m of watercourse and 2,500 square metres of associated riparian zone. The creek currently conveys untreated urban stormwater runoff, with significant sediment, nutrient, litter and other pollutants into Throsby Creek and the lower Hunter River Estuary. This project will re-establish natural area values, biodiversity connectivity and local amenity through civil engineering and revegetation.

Parramatta City Council

Rangihou Reserve – Saltmarsh expansion project

This project will undertake saltmarsh protection and expansion in foreshore parkland. Parramatta's Rangihou Reserve is very urbanised and has a very restricted tidal zone resulting in thin strips of remnant saltmarsh species behind existing mangroves. Large areas of turf compete with existing saltmarsh in areas of inundation. The project involves the removal of fill adjacent to the mangrove zone in order to provide a valuable area for fish breeding and other aquatic organisms. The project will also involve a native planting buffer zone to protect the saltmarsh/mangrove zone from encroachment by weeds and nutrient runoff, and to separate critical habitat areas from other parkland activities and impacts, including a new cycleway. The project is 600 metres upstream from two previous saltmarsh expansion projects undertaken by Parramatta City Council in 2007 and 2011.

Pittwater Council

Mona Vale beach dune restoration – Stage 2

The dunes at Mona Vale beach are continually windblown resulting in dune creep and sand deposits in the adjacent reserve. In order to prevent or minimise future environmental damage, Council will remove all existing fencing to the dune south of the Surf Life Saving Club to the end of Surfview Rd and reshape the dune. Fencing will then be upgraded or replaced as appropriate and the dune revegetated.

Port Stephens Council

Tanilba Bay foreshore erosion management works

This project will implement the second stage of the Tanilba Bay foreshore erosion management plan. Stage 2 of the project will install rocky headlands and pocket beaches along the remainder of Peace Park in Tanilba Bay. This will support the successful outcome of Stage 1 and result in longer term foreshore stability whilst providing intertidal habitat.

Randwick City Council

A hazard risk assessment of Randwick's ocean beaches and cliff lines

The project will undertake coastal risk hazard assessment in accordance with the requirements of the Coastal Protection Act 1979 for beaches and headlands on the open coastline within the Randwick Local Government Area, including Coogee and Maroubra beaches. These iconic beaches provide regional recreational opportunities for the broader Sydney metropolitan area and are international tourist destinations in their own right. Although still featuring significant elements of natural beach systems, these beaches also demonstrate some degradation from the ongoing and increasing pressures of coastal processes and intensive recreational use. Coastal risk assessment will provide direction and critical information for the development of a Coastal Zone Management Plan for Randwick.

Ryde City Council

Terry’s Creek and Lane Cove River catchment enhancement project

The Lane Cove River is a highly valued estuary draining a catchment area of 88 square kilometres. The catchment includes Terry's Creek, Ryde. This creek has experienced high degradation and change from urban development resulting in consistently high nutrient pollutant levels that connect to the larger estuary, erosion and water quality issues. This project will complete on-ground works at a total of eight locations within Terry's Creek to improve overall water quality to the estuary. This will be achieved by implementation of two stormwater quality improvement devices, using bush regeneration works to remove invasive weed species, plant new riparian areas for habitat improvement and bank stabilisation and construct four erosion control projects to reduce erosion, stabilise creek banks and improve water quality.

Shellharbour City Council

Warilla Beach dune and habitat rehabilitation

Warilla Beach is located about 10 kilometres south of Wollongong, adjacent to the entrance of Lake Illawarra. The beach is about 1.8 kilometres in length and is backed by residential property. Historically, there has been no formal management framework for coastal dunes within the Shellharbour Local Government Area. Through the preparation of the Shellharbour Coastal Zone Management Study and more recently the Draft Shellharbour Dune Management Plan, Council is now guided by a management framework that allows for a systematic, coordinated and outcome-driven approach to dune management.

This project is a continuation of a progressive works program for the Warilla Beach dune system. A staged approach to rehabilitation of the dune system has been implemented to allow for feasible milestones and outcomes to be achieved. Previous works have focused on primary and secondary weeding followed by the planting of predominately herbaceous stabilising plants and scrub or woodland species. This project will incorporate similar works, targeting the eradication of noxious weed species and also include the planting of coastal heath or forest plants (e.g. Melaleuca species, Eucalyptus species and Banksia species) with the aim of increasing longer-term dune stability and habitat value.

Shoalhaven City Council

Acid sulphate soil remediation – demonstration and engagement for the Shoalhaven

Acid sulphate soil drainage has been identified as a significant contributor to poor water quality in the Shoalhaven River estuary. The project will implement an acid sulphate soil engagement strategy with land owners across the whole Shoalhaven River floodplain and develop drainage remediation demonstration sites for two priority drainage sub-catchments.

Citywide community engagement on Shoalhaven coastal erosion remediation strategy

Shoalhaven City Council has gathered a large body of knowledge on coastal management which has been incorporated into a draft Coastal Zone Management Plan. This project will design and deliver a remediation strategy that will require a community engagement strategy to explain the fundamentals of coastal management, discuss the implications of coastal risk, address misconceptions, answer questions and explore adaptive management options for coastal communities.

Estuary bank erosion remediation, Sussex Inlet – Orient point

Orient Point displays typical bank erosion of a shoreline adjoining a trained river entrance due to tidal scour alteration. This project will improve bank stabilisation using multiple groyne structures, sand nourishment, foreshore access management and revegetation.

The Council of the Municipality of Hunters Hill

Stormwater works to improve water quality and corridor along Tarban Creek

This project will improve water quality in Tarban Creek through the installation of a gross pollutant trap in the tributary of the creekline. Coastal saltmarsh (an endangered ecological community) and mangroves downstream are deteriorating rapidly due to the impacts of dissolved and gross pollutants, sediments and high nutrient waters from stormwater run-off, sewage overflows and weed invasion. Riverglade Reserve and Tarban Creek Reserve form part of a regionally significant wildlife corridor linking the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers. They support small breeding populations of indigenous birds that have disappeared from much of urban Sydney, e.g. small passerine (perching songbirds) birds. Bush regeneration works will restore 5 hectares of core habitat, particularly for small passerine and migratory birds and threatened animals; i.e. the grey-headed flying fox.

The works above have been identified as high priority actions in the Parramatta River Estuary Coastal Zone Management Plan (2013) and Estuary Vegetation Rehabilitation Action Plan (2011) for the reserves.

The Council of the Shire of Hornsby

Estuarine health monitoring of Hawkesbury’s waterways

Estuarine health is influenced by the quantity and quality of runoff. Consistent and frequent water quality data collection will assist catchment managers in the assessment and reporting of estuarine health matters. Currently Hornsby Council manages 5 real-time water quality monitoring buoys in the Lower Hawkesbury, which provide useful information to commercial fishers, oyster farmers, recreational fishers, boaters, researchers and catchment managers. The information collected during the last five years has been integrated into a number of tools that assist community and estuary users with their operations, in particular, the measurement and management of algal blooms. These tools offer community and estuarine users swimming condition maps and access to publicly available real-time water quality conditions.

Funding is sought to continue this program in order to keep monitoring the health of the Hawkesbury. In particular, the ongoing monitoring will assist in the quantification of inter-annual variability and environmental trends. Maintaining long-term data series is vital under current changing climatic conditions. Quantifying environmental changes and identifying exceedances of water quality thresholds associated with current warming of oceans and estuaries will assist with the management of potential emerging aquatic diseases, pests and harmful algae blooms. Data collected from this monitoring program will assist researchers to better understand estuarine processes and will complement and enhance the state-wide monitoring and evaluation reporting initiatives.

Rehabilitation and management of riparian zones in Lower Hawkesbury River Estuary

Restoration of public foreshore vegetation and tributaries flowing into the Hawkesbury River estuary is a high priority for the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan (2009). This project delivers an on-ground works program to restore and rehabilitate riparian buffer vegetation at Brooklyn Park, Salt Pan Reserve and Bar Island. In particular, the extent and quality of endangered ecological communities, including swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplains, swamp oak floodplain forest and coastal saltmarsh will be improved. Furthermore, restoration of riparian vegetation will reduce impacts from stormwater by removing and retaining pollutants (e.g. nutrients) that would, otherwise, enter the estuary. The on-ground restoration work will improve vegetation condition with natural regeneration and supplementary planting in identified areas. Drainage lines will be planted to reduce erosion, sedimentation, nutrient loading and weed dispersal before reaching the Hawkesbury River. Foreshore restoration works will reduce weed encroachment, stabilise embankments, improve water quality and enhance the habitat quality. Six hands-on activities (i.e. native plantings, flora and fauna surveys) will be organised to raise community awareness of the local riparian environment.

Tweed Shire Council

Bio-engineered river bank erosion stabilisation in the upper Tweed Estuary

River bank erosion is a serious issue affecting a large proportion of the middle and upper reaches of the Tweed Estuary. In many locations, erosion directly impacts main roads and the proximity between bank erosion and roads (often less than 4 metres) necessitates the use of full bank height structural rock revetment in stabilisation projects. Bank protection structures are acknowledged to have serious ecological and amenity impacts. Where possible, Council is seeking to undertake erosion stabilisation projects that utilise a bio-engineered approach and maximise ecological outcomes. Designs are being developed to protect bank toes from scour while enhancing riparian vegetation. This project presents an opportunity for Council to stabilise a significant reach of eroding bank (400 m) without the need for full structural revetment. Works will include stock fencing, revegetation and if appropriate, the construction of wake wave energy dissipation structures (rock fillets) to create sheltered embayments where phragmites can regenerate.

Kingscliff foreshore protection Stage 3 – environmental impact study for foreshore protection works

Kingscliff Beach foreshore has major public assets within the immediate hazard zone. Severe coastal erosion in recent years has highlighted the vulnerability of these public assets. Following extensive community consultation and consideration of issues, council has adopted a protection strategy for a 500-metre length of Kingscliff foreshore. Preliminary studies and some on-ground works have been completed. This project is the preparation of an integrated environmental impact study (EIS) for the adopted public foreshore protection option at Kingscliff, being construction of a seawall and implementation of sand nourishment. This project is Stage 3 of the EIS and approvals process, the previous stages being feasibility and preliminary impact assessments of the sand nourishment placement and sand extraction from the Tweed River. The project will provide an integrated assessment of all elements of the foreshore protection plan.

Warringah Council

Technical guidelines for the design of protective works at Collaroy–Narrabeen

The Collaroy–Narrabeen Beach embayment is characterised as having the most highly capitalised shoreline in Warringah. Development along the beach is also classified as the third most at-risk nationally, and most at-risk in NSW, from coastal processes. Collaroy–Narrabeen Beach also has a history of ad-hoc emergency protection works being undertaken during and after coastal storms.

The project will develop guidelines on the design requirements for new and upgraded protective works at Collaroy–Narrabeen Beach. The requirements will include design standards, alignments and required setbacks. Additionally, the guidelines will address council's intention to have all future protective works contained on private property and existing protective works on public land be removed.

This information will provide the council and property owners with clear direction on the suitability and requirements for all proposals to upgrade or build new protective works at selected locations along Collaroy–Narrabeen Beach. Application of the guidelines will ensure that any future protective works are constructed to the prescribed standards ensuring consistency in siting and quality as well as maintenance of the beach environment.

Wollongong City Council

Lake Illawarra estuary health monitoring and reporting

The 2010 NSW State of the Catchments Report for Estuaries and Coastal Lakes indicates that Lake Illawarra is in very good condition, but subject to high pressure. The pressure on the lake is intensifying, as large greenfield areas in its catchment continue to be developed. How the estuary is responding to increasing catchment pressure and whether better control measures are necessary to protect its health requires a targeted monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework that can provide the information to address these issues. This project will review past monitoring activities to formulate and implement a monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework that will assist Wollongong and Shellharbour Councils to respond to the emerging challenges of protecting the health of Lake Illawarra, whilst delivering other community goals in this region.

Lake Illawarra – protecting and improving estuarine habitats

The project aims to undertake weeding and revegetation at 5 sites (Tallawarra, Fred Finch Park, Windang Peninsula Heritage Park, Wollamai Point Reserve, and Brooks Creek Estuary) around the Lake Illawarra foreshore. This project will improve 5 km of lake foreshore over an area of 9.5 hectares. Weed control will improve the condition of the lakefront endangered ecological communities, including Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest and Saltmarsh, and revegetation will increase estuarine riparian habitat and improve bank stability to improve water quality draining into the lake.

Whartons Creek entrance management study and policy

Whartons Creek is a small intermittently closed and open lake or lagoon with a catchment of 210 hectares draining to Bulli Beach. Whartons Creek periodically opens to the north, causing steep scarping of the dunes at Bulli Beach. This dune erosion greatly reduces accessibility and amenity at the beach. This has resulted in council seeking necessary approvals and manually excavating the creek entrance to open it in a direct easterly path to the ocean.

This project aims to investigate local coastal processes which influence the entrance behaviour and cause shoreline erosion, and to recommend strategies for council to more effectively manage the stabilisation of the entrance. The project will result in an entrance management study and policy, and a review of environmental factors for adopted management options to allow improved and efficient ongoing management of the entrance of Whartons Creek.

Wollongong beach and dune monitoring and management

Councils need to understand the factors influencing the spatial and temporal patterns of change along their coastlines in order to make effective coastal zone management decisions. For Wollongong City Council, beach and dune management issues have become a significant challenge in recent years, and management intervention has sometimes been necessary without a full understanding of their likely long-term impact. This project involves continuing beach and dune monitoring at selected locations where works have been undertaken or are planned, for a better understanding of the coastal processes that shape these landforms and the likely impacts of any intervention works. This information will assist council in ensuring that management actions undertaken bring about effective and enduring solutions.

Wollongong dune vegetation management

This project seeks to restore and enhance the dune vegetation behind the patrolled areas of 7 beaches of the Wollongong Local Government Area: Bulli, Woonona, Bellambi, Corrimal, Towradgi, Fairy Meadow and Wollongong City beaches. Key dune vegetation management actions were included in the 'Dune Management Strategy for the patrolled swimming areas of 17 beaches' prepared in 2013. The project includes mapping the existing vegetation in the designated areas, preparing site management plans for each beach, undertaking weed control, removal of dead and senescent vegetation (particularly subspecies of Acacia longifolia), undertaking revegetation works with appropriate native species and setting up a Dune Care Volunteer Program.

Woollahra Municipal Council

Design of Lyne Park Rose Bay north-east section of the seawall

In 2013 council completed the first stage of the Woollahra Coastal Zone Management Plan (WCZMP: Stage 1), which provides an understanding of seawall condition along with a geotechnical assessment of the seawalls within the Woollahra foreshore area. In this plan Lyne Park Seawall was reviewed and it was recommended that ‘significant lengths of wall require urgent repair within 2 to 3 years.

This project covers the preparation of detailed design, investigation, review of environmental factors and all relevant approvals from state government agencies for the staged construction of the north-eastern section of Lyne Park seawall in future financial years.

Woollahra Coastal Zone Management Plan: Stage 2

In 2013, Woollahra Council completed the first stage of the Woollahra Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) which provides an understanding of coastal processes, estuary health, foreshore and seawall condition. Stage 1 summarises the existing and potential future issues, identifies data gaps, and provides a list of potential management options for Council consideration. The investigations carried out in Stage 1 provide Council with comprehensive and scientifically-based information to inform operational changes, monitoring programs, urban planning decisions, community consultation and education activities. The findings of the investigations and the list of potential management options identified in Stage 1 will be used as a starting point to develop a clear action plan for Council. Completion of the CZMP will involve addressing some of the data gaps identified in Stage 1, conducting consultation activities with key internal and external stakeholders, and developing a final CZMP for Woollahra.

Wyong Shire Council

Soldiers beach restoration plan – investigation and design

Soldiers Beach coastal foredunes are degraded and unable to perform their natural function as a buffer to coastal storms. This project will prepare a restoration plan that will address actions identified in the Coastal Zone Management Plan. The plan will be utilised to reduce exposure of coastal development to erosion hazards, improve resilience of coastal ecological communities and improve recreational amenity.

2013-14

The Coastal Management and Estuary Management Grant Programs were separate programs in 2013–14.

In 2013–14, 26 projects were funded under the Coastal Management Program and 32 projects were funded by the Estuary Management Program.

Grant recipient/local government area	Project name	Grant type
Bega Valley Shire Council	Bega Valley Shire dune protection and rehabilitation program – stage 3	Coastal management
Byron Shire Council	New Brighton Beach scraping works 2013–14	Coastal management
Clarence Valley Council	Shoreline erosion management at Sandon Village	Coastal management
Clarence Valley Council	Investigation of sand sources in the vicinity of Wooli Beach	Coastal management
Coffs Harbour City Council	Coastal planning for Coffs Harbour: implementation of the coastal zone management plan	Coastal management
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Determination of sea level rise planning benchmarks – Eurobodalla Shire	Coastal management
	Review and update – Tomaga Estuary management plan 2005	Estuary management
	Eurobodalla Estuary health monitoring and reporting	Estuary management
Great Lakes Council (currently known as Mid Coast Council)	Jimmys Beach – trial nourishment from Winda Woppa	Coastal management
	Elizabeth Beach inundation coast zone management plan	Coastal management
	Improving water quality and habitat by addressing riverbank erosion and enhancing riparian vegetation	Estuary management
	West Swamp wetland protection and management to improve water quality and ecosystem services	Estuary management
	Best practice urban stormwater management	Estuary management
Greater Taree City Council (currently known as Mid Coast Council)	Old Bar coastal habitat restoration	Coastal management
	Manning riverbank stabilisation project – River Road Glenthorne 2013	Estuary management
Hawkesbury City Council	Governor Phillip Park bank stabilisation project	Estuary management
Hornsby Shire Council	Erosion assessment of the Lower Hawkesbury estuary shoreline	Estuary management
Hornsby Shire Council	Hawkesbury River seagrass protection and awareness	Estuary management
Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority	Bank protection, Cobbans Creek to Ramsar Road, Ash Island, Hunter River south arm: stage 1	Estuary management
	Conservation and rehabilitation masterplan for the Hunter Estuary	Estuary management
	Monitoring restoration works – Hunter Estuary stage 2	Estuary management
Hunter Councils	Applying an objectives-based decision support framework to identify management options and pathways	Coastal management
Kempsey Shire Council	Implementation of strategy 18 – Macleay River estuary coastal zone management plan	Estuary management
Kiama Municipal Council	Minnamurra River estuary management plan review	Estuary management
Kogarah City Council (currently known as Georges River Council)	Carss Park seawall estuarine habitat development – design and construction	Estuary management
Lake Macquarie City Council	Slip slidin' away – Lake Macquarie headland cliff stability and safety project	Coastal management
Lake Macquarie City Council	It's all up-hill from here – preparing Lake Macquarie wetlands for retreat	Estuary management
Lane Cove Municipal Council	Lane Cove River – stormwater works to restore corridor, Lovetts and Buffalo Creek reserves	Estuary management
Lane Cove Municipal Council	Gore Creek – stormwater works to protect saltmarsh stage 2 - implementation	Estuary management
Leichhardt Municipal Council (currently known as Inner West Council)	Blackmore Oval constructed wetland	Estuary management
Marrickville Council (currently known as Inner West Council)	Alice Lane Newtown stormwater improvement works – Cooks River Estuary	Estuary management
	Kays Avenue East Marrickville stormwater improvement works – Cooks River Estuary	Estuary management
Nambucca Shire Council	Nambucca Beaches access ways program stage 2	Coastal management
Nambucca Shire Council	Nambucca River Estuary water quality improvement project – Stuart Island and Boulton's Crossing	Estuary management
Newcastle City Council	Coastal educational signage	Coastal management
	Coastal cliff stabilisation works at Shortland Esplanade – construction stage	Coastal management
	Hunter Estuary hydrodynamic model (stage 1)	Estuary management
	Hunter River foreshore rehabilitation – Stockton ballast ground	Estuary management
	Stockton sandspit rehabilitation works	Estuary management
Parramatta City Council	Ermington Bay wetlands saltmarsh protection and riparian restoration stage 1	Estuary management
Pittwater Council (currently known as Northern Beaches Council)	North Avalon Beach dune restoration	Coastal management
	Mona Vale Beach dune restoration	Coastal management
	Currawong Reserve seawall improvements	Estuary management
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council	Lake Cathie coastal sedimentary processes conceptual model	Coastal management
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council	Lake Cathie coffee rock photogrammetric analysis	Coastal management
Port Stephens Council	Sandy Point to Conroy Park process study, drainage adaption and seawall redesign	Coastal management
Rockdale City Council (currently known as Bayside Council)	Sandringham Bay – bank stabilisation	Coastal management
Shellharbour City Council	Warilla Beach dune and habitat rehabilitation	Coastal management
	Entrance channel dredging and Warilla Beach renourishment	Coastal management
	Restoring Oakey Creek	Estuary management
Shoalhaven City Council	Coastal erosion: road stormwater impact assessment	Coastal management
	Catchment stormwater assessment: Shoalhaven River Lake Wollumboola	Estuary management
	Estuary foreshore rehabilitation/stabilisation – Lake Tabourie Conjola, Burrill Lake, St Georges Basin	Estuary management
Sutherland Shire Council	North Cronulla to Wanda Beach: upgrade of beach accessways 26, 17 and 9 and dune maintenance	Coastal management
Tweed Shire Council	Tweed coastal floodplain – acid sulfate soils hotspot identification and remediation	Estuary management
Warringah Council (currently known as Northern Beaches Council)	Warringah dune restoration project	Coastal management
Wollongong City Council	Restoring estuarine endangered ecological communities in 3 northern Illawarra riparian corridors	Estuary management
Wyong Shire Council (currently known as Central Coast Council)	Review and update of the coastal zone management plan for the Wyong coastline	Coastal management

Bega Valley Shire Council

Bega Valley Shire dune protection and rehabilitation program – stage 3

This project seeks to build on a recently completed large-scale program of dune protection and rehabilitation which targeted the shire's urban beaches to rehabilitate and stabilise 2 sections of beach dunes. It will remove, repair and replace existing dune infrastructure in 2 areas on the Bega Valley Shire open coast at Short Point Beach (southern end) and Tathra Beach (northern end), as they have been identified as the next highest priority beaches requiring rehabilitation.

Additional actions include weed removal, native species replanting in disturbed sites and installation of interpretive signage.

Byron Shire Council

New Brighton Beach scraping works 2013–14

The project entails implementing beach scraping works at New Brighton Beach in Byron Shire. It is envisaged that the works will be part of an ongoing beach scraping program at New Brighton over coming years.

The beach scraping works will aim to maintain, in the short term, a preferred dune profile, beach volume, beach accessibility and recreational amenity at New Brighton Beach. The works will not remove the immediate coastline hazard threat to infrastructure and private property from a design storm event, but they are likely to modestly reduce the severity of the threat.

Clarence Valley Council

Shoreline erosion management at Sandon Village

A management plan is required to manage active shoreline erosion which has resulted in the loss of part of a public reserve and threatens private land/dwellings at Sandon Village. The adjacent waterway is within the Solitary Islands Marine Park and management of the coastal hazard must be sensitive to the high value environment and reduce the risk to public and private land, and public safety for users of the sandy beach environment. Ad hoc works have been completed in attempts to reduce erosion. These structures/treatments may cause adverse impact to unprotected sections of the shoreline and increase public risk to beach users as the structures degrade. An assessment of the coastal processes and management options will be made before the council determines a sustainable management response.

Investigation of sand sources in the vicinity of Wooli Beach

Wooli Beach is a designated coastal erosion 'hot spot'. The Wooli community has indicated during public exhibition of the draft Wooli Village/Beach coastal zone management plan that it supports protection of the village and beach environment rather than planned retreat. The community prefers that the sandy beach amenity is maintained with management solutions to preserve that amenity. This project will determine if local sources of sand are available, through an investigative study/report.

Coffs Harbour City Council

Coastal planning for Coffs Harbour: implementation of coastal zone management plan

A high priority action in the recently adopted coastal zone management plan is the formulation of planning controls and updated policy for the coastal zone. This project will integrate coastal hazard planning into the Coffs Harbour local environmental plan (LEP). The objectives of this project are to update council coastal planning controls and develop a development control plan that is integrated with coastal hazard and coastal risk areas.

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Determination of sea level rise planning benchmarks – Eurobodalla Shire

This project will examine the utility of local tide gauges to measure any trends of significance to the Eurobodalla coastline. This data will be analysed to determine a minimum baseline position to indicate what has occurred historically. An estimate of sea level rise projections will be determined through examination of the most recent literature published by leading Australian and international institutions. The projections will be separated into multiple planning periods to reflect different strategic applications such as short-term commercial development, residential housing, infrastructure planning and long-term land-use planning.

The proposed approach will facilitate more flexibility in the assessment of development through consideration of a wider range of planning periods, development designs and projected risk over the life of the development. An accompanying guide note on the application of the planning benchmarks will be produced to assist planners and the community understand the application of sea level rise planning benchmarks.

Review and update – Tomaga Estuary management plan 2005

Tomaga Estuary is located on the South Coast of New South Wales, approximately 300 kilometres south of Sydney. The Tomaga Estuary management plan identified on-ground projects and initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring key environmental assets and social amenity. A recent review of the plan identified that many of the high priority projects have been implemented in full, including major erosion control works, weed control and water quality monitoring programs. It is timely to initiate a more thorough review of the plan to consider proposed intensification of land use within the catchment and capture changing views within the community in terms of how the estuary is managed.

Eurobodalla Estuary health monitoring and reporting

This project will see the continuation of estuary health monitoring in the 6 main Eurobodalla estuaries, the refinement of trigger values and the completion of up-to-date estuary health report cards that track how well each estuary is being managed over time and inform the community of the current health of its estuaries. This project will also include the completion of a catchment model for the Tuross River catchment to identify pollution hot spots that may be contributing to the water quality ranking of this estuary. A number of recommendations on potential actions to address the long-term management of this estuary will be included.

Great Lakes Council

Jimmys Beach – trial nourishment from Winda Woppa

This project will trial sand nourishment from Winda Woppa to Jimmys Beach by physical movement over a 2-year period, as recommended in the Jimmys Beach sand nourishment assessment report 2012. The project is designed to address the overwhelming issue of sand erosion faced along the beach. This stage of the project will gain approvals from authorities, commence trial nourishment regimes from Winda Woppa and conclude with a long-term feasibility report. A beach profile monitoring programs will also supplement the trial nourishment regimes to provide recommendations and evaluate the effectiveness of the beach nourishment management.

Elizabeth Beach inundation coast zone management plan

The drainage basin behind Elizabeth Beach is subject to coastal inundation during various design sea conditions. Seawater can enter via a large arch culvert along a small coastal creek located in the eastern corner of Elizabeth Beach, flooding the basin area and affecting inland margins of Boomerang and Blueys beaches. Preliminary investigation has shown that, under 1% annual exceedance probability sea conditions, the ocean level will have sufficient time to equilibrate with levels inside the drainage basin. Sea level rise will increase internal flooding by the commensurate amount. The existing arch culvert on the creek forms a convenient control point to moderate the amount of seawater allowed into the basin. The project will investigate the use of flood gates to reduce coastal inundation risk while still allowing for appropriate environmental flooding to maintain hydrological regime and water quality.

Improving water quality and habitat by addressing riverbank erosion and enhancing riparian vegetation

The Wallamba River is exposed to severe bank erosion due to past vegetation clearance, ongoing cattle grazing and wash from boats. Sedimentation downstream is impacting on the ecosystem health of Wallis Lake. Sedimentation directly affects oyster leases and turbidity limits how deep seagrass can grow, thus reducing fish habitat. Accelerated bank erosion was widespread, particularly in areas with poor or no vegetation.

This project will address the water quality decline associated with bank erosion and disturbance of the riparian zone through the installation of temporary rock fillets/revetment to allow the establishment of mangroves to protect the riverbank from wash. In addition, stock exclusion fencing, and revegetation of the Crown foreshore reserve will restore estuarine riparian and wetland vegetation, thus improving water quality, significant aquatic and terrestrial habitat and providing bank stabilisation.

West Swamp wetland protection and management to improve water quality and ecosystem services

West Swamp is a significant floodplain wetland system on the Wallamba River, which is a major tributary of the Wallis Lake estuary. West Swamp is located in an area at high risk from acid sulfate pollution. The conservation and restoration of West Swamp has been identified as a priority action within the Wallis Lake estuary management plan.

To conserve this key priority wetland system, this project provides for the primary establishment of stock exclusion fencing to assist the initial conservation and re-establishment of wetland function of this significant area. This project will ensure that the significant environmental services provisions provided by West Swamp are protected and enhanced and will achieve positive improvement to the broader Wallis Lake system.

Best Practice urban stormwater management

This project addresses poor water quality and threats to the coastal hotspot, focusing on rehabilitating the most degraded part of Wallis Lake. Urban stormwater is the major contributor to pollutants threatening the ecologically sensitive southern section of Wallis Lake where unique sponge beds have been cited. Four of the 12 species of sponges in southern Wallis Lake are only observed in Wallis Lake and most other species have only been recorded from a handful of other lakes.

This project will address water quality decline in Pipers Bay (Wallis Lake) through the construction of one bioretention trench downstream of a stormwater drain to filter nutrients and sediments from urban stormwater prior to entering Wallis Lake. Improvements in water quality and the ecological condition of Pipers Bay (Wallis Lake) will be achieved through the removal of approximately 7 kilograms of nitrogen per annum and other associated pollutants. The bioretention pond is predicted to receive runoff from 1.05 hectares of a medium-density urban area.

Greater Taree City Council

Old Bar coastal habitat restoration

This project aims to protect and conserve the dunes at Old Bar Beach, while ensuring that access to the beach can be achieved. The project will:

educate the community by providing interpretive signage at key locations along Old Bar Beach, outlining the potentially adverse impacts of human activities on the dunal system
minimise the potential for erosion to the dunal system
remove a beach access point to reduce erosion
provide a central pedestrian access to the beach to minimise the potential for erosion.

Manning riverbank stabilisation project – River Road Glenthorne 2013

This project is to implement priority riverbank stabilisation works in the Manning River estuary. The project site is the Manning River banks either side of the Martin Bridge (Manning River Drive) south of Taree at Glenthorne. This location is where River Street is in very close proximity to the Manning River, causing a high risk of loss of the public road associated with bank erosion. The site exhibits problems with vegetation loss and removal to enhance the view from adjacent residences, resulting in increased bank instability.

This project will include public and individual site meetings with adjacent residents to seek their input into the project, educate them about the impact of activities on bank stability, and involve them in ongoing management of the site. The project plans to implement a combination of rock fillets at the base of the river bank to protect the bank from erosion and provide a site for recruitment of mangroves which will provide additional bank protection (without impeding views), as well as planting of the bank with river mat rush (Lomandra), a deep-rooted indigenous tussock, and similar plants with excellent soil-binding properties.

Hawkesbury City Council

Governor Phillip Park bank stabilisation project

It is estimated that over 30,000 people visit Governor Phillip Park at the confluence of the Hawkesbury River and South Creek each year. The park also contains the only official public boat ramp in the Hawkesbury. Due to the high boating activity, the banks have become degraded and are suffering significant bank erosion and slumping, increasing siltation of the river. This project aims to reinforce banks, using a combination of techniques, including hard engineering such as rock revetments, and revegetation works using native emergent aquatic plants along the toe of the bank to help reduce wave action while not impeding the view for spectators. Rock and log retaining walls will be constructed around the boat ramp to stabilise banks and reduce sediment input to the river.

Hornsby Shire Council

Erosion assessment of the Lower Hawkesbury estuary shoreline

The Lower Hawkesbury estuary foreshore has recently been mapped to better understand the distribution of estuarine habitats and the potential threat to these habitats from human activity. The mapping has shown that a large percentage of the shoreline, especially in the upper reaches of the estuary, are categorised as being comprised of soft materials. This type of shoreline, in particular, can be easily impacted by waves. Shoreline erosion can have serious implications for the sustainability and biodiversity of aquatic and riparian ecosystems impacted by sedimentation. There is a need to quantify areas with high erosion rates for remedial action, through establishment of a baseline, based on a long-term monitoring strategy and the identification of potential factors contributing to high levels of erosion. This information will assist in establishing best management responses to maintain or improve shoreline habitats and minimise impacts on sensitive nearby aquatic ecosystems.

Hawkesbury River seagrass protection and awareness

Seagrasses provide important habitat, shelter and food which is critical to the survival of a wide variety of estuarine species. This is a collaborative project between Hornsby Council and NSW Roads and Maritime Services which aims to protect fragile seagrass beds near Brooklyn, Dangar Island and Kangaroo Point. These seagrass areas are subjected to high levels of boat use and damage from boat propellers and anchoring. In order to remediate and protect these areas, the project will deploy strategically placed marker buoys around the edge of the seagrass beds at Kangaroo Point and refurbish those currently deployed at Dangar Island and Brooklyn Harbour. The intention is to alert boat users to the presence of seagrasses and direct boat traffic away from these areas. These works will complement education initiatives already undertaken, such as locating seagrass beds on boat user maps, provision of seagrass sticker maps and awareness campaigns.

Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority

Bank protection, Cobbans Creek to Ramsar Road, Ash Island, Hunter River south arm: stage 1

This project seeks to stabilise the eroding riverbank on the south arm of the Hunter River between Cobbans Creek and Ramsar Road at Kooragang Wetlands (Ash Island) in the Hunter River estuary through construction of rock fillets and rock revetment. Rock fillets will promote the recovery of mangroves and riparian vegetation, leading to improved fish habitat. Rock revetment will prevent further erosion of the riverbank while allowing public access to the riverbank to fishers. This stage of the work covers the investigation, design, documentation and consents.

Conservation and rehabilitation masterplan for the Hunter Estuary

This project will develop an estuary-wide conservation masterplan that provides clear priorities for implementation for future conservation and rehabilitation as per strategy 6 of the Hunter Estuary management plan, 2009. The masterplan is needed to provide direction for conservation and rehabilitation efforts on the ground and will be used to form collaborations around identified sites. It will incorporate all the most up-to-date information that is available throughout the estuary with the datasets that were used for the Hunter Estuary coastal zone management plan. The project will involve the development of a large practical map-based masterplan showing the current on-ground works and identifying priority areas for future works, including specific habitat areas and connections (green corridors) between habitats.

Monitoring restoration works – Hunter Estuary stage 2

This project will monitor hydrodynamics, vegetation (including saltmarsh), shorebirds and occurrence of green and golden bell frog following creek restoration works to improve tidal flushing of Dead Mangrove Creek. Vegetation response to restoration works will be surveyed to assess if the desired outcomes have been achieved in each area. The occurrence of the frog species will be surveyed in the vicinity of restoration works so that their presence or absence can be considered in the assessment of the restoration activities.

Hunter Councils

Applying an objectives-based decision support framework to identify management options and pathways

This project will provide specialist mentoring and facilitation to assist Wyong and Gosford councils apply the decision support framework developed for Hunter and Central Coast councils to objectively identify, assess and determine management options and pathways for vulnerable coastal areas located at North Entrance, Toowoon Bay and Wamberal Beach. The project will enable councils to:

establish clear, agreed management objectives for the coastal hazards
develop and implement effective communication and engagement strategies for key decision-makers, stakeholders and the wider community
filter a range of potential management options (such as development and strategic land-use planning controls, infrastructure protection and maintenance, protection works, planned retreat) for each site
identify potential adaptation pathways, along with triggers and thresholds to inform the timing of implementation of management options identified through the filtering process
determine the most appropriate economic options assessment method (encompassing social and environmental impacts) for informing the final selection of preferred management options and pathways.

Kempsey Shire Council

Implementation of strategy 18 – Macleay River estuary coastal zone management plan

Rotary Park on the Jerseyville foreshore is a very popular location for many local and transient visitors to the lower Macleay River estuary. The park precinct contains a public playground and community amenity facilities, a popular boat ramp and an environmental riparian rehabilitation project site. Strategy 18 of the Macleay River estuary coastal zone management plan (2012) identified that specific public infrastructure, such as the Jerseyville site, is at risk from erosion. Recent climatic conditions and ever-increasing boating activities have culminated in increased riverbank erosion that is imposing significant environmental, social and economic impacts. It is proposed to selectively position large rock armouring along approximately 200 metres of riverbank foreshore to provide long-term bank stability and reduce the threat of erosion along the foreshore area.

Kiama Municipal Council

Minnamurra River estuary management plan review

The Minnamurra River estuary management plan was adopted by Kiama Municipal Council and Shellharbour City Council in November 1995 and reviewed in May 2003. Since then, the councils have implemented most of the actions identified within the plan, with considerable benefit to the health of the estuary. Since the plan was developed, the body of knowledge on the potential impacts of climate change on physical and ecological processes within estuaries has increased, and new policies have been released by the NSW Government to guide local councils in their preparations for climate change impacts. Kiama Council will review the Minnamurra River estuary management plan to consider the potential impacts of climate change and refocus priorities now that many of the actions identified in the original plan have been implemented. The review process will provide additional opportunities for the local community to have a say in the management of Minnamurra River.

Kogarah City Council

Carss Park seawall estuarine habitat development – design and construction

This project involves the design and construction of an environmentally friendly seawall to replace the existing concrete vertical seawall at Carss Park. The project will reintroduce protected ecological communities of saltmarsh and mangrove, while also continuing the incorporation of rockpool designs introduced by Council at Dover Park East.

Lake Macquarie City Council

Slip slidin' away – Lake Macquarie headland cliff stability and safety project

The headland cliff stability and safety project will improve safety and access for the public on coastal headlands and rock platforms on the Lake Macquarie coast. A detailed geotechnical assessment of cliff hazards will be conducted at several at-risk headland locations identified in the Lake Macquarie coastline hazard study, including Dudley, Redhead, Swansea Heads, Caves Beach and Catherine Hill Bay. Based on the findings of the geotechnical investigation, risk assessments for priority sites will consider the consequences of the hazard on structures, such as roads and dwellings, and activities, such as walking, sight-seeing, rock fishing and surfing. Risk-mitigation works will be carried out in locations identified in the risk assessment. The works may include installing signs, managing access with fencing and defined pathways, and minor stabilisation and revegetation works.

It's all up-hill from here – preparing Lake Macquarie wetlands for retreat

A 2010 study showed that, with a predicted rise of 90 centimetres in lake levels, 680 hectares (28%) of Lake Macquarie's 2400 hectares of tidal and freshwater wetlands will be permanently inundated. However, there is more than 6000 hectares of potential retreat area. This project will look at the 4 largest and most diverse wetland complexes in Lake Macquarie and develop strategies to manage their retreat. The project will draw on existing studies to look at ecological values and services, condition, land use, and barriers to retreat. It will develop recommendations for land-use and development planning, land acquisition, infrastructure planning, and works to improve the structural and ecological condition and resilience of the wetlands and retreat areas.

Lane Cove Municipal Council

Lane Cove River – stormwater works to restore corridor, Lovetts and Buffalo Creek reserves

Lovetts Reserve and Buffalo Creek Reserve form part of a regionally significant wildlife corridor along the Lane Cove River. Buffalo Creek Reserve also forms part of the Great North Walk. This significant section of wildlife corridor is subject to uncontrolled stormwater outlets discharging from the reserves and neighbouring properties, resulting in sedimentation and weed invasion in key foreshore communities, including endangered ecological communities of Coastal Saltmarsh and Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest. Stormwater works will improve water quality and reduce erosion and sedimentation in these communities. Bush regeneration works will restore 6 hectares of core habitat for wildlife, including threatened fauna, such as the grey-headed flying fox and powerful owl. Additionally, an environmental education program targeting neighbouring properties will improve water quality via letterbox drop and brochure focusing on stormwater and weed control.

Gore Creek – stormwater works to protect saltmarsh stage 2 - implementation

This project includes vegetation zones and erosion controls to improve the stability, ecosystem health and aesthetics of the area using bush regeneration and soft rehabilitation methods. The works will address erosion and sediment control; aeration of stormwater and will ultimately lead to improvement in water quality; stormwater channel lining and capping and diversion; regeneration and revegetation of native vegetation directly, adjacent to stormwater works; damage to Aboriginal sites caused from stormwater erosion; and protection and enhancement of the endangered saltmarsh vegetation communities downstream.

Leichhardt Municipal Council

Blackmore Oval constructed wetland

Leichhardt Council has proposed a two-stage stormwater treatment and harvesting scheme at Blackmore Oval, Lilyfield. The wetland will treat stormwater from a 2 hectare, highly polluted 100% impervious catchment, carrying runoff from the City-West Link. Stormwater has been identified as one of the major causes of environmental degradation in Sydney Harbour bays. This project will replace a non-functioning sediment basin with a constructed wetland. The wetland will be designed to restore a highly degraded freshwater habitat within a densely urbanised area. Arterial roads are major sources of heavy metals, oils and hydrocarbons. Baseflows will be treated by directing baseflow from a 56-hectare catchment into the wetland.

Marrickville Council

Alice Lane Newtown stormwater improvement works – Cooks River estuary

This project will build a biofiltration system in Newtown as a priority action in the Eastern Channel East sub catchment plan. It will target pollutant concentrations for stormwater discharged to the Cooks River. The works form part of the Alice Lane living lane project that is using a co-governance approach to construct a biofiltration system in the context of greening the lane with the local community for its benefit and use.

Kays Avenue East Marrickville stormwater improvement works – Cooks River Estuary

This project will build a bioretention system in Marrickville South to target pollutant concentrations for stormwater discharged to the Cooks River. The rain garden project is part of the Kays Avenue East living lane project that is using a co-governance approach to construct a bioretention system in the context of greening the lane with the local community for its benefit and use.

Nambucca Shire Council

Nambucca Beaches access ways program stage 2

Many of the shire's existing pedestrian beach access points have been eroded through high water levels and storm events and are unusable and unsafe for many beach users who are disabled or frail. A project is currently underway to create all-conditions access to at least 6 of the highest priority accessways. This project will enable us to continue the implementation of the works we have identified as needing treatment in stage 1. This project will enable the council to continue implementation of construction of at least 5 high quality, all-season access points to beaches that provide greater public safety and protect sensitive coastal landforms.

Nambucca River estuary water quality improvement project –Stuart Island and Boulton's Crossing

The Nambucca River is the focal point of the Nambucca Shire in terms of environmental values, tourism activities, community recreation and amenity and aquaculture production. This project will improve the natural environment at Stuart Island through restoration and revegetation of the riverbank with local native plant species and, at Boulton's Crossing campground on Warrell Creek, implement urgently required sewage treatment works to protect water quality. The project, located on the Nambucca River and its tributary Warrell Creek, will improve the water quality of the estuary and help maintain its ecological and biological values, protect oyster production, and ensure that the river remains a key tourism attraction and community amenity.

Newcastle City Council

Coastal educational signage

Newcastle's coastline is an exceptional natural asset for residents and visitors. The foreshore and rock platforms of the coastline are home to a great diversity of flora and fauna, including a number of threatened shorebird species. Council has completed studies on the intertidal and avian values of the Newcastle coastline and investigated the levels of human use of the coastal rock platforms. All of these studies have recommended Council implement a community education program to highlight and protect the biodiversity values of the coastline.

This project will include the design, development and installation of educational signage along the Newcastle coastline. The project aims to educate the community about the biodiversity values of the coastline and outline how the community can minimise its impact on the flora and fauna of the coastline.

Coastal cliff stabilisation works at Shortland Esplanade – construction stage

This project involves the implementation of coastal stabilisation works at Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle East. Sandstone rock cuts have been identified at this location in the draft Newcastle Coastal Zone Hazard Study, with rockfalls onto Shortland Esplanade recorded at this site, both historically and currently. The draft study recommends that loose and detached blocks are removed from the rock face. In addition, the study identifies weed vegetation growing in the rock defects is to be poisoned to allow for assessment of the condition of the existing concrete revetments and retaining walls. Native vegetation reflecting the local coastal species palette is to be used in revegetation/stabilisation works.

Hunter Estuary hydrodynamic model (stage 1)

This project proposes development of a new overarching hydrodynamic model for the Hunter Estuary to assist in decision-making for a range of water users. The full project will be implemented in 3 stages. The overall aim of the project is to develop a coordinated whole-of-government physical processes model for the Hunter Estuary that uses the best available data, produces consistent results, reduces uncertainty and is available for use by regulators, proponents and decision-makers.

Hunter River foreshore rehabilitation – Stockton ballast ground

Stockton ballast ground forms part of the Hunter River foreshore in the Hunter Estuary. Degradation of the site has occurred from the impacts of erosive tidal flows and significant weather events. Rehabilitation of the Hunter River foreshore at Stockton has been identified as a priority project after considering recent asset condition inspections. The project aims to achieve improved habitat and stability of the foreshore, including mangrove recruitment through the design, construction and landscaping of 300 metres of foreshore lands.

Stockton sandspit rehabilitation works

The project will be a partnership between National Parks and Wildlife Service, Kooragang Wetlands Rehabilitation Project and Council to undertake rehabilitation works at the sandspit. Works will include weeding and revegetation with native species; design of a viewing deck; design of priority accessway works; and installation of signage.

Parramatta City Council

Ermington Bay wetlands saltmarsh protection and riparian restoration stage 1

Archer Park on the Parramatta River foreshore forms part of the Ermington Bay wetlands. There are many negative impacts on this regionally significant area, including weed infestation, dumping, excessive nutrient inputs and sedimentation due to eroding soils. To protect the endangered Coastal Saltmarsh and mangrove communities, these impacts need to be addressed. This will be done through a combination of litter removal, crushed sandstone capping, capture of runoff, revegetation and fencing to reinstate this area to a more natural state for local animals. Other outcomes include water quality improvements, reduced weed infestations, healthier saltmarsh and mangrove communities and benefits to animals through habitat and food source creation.

Pittwater Council

North Avalon Beach dune restoration

The frontal dune at North Avalon Beach has blown out and moved off the beach and up into the adjacent reserve. The problem has been exacerbated by removal of dune fencing by local surfers and loss of vegetation as well as the major access track onto the beach, funnelling sand up onto the reserve. Council will push the sand on the reserve back onto the dune, re-orientate the access track, construct dune fencing to all edges and revegetate the affected area through plant propagation and dense planting of the indigenous coastal foredune wattle scrub association vegetation.

Mona Vale Beach dune restoration

The dunes at Mona Vale Beach are continually windblown, resulting in sand deposits in the adjacent reserve. The council proposes to remove all existing fencing to the dune north of the Surf Life Saving Club and reshape the dune. Fencing will then be upgraded or replaced as appropriate and the dune revegetated, through a plant propagation and dense planting of the indigenous coastal foredune species. Additionally, a timber board accessway will be installed to encourage appropriate pedestrian access.

Currawong Reserve seawall improvements

Currawong Reserve is a popular Pittwater Council reserve used for launching small boats, walking and dog exercise. The reserve covers an area of approximately 2000 square metres and a 100-metre stretch of foreshore to Pittwater Estuary. In 1992-93, the council undertook foreshore stabilisation works of 65 metres of the embankment of Currawong Reserve employing environmentally friendly seawall guidelines. This left a section of approximately 20 m of traditional vertical seawall and 20 metres of informal seawall constructed predominantly of brickbats which poses a significant hazard to public safety and leaves the foreshore susceptible to erosion. Council is now proposing to rebuild and improve the section of eroding foreshore and one poorly constructed boat ramp and replace them with an improved and environmentally friendly structure which matches the southern section of the seawall. This will remove the existing hazard, restore the amenity of the area, provide habitat for marine life and ensure the seawall can withstand future frequent storms and wave impact.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Lake Cathie coastal sedimentary processes conceptual model

The township of Lake Cathie and its associated beach are located approximately 18 kilometres by road to the south of Port Macquarie. This project will develop a coastal sedimentary processes conceptual model for the coastal region adjacent to the lake entrance, extending north and south with a particular focus on the beach area adjacent to Illaroo Road and Chepana Street.

Lake Cathie coffee rock photogrammetric analysis

Coastal assets along a stretch of beach fronting Illaroo Road and Chepana Street at Lake Cathie are at risk of immediate and longer-term coastal recession. This project will involve undertaking a photogrammetric analysis of the available records to quantify the historical long-term recession rates of indurated sands (coffee rock) at the location. Analysis of historical records will enable predictions of future recession rates to be made more accurately.

Port Stephens Council

Sandy Point to Conroy Park process study, drainage adaption and seawall redesign

This project will undertake a coastal processes study of the Sandy Point to Conroy Park foreshore to develop a plan for holistic sustainable erosion management and protection of the foreshore, its homes, Conroy Park Beach and the immediate aquatic environment.

Rockdale City Council

Sandringham Bay – bank stabilisation

Over the past 12 months due to a combination of beach sediment transport and storm action in Botany Bay, severe shoreline erosion has occurred along Sandringham Bay south of Vanston Parade/Lena Street, Sans Souci. This beach erosion has caused the partial collapse of the existing sandstone boulder embankment, undermining of the adjacent public pathway, exposed the roots of 2 large pine trees and undermined the concrete seawall of Sandringham Baths.

To address this erosion and stabilise the bank and seawall, it is proposed to supply and place a series of geotextile sand pillows along Sandringham Bay, south of Lena Street over a distance of 130 metres. In addition to these sand pillows, a 20-metre length of sandstone boulder revetment will be restored near the existing pine trees. Sand pillows will also be supplied and placed along a 31-metre section of the stepped seawall to address the undermining of the concrete seawall at Sandringham Baths.

Shellharbour City Council

Warilla Beach dune and habitat rehabilitation

Warilla Beach is located approximately 10 kilometres south of Wollongong, adjacent to the entrance of Lake Illawarra. The beach is approximately 1.8 kilometres in length and backed by residential property. This project involves continued rehabilitation of dune vegetation to reinstate the dune ecosystem. Previous works have focused on primary and secondary weeding followed by the planting of predominantly herbaceous stabilising plants and scrub or woodland species. This project will incorporate similar works, targeting the eradication of noxious weed species and also include the planting of coastal heath or forest plants (such as Melaleuca, Eucalyptus and Banksia species) to increase longer term dune stability and habitat value. The project will also focus on rehabilitating areas within the dune system that have experienced recent dieback of Acacia species. Rehabilitation of these areas will reduce further impacts on the dune system, including loss of sand, native vegetation and habitat, uncontrolled access and the spread of noxious weed species.

Entrance channel dredging and Warilla Beach renourishment

Warilla Beach is located approximately 10 kilometres south of Wollongong, adjacent to the entrance of Lake Illawarra. The beach is approximately 1.8 kilometres in length and is backed by residential property. The Lake Illawarra entrance channel is a dynamic channel system of marine sands which accumulates within sections of the channel. The Shellharbour draft coastal zone management plan has identified the central/southern end of the beach as requiring nourishment of the beach area in front of the seawall for public access, amenity and hazard mitigation. Currently, there are sections of seawall that are exposed where there was not enough sand from previous nourishment works to fully cover the exposed seawall. Further opportunistic renourishment of Warilla Beach will increase the sand buffer to storm processes, which helps extend the life of the seawall by keeping it largely buried. Known problem areas of shoaling in the Lake Illawarra entrance channel will be targeted for dredging to also improve navigation and minimise channel movement.

Restoring Oakey Creek

Oakey Creek is in Oak Flats, Shellharbour and an enthusiastic group of Bushcare volunteers has been working in the reserve for the past five years. The area is comprised of Swamp Oak Flooded Forest (SOFF) and saltmarsh plant communities. This project will assist the group in reducing Lantana camara and Anredera codifolia (madeira vine), both weeds of National Significance throughout the corridor.

Shoalhaven City Council

Coastal erosion: road stormwater impact assessment

This project will undertake a city-wide road stormwater erosion impact assessment and development of a risk/priority remediation plan for future funding consideration.

Catchment stormwater assessment: Shoalhaven River Lake Wollumboola

Shoalhaven Council's review of the city-wide stormwater management plan will include development of an urban area hydraulic model to provide the necessary intelligence for targeting water quality improvements most effectively. Preparation of the model will involve the following:

check section 94 plans for existing information and designs
define the main catchments from topography
define sub catchments taking into account topography, existing drainage structures and roads
calculate the area for each sub catchment
define outlet points for each sub catchment
identify network linkages and draw a skeleton node model.

Estuary foreshore rehabilitation/stabilisation – Lake Tabourie Conjola, Burrill Lake, St Georges Basin

Existing foreshore stabilisation at these locations is generally in poor condition due to typical erosion processes and high levels of recreational use. Consultation during 2012 confirmed erosion remediation at these sites remains a priority for the community and elected councillors. Concept plans have been endorsed by community representatives of the relevant Natural Resources and Floodplain Management Committee and provide a typical treatment design to be developed and confirmed during this consultation/design phase.

Sutherland Shire Council

North Cronulla to Wanda Beach: upgrade of beach accessways 26, 17 and 9 and dune maintenance

This project will upgrade beach accessways at North Cronulla Beach (26), on the beachside of Elouera Surf Club (17) and the beach side of Wanda Surf Club (9). All 3 provide access to and from the beach for Surf Club and Council lifeguard vehicles and vessels. The accessways will be upgraded, using recycled plastic decking (which has a grooved surface and provides excellent slip resistance).

Ongoing dune maintenance work will also be undertaken from North Cronulla Beach to Wanda Beach, including dune profiling, weed control, revegetation and fence repairs.

Tweed Shire Council

Tweed coastal floodplain – acid sulfate soils hotspot identification and remediation

Degradation of the coastal floodplain through drainage modification for agriculture is a key issue affecting water quality in the Tweed coastal estuaries. The recently completed draft coastal zone management plan for these systems recommends ongoing remediation of prioritised acid-producing drains in Clothiers, Reserve and Christies creeks, and fine-scale identification of hotspots in the Mooball Creek catchment. Tweed Shire Council, in partnership with researchers and the farming community, has been identifying specific drainage reaches where techniques such as drain filling and shallowing can be undertaken to reduce the export of acid, iron and aluminium. Networks of loggers have been deployed to identify the relatively small proportion of drain reaches where most of the runoff from acid sulfate soils is generated and exported to the environment. This project will implement the findings of existing research by identifying drain reaches for remediation, undertaking remediation and improving land management capability. As a result, water quality and aquatic habitat values will be improved.

Warringah Council

Warringah dune restoration project

North Curl Curl dunes are largely covered with lantana and acetosa and have limited native vegetation cover. This project involves the removal of target weeds from select dune bays, planting out the area with native coastal species and carrying out ongoing maintenance. Fences delineating the dune bays require repair or installation to keep pedestrians out of the sensitive dune vegetation. There is a large amount of bitou bush (a Weed of National Significance) at Dee Why dunes that requires strategic removal.

Wollongong City Council

Restoring estuarine endangered ecological communities in 3 northern Illawarra riparian corridors

This project aims to restore endangered ecological communities at 3 key sites in the Wollongong local government area. The sites are Fairy Meadow Lagoon, Bellambi Gully Creek and Collins Creek Estuary. Restoration activities will include weed tree removal, weed control and revegetation. Primary and secondary weed control will be undertaken over approximately 31,500 square metres in these estuaries and 2800 plants will be sown to reinstall species indigenous to the endangered ecological communities present, including Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains, Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest and Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains.

Wyong Shire Council

Review and update of the coastal zone management plan for the Wyong coastline

This project will review and update the coastal zone management plan for the Wyong coastline to further identify potential future coastal hazards reflecting local conditions.

2012-13

The Coastal Management and Estuary Management Grant Programs were separate programs in 2012–13.

In 2012–13, 22 projects were funded under the Coastal Management Program and 36 projects were funded by the Estuary Management Program.

Grant recipient/local government area	Project name	Grant type
Bega Valley Shire Council	Promoting the importance of estuary health: the love our lakes program	Estuary management
Bega Valley Shire Council	Bega Valley Shire estuary monitoring program (year 3)	Estuary management
Bellingen Shire Council	Bellinger riverbank rehabilitation at Fernmount	Estuary management
Byron Shire Council	Coastal zone management plan for the Byron Bay embayment: update and preparation	Coastal management
Clarence Valley Council	Beach monitoring using cameras: Wooli Beach	Coastal management
	Whiting Beach erosion processes and management study	Coastal management
	Review of coastal hazard definition: Pippi Beach, Yamba	Coastal management
	Brooms Head revetment wall reconstruction	Coastal management
City of Canada Bay Council	City of Canada Bay mangrove protection	Estuary management
City of Sydney Council	Sydney Harbour coastal zone management plan: stage 1 – scoping study	Estuary management
Coffs Harbour City Council	Implementation of high priority management action within Hearnes Lake catchment	Estuary management
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Yabbara Beach erosion control and dune restoration works	Coastal management
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Endangered ecological community (EEC) conservation works across Eurobodalla estuaries: stage 4	Estuary management
Gosford City Council (currently known as Central Coast Council)	Skillon foreshore stabilisation – stage 1	Coastal management
	Narara and Erina creeks: sediment health assessment	Estuary management
Great Lakes Council (currently known as Mid Coast Council)	Wallamba Island restoration: stage 1	Estuary management
	Bulahdelah Plain wetland conservation project: stage 3 (on-ground works)	Estuary management
	Developing the Karuah River catchment plan: applying knowledge from estuarine health assessment (stage 2)	Estuary management
Greater Taree City Council (currently known as Mid Coast Council)	Protecting the health of the Manning	Estuary management
Hornsby Shire Council	Real-time estuarine health monitoring of the Hawkesbury Estuary	Estuary management
Hornsby Shire Council	Environmental status of sediments in the Hawkesbury Estuary	Estuary management
Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority	Monitoring restoration works at Dead Mangrove Creek and area E on Ash Island: Hunter Estuary	Estuary management
Hurstville City Council (currently known as Georges River Council)	Automated real-time water quality monitoring network: Georges River Estuary	Estuary management
Kempsey Shire Council	Implementation of strategy 'N' – Killick Creek Estuary management plan	Coastal management
Kiama Municipal Council	Review of the Crooked River estuary management plan for climate change impacts	Estuary management
Lake Illawarra Authority	Lake Illawarra – entrance channel sand movement	Coastal management
	Lake Illawarra: protection and improvement of estuarine wetland habitat	Estuary management
	Lake Illawarra: erosion control of priority areas	Estuary management
	Lake Illawarra: community education	Estuary management
	Lake Illawarra: water quality and estuary health monitoring	Estuary management
	Lake Illawarra: Primbee stormwater controls	Estuary management
Lake Macquarie City Council	Lake Macquarie Coastal Zone Management Plan, Part B: Review management plan	Estuary management
	Wetland and saltmarsh rehabilitation in Lake Macquarie	Estuary management
	Improving foreshore and littoral habitats in Lake Macquarie	Estuary management
	Lake Macquarie riparian rehabilitation project	Estuary management
Leichhardt Municipal Council (currently known as Inner West Council)	Birchgrove Oval gross pollutant trap	Estuary management
Manly Council	Coastal zone management plan for Manly Ocean Beach	Coastal management
	Estuary health assessment for Middle Harbour along the foreshores of Manly local government area	Estuary management
	Estuary hazards study for Clontarf and Bantry Bay area	Estuary management
Nambucca Shire Council	Nambucca Shire beach access improvement program	Coastal management
Nambucca Shire Council	Healthy wetlands for a healthy estuary: Nambucca River	Estuary management
Newcastle City Council	Newcastle coastal vegetation management plan	Coastal management
Newcastle City Council	Coastal cliff stabilisation works at Shortland Esplanade	Coastal management
Pittwater Council (currently known as Northern Beaches Council)	Coastal zone management plan for Pittwater beaches	Coastal management
	Adaptive response of Pittwater estuarine shores to sea level rise	Estuary management
	Defining the creek systems of the Pittwater Estuary catchment: stage 1	Estuary management
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council	Lake Cathie revetment wall investigation and design	Coastal management
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council	Lake Cathie coffee rock geotechnical investigation	Coastal management
Port Stephens Council	Tanilba Bay foreshore erosion management works: stage 1	Coastal management
Richmond River County Council	Richmond Catchment EcoHealth water quality monitoring	Estuary management
Richmond River County Council	Richmond estuary prioritisation and education for riparian restoration	Estuary management
Rockdale City Council (currently known as Bayside Council)	Lady Robinsons Beach – review management plan	Coastal management
Shellharbour City Council	Warilla Beach dune and habitat restoration	Coastal management
Shellharbour City Council	Elliott Lake: northern foreshore rehabilitation	Coastal management
Shoalhaven City Council	Estuary health monitoring and reporting	Estuary management
Shoalhaven City Council	Shoalhaven floodplain agricultural drainage remediation assessment	Estuary management
Sutherland Shire Council	Cronulla Park, Cronulla Esplanade and seawall upgrade	Coastal management
Warringah Council (currently known as Northern Beaches Council)	Coastal zone management plan for Collaroy-Narrabeen Beach	Coastal management

Bega Valley Shire Council

Promoting the importance of estuary health: the love our lakes program

There are 29 estuaries in Bega Valley Shire, representing a 6th of the State's estuaries. The love our lakes program aims to highlight and protect the things that the local community values about these estuaries. The program fosters the sustainable management of the estuaries and promotes their economic, social and environmental values. The program also increases community awareness of the values of the estuaries and encourages community and industry participation in conservation, rehabilitation and education initiatives.

Bega Valley Shire estuary monitoring program (year 3)

Bega Valley Shire is currently implementing year 2 of its estuary health monitoring program. The program includes measuring a number of physical and biological parameters to address data gaps and help Council to develop an environmental profile for several coastal lakes.

Year 3 of the program will build on the knowledge gained from years 1 and 2 and provide a comprehensive view of the Shire's most important estuaries.

Bellingen Shire Council

Bellinger riverbank rehabilitation at Fernmount

A 21 site action plans has been developed for the upper estuary of the Bellinger River, of which 12 have commenced implementation. Through this project, on-ground works for riverbank rehabilitation will be implemented on an additional site at Fernmount (one of only 2 remaining sites on public land) in the upper estuary. Actions will include weed control to promote natural regeneration in areas of existing native vegetation and revegetation to restore healthy, diverse native riparian corridors with structural integrity.

Byron Shire Council

Coastal zone management plan for the Byron Bay embayment: update and preparation

The Byron Bay embayment is subject to coastal hazards that threaten development such as beach erosion and shoreline recession. This threat is likely to be exacerbated in the future by climate change impacts. This project will entail the preparation of a coastal zone management plan for the Byron Bay embayment. The project outcomes will be achieved by updating the Byron Shire coastline management study (WBM, 2004) with a contemporary cost-benefit and options assessment and engaging with the community and stakeholders on the relevant management options for consideration.

Clarence Valley Council

Beach monitoring using cameras: Wooli Beach

The Coastal Communities Protection Alliance (Wooli) Inc. has raised $19,000 to fund the installation of beach monitoring cameras at Wooli Beach. The cameras will monitor beach and near-shore wave conditions and will improve site-specific data for use in managing the beach. This project will maintain the cameras, report on the data collected and complement proposed beach survey and observation-based monitoring programs.

Whiting Beach erosion processes and management study

Through this project, a process study will be undertaken to determine causes of erosion to Whiting Beach, and a concept plan will be developed to stabilise the beach and prevent ongoing erosion, before it damages public infrastructure.

Review of coastal hazard definition: Pippi Beach, Yamba

Pippi Beach at Yamba is included in the Yamba coastline management plan 2003. Council will review this management plan (including the section of the plan dealing with Pippi Beach) and insert details into the operational plan and/or delivery plan when these plans are next reviewed.

Current management is limited as coastal erosion hazards and long-term shoreline recession were not forecast to impact on significant assets in a 100-year timeframe. Recent erosion events in early 2011 on Pippi Beach have resulted in sections of the sand dunes, especially at the northern end of the beach, developing high erosion scarps of up to approximately 5 metres. Council is concerned about this erosion and consequently has resolved to review coastal hazard and coastline management.

Brooms Head revetment wall reconstruction

A 351-metre rock revetment wall will be reconstructed between the caravan park office and the boat ramp. The current rock revetment wall protects the adjacent public reserve and caravan park from erosion but has a number of voids and is being undermined. Work will involve removing the existing rock, excavation of toe deeper-in-the-sand profile, placement of geofabric and backfilling of existing rock and importation of further rock to reconstruct the wall to current best practice.

City of Canada Bay Council

City of Canada Bay mangrove protection

This project will:

prepare an education package to reduce vandalism of mangroves; the package will include education signage, brochures and information on rehabilitation of affected mangrove habitat
trial mangrove propagation in partnership with NSW Maritime and Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries NSW)
rehabilitate saltmarsh and shorebird habitat by removing mangrove propagules (seeds)
investigate suitable areas for enhancement of estuarine vegetation, including the establishment of mangroves as a stabilisation method in areas of bank erosion.

City of Sydney Council

Sydney Harbour coastal zone management plan: stage 1 – scoping study

The scoping study will form the first step in the preparation of a coastal zone management plan for Sydney Harbour. It will identify the scope of the coastal zone management plan and identify and prioritise issues.

The study will identify and prioritise the issues to be addressed including:

managing risks to public safety and built assets in the coastal zone
managing pressures on coastal ecosystems
community uses of the coastal zone
strategic, regional issues that individual councils cannot address
common issues across councils that should be addressed in a coordinated consistent process
clarifying roles in approvals, liaising with stakeholders and allocating responsibilities
filling in data gaps and commissioning specific studies (e.g. loss of seagrasses)
focusing the subsequent harbour condition study.

Coffs Harbour City Council

Implementation of high priority management action within Hearnes Lake catchment

This project tackles a high priority action from Hearnes Lake estuary management plan. There are numerous creeks and a number of intermittently closed and open coastal lakes and lagoons (ICOLLS) in the local government area, but Hearnes Lake and catchment stand out in terms of overall environmental damage from catchment uses. The catchment of the lake is very small and is used for intensive agriculture. The lake has high conservation values and is impacted by poor water quality, sediment erosion and deposition, and a degraded riparian zone.

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Yabbara Beach erosion control and dune restoration works

Access to Yabbara Beach is severely degraded from erosion, and the dunes are feeling the impact of weeds, including beach daisy, sea spurge, polygala, wild tobacco, bitou, blackberry and turkey rhubarb. Through this project key environmental actions will be implemented to protect and improve Yabbarra Beach and the surrounding dunes located in Dalmeny. The project will undertake on-ground works to address both erosion and weed invasion issues.

Endangered ecological community conservation works across Eurobodalla estuaries: stage 4

Through this project, threats will be controlled in the 5 major estuaries of Eurobodalla Shire (Clyde, Tomaga, Moruya, Tuross/Coila and Wagonga estuaries) to protect and enhance the condition of key estuarine endangered ecological communities (Coastal Saltmarsh, Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest and Bega Candelo Dry Grass Forest) in high priority locations.

This project will involve:

implementing key environmental actions identified in the estuary management plans for these areas
undertaking on-ground works, including weed control and revegetation, with planting at priority sites
implementing local community education programs to improve the condition of these habitats and increase community awareness of and participation in environmental protection works.

Gosford City Council

Skillon foreshore stabilisation – stage one

Terrigal Haven is characterised by a high headland known as Broken Head which has a prominent and steeply rising narrow rocky outcrop known as the 'Skillion'.

The embankment to the left of the Skillion has experienced severe erosion over recent decades as a result of coastal hazards and pedestrian access to the expansive rock platform that separates the primary headland of Broken Head and the Skillion. The construction of a seawall at this location will not only reduce erosion; it will also allow the reclamation of land that has been lost at the site. Stage 1 will include preparation of a review of environmental effects and the design phase.

Narara and Erina creeks: sediment health assessment

This project will involve a comprehensive geomorphological study of historic and current sedimentation rates at the estuarine outlet areas of Erina and Narara creeks.

Because organic contaminants frequently occur with heavy metals, especially in stormwater-dominated systems, selected sampling and analyses will be undertaken for organochlorine compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls. This study will also fully evaluate toxicity in these systems, and include bioavailability, speciation and partitioning studies.

Great Lakes Council

Wallamba Island restoration: stage 1

Council has recently acquired Wallamba Island in the Lower Wallamba River near the regional centre of Forster-Tuncurry. This acquisition has secured the land in public conservation ownership and protects it from risks associated with a change or intensification of private land use. The land supports high conservation value vegetation including coastal saltmarsh and floodplain endangered ecological communities, SEPP 14 wetlands and important fish habitats (mangroves).

This project will deliver on-ground actions leading to effective conservation, restoration and protection.

Bulahdelah Plain wetland conservation project: stage 3 (on-ground works)

Floodplain wetlands of the Myall River system provide significant biodiversity and environmental services. A key ecosystem value is associated with protecting the waters of the Myall Lakes Ramsar site from pollutant inflows from the predominantly rural catchment.

A recent blue-green algae outbreak highlights the ongoing sensitivities of the Myall Lakes system to pollution inflows. This project will undertake essential on-ground works on this site, with the long-term goal of restoring the ecosystem services values and condition, and eventually including the land in the national reserve system. The works proposed include stock-exclusion fencing, revegetation of currently cleared areas, and primary weed and feral animal controls.

Developing the Karuah River catchment plan: applying knowledge from estuarine health assessment (stage 2)

Through this project, a catchment plan for the Karuah River will be prepared and stage 2 of the health assessment of Karuah River estuary will be delivered. In developing the catchment plan, Council will identify key actions for managing catchment nutrient inputs.

Council will engage with land managers and stakeholders in the catchment about the estuary health assessment findings and work with them to develop actions for the plan.

This estuary is an important oyster farming area which has suffered water quality issues in the past. Identifying the key strategic actions for this catchment will assist with reducing these water quality issues and protecting the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park.

Greater Taree City Council

Protecting the health of the Manning

The Manning River is unique on the east coast of Australia, as it is the only river on the coastline comprising 2 ocean entrances. The river is the main water source for town water in the Greater Taree local government area. The estuary is home to oyster farms and a commercial fishing industry, which rely on the health of the estuary. This project aims to:

educate the community by providing interpretive signage at key locations throughout the estuary, outlining the potentially adverse impacts of human activities on the environmental health of the estuary, e.g. stormwater pollutants, disturbance of the riparian zone
monitor and collect data for developing a 'State of the Manning' environmental report card about the health of the estuary for the Manning catchment.

Hornsby Shire Council

Real-time estuarine health monitoring of the Hawkesbury Estuary

Estuarine health is directly influenced by the quantity and quality of upper catchment surface water and groundwater runoff. To understand the impact of catchment runoff on estuarine health, direct in-situ measurement of key parameters is required.

To monitor key parameters, the council has 5 water quality probes deployed in the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary. Parameters monitored include chlorophyll-a, temperature, conductivity, salinity and photosynthetically available radiation. Funding will continue this real-time monitoring program. Data collected will be used to:

assess and improve the management of the estuary
complement and enhance statewide monitoring evaluation and reporting strategy which seek to assess and report on estuarine health.

Environmental status of sediments in the Hawkesbury Estuary

Through this project, an environmental health assessment of Lower Hawkesbury sediments will be undertaken from Wisemans Ferry to Broken Bay. The sources and the regional extent of sediment contamination will be determined. Analysis of trace metals, major elements, nutrients, total organic compounds, organic contaminants and grain size will be undertaken. In addition, tributyltin (TBT) and organic booster biocides (diuron, chlorothalonil, irgarol and dichlofluanid), which have augmented copper-based antifoulants since TBT was banned in 1989, will be analysed at selected sites.

A project innovation will be the use of new bioassay techniques which will link sediment quality directly to the health of estuarine organisms (e.g. benthic communities). This study will build on baseline monitoring undertaken in 2007 and will assess rates of change from these baseline conditions.

Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority

Monitoring restoration works at Dead Mangrove Creek and area E on Ash Island: Hunter Estuary

This project will monitor vegetation (including saltmarsh) and the occurrence of the green and golden bell frog following creek restoration works to improve tidal flushing of Dead Mangrove Creek and management of hydrology in area E to restore saltmarsh as shorebird habitat. Vegetation response to restoration works will be surveyed to assess if the desired outcomes have been achieved in each area. The occurrence of the frogs will be surveyed in the vicinity of restoration works so their presence or absence can be considered in the assessment of restoration activities.

Hurstville City Council

Automated real-time water quality monitoring network: Georges River Estuary

The Georges River Combined Councils' Committee (GRCCC) in partnership with 3 of its member councils (Campbelltown, Liverpool and Fairfield City councils) will complete the installation of a catchment-wide network of real-time automated water quality monitoring devices. The devices will be installed at 3 sites along the upper Georges River in the Campbelltown, Fairfield and Liverpool local government areas.

The installation of these upper river devices will allow real-time data to be collected on a regional scale.

Kempsey Shire Council

Implementation of strategy 'N' – Killick Creek estuary management plan

Killick Creek is a small coastal estuary located near the popular coastal and surfing village of Crescent Head on the mid north coast of NSW. In the late 1960s the Killick Creek south bank headland was stabilised with rock armouring to protect the foreshore landscape and nearby public assets from coastal processes, wave action and estuarine flooding events. Since initial stabilisation works, wave action and other coastal and climatic processes have significantly degraded the headland foreshore protection works and continue to have a deteriorating influence on their integrity.

This project will assist Kempsey Shire Council to restore the foreshore protection armouring to a standard and quality that will provided suitable protection from future coastal and climatic processes.

Kiama Municipal Council

Review of the Crooked River estuary management plan for climate change impacts

The Crooked River estuary management plan was adopted by Kiama Municipal Council in September 2003. Since then, Council has implemented many of the actions in the plan, with considerable benefit for the health of the estuary. This review will consider the potential impacts of climate change and refocus priorities, considering emerging issues and past actions. The review process will provide new opportunities for the local community to have a say in the management of Crooked River.

Lake Illawarra Authority

Lake Illawarra – entrance channel sand movement

Project activities will include reviewing and assessing the aerial photography of the entrance channel area and, over time, mapping/plotting the nature and extent of sand movement and deposition along the channel to the 'drop off'. Other project activities will include determining a sediment budget, assessing management actions and preparing a technical report detailing the findings of the assessment.

Lake Illawarra: protection and improvement of estuarine wetland habitat

Project activities will involve saltmarsh protection, erosion control, and weeding and revegetation at various sites along the foreshore. Work will result in the restoration of up to 5 kilometres of shoreline areas, resulting in improved biodiversity and habitat. Specifically, work will target the protection and improvement of saltmarsh through:

erection of vehicle barriers and stock fencing
removal of terrestrial and aquatic weed species involving hand spraying and spot spraying
removal of kikuyu grass
planting of native grasses and sedges, and tree and shrub species.

Lake Illawarra: erosion control of priority areas

Project activities will involve erosion control works to protect public assets located on adjoining foreshore areas. Work will result in the protection of approximately 250 metres of shoreline area and a reduction in erosion that has impacts on water quality and seagrass.

Lake Illawarra: community education

Project activities will involve the love the lake campaign which aims to raise the level of understanding of, and care for, Lake Illawarra by all that use and benefit from it. Love the lake will recognise that the lake is an important natural feature that underpins local industries and the tourism industry. The key campaign message is 'keep it clean'. This project will involve preparing brochures and newsletters and conducting a range of hands-on community education activities.

Lake Illawarra: water quality and estuary health monitoring

Data will be collected from the probes located at Cudgeree Bay and Koonawarra Bay and provide information on pH, salinity (conductivity), dissolved oxygen, water temperature and water level. Water samples will be collected on a monthly basis at 6 sites: Griffins Bay, Kanahooka, Burroo Bay, Back Channel, Windang Bridge and the Southern Breakwater provide information on chlorophyll-a, ammonia, total nitrogen, oxidised nitrogen, total dissolved nitrogen, total phosphorus, total dissolved phosphorus, filterable reactive phosphorus and turbidity.

Lake Illawarra: Primbee stormwater controls

Project activities include the design and construction of gross pollutant traps/trash racks on 4 existing stormwater drains that discharge into Primbee Bay.

Lake Macquarie City Council

Lake Macquarie coastal zone management plan part B: review management plan

This project will review the estuary plan, in light of these recent studies, and in accordance with guidelines for preparing coastal zone management plans.

Wetland and saltmarsh rehabilitation in Lake Macquarie

This project aims to address the ongoing degradation in wetland and saltmarsh areas around Lake Macquarie by undertaking wetland/saltmarsh restoration works in priority locations as identified in the Lake Macquarie estuary management plan and subsequent management plans. These works aim to improve water quality, restore and preserve habitat values, exclude poor management practice and, as a management response, improve the buffering capacity of wetlands against predicted sea level rise.

Improving foreshore and littoral habitats in Lake Macquarie

The Lake Macquarie estuary management plan identifies foreshore erosion and the loss of foreshore (littoral) vegetation as being key issues affecting the health of Lake Macquarie. Whilst significant improvements have already been achieved through completed foreshore and littoral vegetation works around the lake, a number of high priority degraded foreshore sites remain. This project aims to remediate a number of prominent foreshore sites where there is active erosion and littoral vegetation has become degraded. Priority sites include Eraring Bay, Marks Point and Wangi. Remedial works involve the use of 'soft engineering' techniques, such as the reinstatement of cobble beaches, which have proved to be highly successful at other localities around the estuary.

Lake Macquarie riparian rehabilitation project

The health of Lake Macquarie Estuary is highly dependent on inflows from its catchment and tributaries. The increasing volume of runoff from urbanising catchments, due to hard surfaces and less infiltration, is increasing the proportion of lake sediment inflows, and other pollutants, being generated by eroding streambanks. This project aims to undertake streambank stabilisation works and riparian vegetation rehabilitation in priority tributaries throughout the catchment.

Leichhardt Municipal Council

Birchgrove Oval gross pollutant trap

This project involves installing a small gross pollutant trap in Birchgrove near Balmain. Due to ageing infrastructure and high population density, there are issues with flooding and pollution.

The trap will be located in Birchgrove Oval and will prescreen water to reduce the load of pollution going from the streets in the catchment into Sydney Harbour. A subsequent stage proposes a stormwater harvesting project that will use this screened water to offset the potable irrigation demand for the oval, and further reduce pollution loads.

Manly Council

Coastal zone management plan for Manly Ocean Beach

Cabbage Tree Bay management plan was adopted in 2000 and Manly Ocean Beach Coastline Management Plan and Emergency Action Plan in 2008. This project will revise these 2 plans and consolidate them into one coastal zone management plan. The new plan will include an emergency action sub plan, property risk and response categorisation, options for managing coastal hazards and ecosystem health, an entrance management policy for Manly Lagoon and community use and heritage conservation measures.

Estuary health assessment for Middle Harbour along the foreshores of Manly local government area

This project is an action in the adopted Clontarf/Bantry estuary management plan The estuary health assessment will include a description of:

the components of the estuarine ecosystem
the key biological, physical and chemical processes and interactions
the key pressures impacting on estuarine processes and estuary health.

Estuary hazards study for Clontarf and Bantry Bay area

This estuary hazard study will assess beach erosion, shoreline recession, coastal inundation, and slope and cliff instability. It will consider environmental, public safety and access and planning impacts including the possible loss of aquatic and riparian vegetation. It will also assess the impacts of projected sea level rise on estuarine habitats, stormwater systems and public access and critical infrastructure.

Nambucca Shire Council

Nambucca Shire beach access improvement program

This project will enable the prioritisation and implementation of all-conditions access to around 30 popular beaches in the Nambucca Shire. Many of the existing access points have been eroded through high water levels and storm events. They are difficult to use and particularly unsafe for any beach users with physical disabilities. This will lead to an overall coastal access management plan being developed prior to undertaking on-ground works. The project will be conducted in 2 phases:

Engage stakeholders to identify priority beach access points requiring immediate maintenance or improvement based on their present condition, risk and levels of use. Aerial photos of all sections of the coastline will be used to identify all access points, then key versus unnecessary access points will be identified. This process will prioritise the upgrade and formalisation of key tracks and closure/rehabilitation of informal tracks.
Undertake works on the selected improvements or maintenance items in accordance with the coastal access planning study.

Healthy wetlands for a healthy estuary: Nambucca River

The Gumma Gumma healthy wetlands for a healthy estuary project will target issues including acid sulfate soils, poor water quality and degraded aquatic habitat that threaten the sustainability of primary industries and vital ecosystem services of the complex. The aim of the project is to improve the hydrology of Gumma wetlands to a level that sustains healthy environmental flows and supports local fisheries, as well as agriculture. The project will involve actions to assess, design and install a water control structure to retain appropriate seasonal water levels in the swamp.

Newcastle City Council

Newcastle coastal vegetation management plan

This project involves preparing a coastal vegetation management plan for the Newcastle local government area. The plan will guide Council's native vegetation management along the coastline for the next 10 years. The coastal vegetation management plan will set ten-year, four-year and annual targets for coastal rehabilitation. The plan will prioritise the areas to be rehabilitated and detail the methods to be used for seed collection and propagation, planting, maintenance and monitoring. The plan will apply to public land within the immediate coastal zone, which includes coastal dunes, headlands, cliffs and foreshore areas.

Coastal cliff stabilisation works at Shortland Esplanade

This project involves the design and implementation of coastal stabilisation works at Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle East. It will include the design and implementation of appropriate risk mitigation measures for this hazard, as well as coastal revegetation opportunities across approximately 290 metres of coastline.

Pittwater Council

Coastal zone management plan for Pittwater beaches

This project will develop coastal zone management plans for beaches on the open coastline, that is, Palm, Whale, Avalon, Turimetta, Warriewood, Mona Vale, Bungan, Newport and Mackerel beaches. These iconic beaches provide regional recreational opportunities for the broader Sydney metropolitan area and are international tourist destinations in their own right. Although still featuring significant elements of natural beach systems, these beaches also demonstrate degradation from the ongoing and increasing pressures of coastal development and intensive recreational use. Coastal zone management plans for these beaches will help to ensure the sustainable use and development of their highly valued coastal resources.

Adaptive response of Pittwater estuarine shores to sea level rise

A rising sea level is likely to have profound impacts on low lying lands in coastal environments, in particular the shorelines and intertidal zones of estuaries. Seagrass meadows, mudflats, mangrove wetlands and saltmarshes are ecosystems that are highly sensitive to changes in tidal range and as such will be vulnerable to sea level rise impacts. Much public infrastructure and urban development is located on coastal floodplains and estuarine foreshores that will increasingly be threatened by sea level rise impacts, including inundation, erosion and saline intrusion.

This project will help Council and the community to appreciate ways in which the foreshores and low lying lands around Pittwater might respond to sea level rise and the adaptation provisions and measures that may need to be considered to sustain vulnerable estuarine ecosystems and increase the resilience of threatened urban communities.

Defining the creek systems of the Pittwater Estuary catchment: stage 1

This project will set up a clear defined outline of the location of the creek systems in the catchments that drain into Pittwater Estuary. This project is stage 1, and relates to the identification, photo logging and mapping of all the creeks that drain into the Pittwater Estuary to determine their location, level of disturbance, the reaches of the creek, the riparian width of the creek and in-stream habitat.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Lake Cathie revetment wall investigation and design

This project will complete detailed designs, reports, documents (environmental impacts assessments, tender and contract documents) and gain all necessary approvals for a 400 metre revetment wall along Lake Cathie Beach, directly opposite Illaroo Road, Lake Cathie. Investigations necessary for the development of these designs will also take place, which will include site surveying, geotechnical and environmental investigations.

Lake Cathie coffee rock geotechnical investigation

The Lake Cathie coastline management plan identified the need to investigate the extent and composition of indurated sands (coffee rock) along the length of Lake Cathie Beach, in order to more accurately predict coastal erosion in the study area. This project will involve drilling boreholes along the length of the study area and conducting tests on the targeted strata.

Port Stephens Council

Tanilba Bay foreshore erosion management works: stage 1

Through this project, the first stage of the Tanilba Bay foreshore erosion management plan will be implemented by installing an environmentally friendly seawall along an eroded section of Peace Park in Tanilba Bay. This will result in longer term foreshore stability while providing intertidal habitat.

Richmond River County Council

Richmond Catchment EcoHealth water quality monitoring

This project will coordinate and implement intensive water quality sampling in 5 sub catchments in 3 local government areas over an 18-month period. This information will provide site-specific information on each sub catchment regarding ambient water quality and event-based information for the North Creek, Wilsons and Richmond catchments. The project is a pilot for a broader Richmond River EcoHealth assessment which was identified as a very high priority in the coastal zone management plan.

Richmond estuary prioritisation and education for riparian restoration

The Richmond estuary extends from Ballina upstream to Casino and Lismore and suffers from a lack of good native riparian vegetation, weeds, poor farming practices and erosion with many landowners unwilling to commit to or being uninformed about the advantages of riparian restoration. This project aims to use existing vegetation mapping to identify sites which can be prioritised for restoration. An education and communication component will be incorporated for landowners to improve levels of acceptance and understanding of the need for riparian restoration. Prioritisation of areas would allow direct contact with landowners to target on-ground works.

Rockdale City Council

Lady Robinsons Beach – review management plan

This review will involve evaluating the measures installed, assessing sections that have failed, updating past studies and developing a new management plan with short-term, medium-term and long-term strategies to control ongoing beach erosion.

Shellharbour City Council

Warilla Beach dune and habitat restoration

Warilla Beach is located approximately 10 kilometres south of Wollongong, adjacent to the entrance of Lake Illawarra. The beach is around 1.8 kilometres in length and is backed by residential property. The Shellharbour coastal hazard analysis identifies the northern dune system as being the most vulnerable to long-term erosion and coastal inundation. Continuation of net sand losses from the embayment will reduce sand reserves, increasing the risk of dune erosion and potential inundation and causing breakthrough of the dune.

This project involves continued rehabilitation of dune vegetation to re-instate the dune ecosystem and will target the eradication of noxious weed species and the planting of coastal heath or forest plants (e.g. Melaleuca spp. Eucalyptus spp. and Acacia spp.), with the aim of increasing longer term dune stability and habitat value.

Elliott Lake: northern foreshore rehabilitation

The northern foreshore of Elliott Lake adjoins the pedestrian bridge linking Warilla and Barrack Point. The area is highly used by pedestrians and recreational user groups with no clear access. Through disturbance from past development and the continued unrestricted use of the foreshore in this location the area has become degraded. Site inspections by Council's risk manager has revealed that the area is currently unsafe for use. Improvement works to be undertaken will include reshaping of the foreshore dune and stabilising the area through appropriate placement of rock, geofabric and the planting of suitable colonising plant species. The dune vegetation along the northern foreshore requires regeneration works to eradicate non-endemic weed species and enhance the native vegetation. Works would incorporate primary and secondary weeding, mulching and planting of suitable local species.

Shoalhaven City Council

Estuary health monitoring and reporting

This project will redesign the current routine monitoring program undertaken by Council across the estuary network to align it with the statewide monitoring evaluation and reporting strategy.

Shoalhaven floodplain agricultural drainage remediation assessment

Through this project, existing research and site-specific reports will be reviewed, and a detailed remediation strategy based on the improved range of remediation options and demonstrated management strategies will be developed.

Sutherland Shire Council

Cronulla Park, Cronulla Esplanade and seawall upgrade

At Cronulla Park the original 'bleacher' style seawall that protects the esplanade and its buildings, as well as providing safe beach access, is in a serious state of deterioration and has reached the end of its useable life.

This project involves the design and construction of a new seawall to meet current best practice engineering and accessibility design standards, along with an upgrade of the esplanade pathway. The essence of the design is to encase the existing seawall to protect its heritage significance, provide extra stability to the new seawall and improve public amenity.

Warringah Council

Coastal zone management plan for Collaroy–Narrabeen Beach

Collaroy–Narrabeen Beach has experienced a long history of storm damage and coastal erosion. Hazards affecting the beach include beach and stormwater erosion, climate change and coastal inundation. In 2009 the NSW Government identified Collaroy–Narrabeen Beach in a list of coastal erosion 'hot-spots' along the NSW coast. This project will develop a coastal zone management plan to provide a sound basis for management of coastal hazards affecting Collaroy-Narrabeen Beach, adjacent reserves and residential areas.

2011-12

The Coastal Management and Estuary Management Grant Programs were separate programs in 2011–12.

In 2011–12, 17 projects were funded under the Coastal Management Program and 39 projects were funded by the Estuary Management Program.

Grant recipient/local government area	Project name	Grant type
Ballina Shire Council	Water quality in North Creek – what (or who) is affecting our oyster industry?	Estuary management
Bega Valley Shire Council	Bega Valley Shire estuary monitoring program	Estuary management
Bega Valley Shire Council	Pambula Lake estuary management study and plan	Estuary management
Bellingen Shire Council	Hungry Head Beach access stairway	Coastal management
Bellingen Shire Council	Bellinger and Kalang Rivers estuary action plan – stage 2	Estuary management
Byron Shire Council	Investigating the redesign of Jonson Street protection works, Byron Bay	Coastal management
City of Canada Bay Council	Estuary foreshore management study	Estuary management
Clarence Valley Council	Clarence ecosystem health monitoring program (‘Ecohealth’)	Estuary management
Coffs Harbour City Council	Coffs Creek estuary management plan	Estuary management
	Coffs Creek infilling and hydraulic capacity	Estuary management
	Pipe Clay Lake: stormwater community education program	Estuary management
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Carters Headland – controlling erosion and restoring endangered ecological communities	Coastal management
Eurobodalla Shire Council	Endangered ecological community conservation works across Eurobodalla estuaries stage 3	Estuary management
Gosford City Council (currently known as Central Coast Council)	Ettalong Beach renourishment investigation assessment	Coastal management
	Pearl Beach Lagoon rehabilitation management plan	Estuary management
Great Lakes Council (currently known as Mid-Coast Council)	Jimmys Beach renourishment – sand deposition review	Coastal management
	Regeneration of coastal endangered species and endangered ecological communities	Coastal management
	Sandbar Beach/Smiths Lake berm management - projected climate change effects	Coastal management
	Ecological health assessment Karuah River Estuary stage 1 developing Karuah River catchment plan	Estuary management
	Kore Kore Creek wetland and riparian restoration – stage 1	Estuary management
	Review of the Wallis Lake Estuary catchment management plan: addressing climate change impacts	Estuary management
	Wallis Lake estuarine islands weed management – stage 1	Estuary management
	Water quality and habitat improvement addressing riverbank erosion and enhancing riparian vegetation	Estuary management
Hawkesbury City Council	Hawkesbury River environmental estuary management study and management plan	Estuary management
Hornsby Shire Council	Impacts of climate change on estuarine wetland and migratory waterbirds in lower Hawkesbury estuary	Estuary management
Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority	Hunter River (Ash Island) bank stabilisation project – Riverside Park	Estuary management
	Riparian restoration for stabilisation and biodiversity, Hunter Estuary, Ash Island	Estuary management
	Stockton sandspit habitat restoration – Hunter Estuary	Estuary management
Hunters Hill Council	Lane Cove River – stormwater improvement works to protect saltmarsh, Boronia Park	Estuary management
Lake Illawarra Authority	Lake Illawarra – estuary management planning and catchment protection (P1)	Estuary management
Lake Illawarra Authority	Lake Illawarra – water quality monitoring and improvements (P5)	Estuary management
Lake Macquarie City Council	Dune ecosystem recovery in Lake Macquarie	Coastal management
	Integrating coastal hazard and ecosystem health outcomes into local planning instruments	Coastal management
	Deciding for the future – sea level rise risk and community values	Estuary management
	Improving foreshore and littoral habitats Lake Macquarie improve ecology and resilience sea level rise	Estuary management
	Sea level rise adaptation by design – low-impact protective measures for estuarine foreshores	Estuary management
	Wetland and saltmarsh rehabilitation in Lake Macquarie	Estuary management
Lane Cove Municipal Council	Gore Creek – stormwater works to protect saltmarsh (EEC) stage 1 – planning design	Estuary management
Manly Council (currently known as Northern Beaches Council)	Manly Lagoon estuary health improvement – sediment interception program	Estuary management
Marrickville Council (currently known as Inner West Council)	Cooks River – stormwater quality improvement works at Bruce Street, Marrickville	Estuary management
Mosman Municipal Council	Mosman coastal zone management plan	Coastal management
Parramatta City Council	Development of an ecological response model for Sydney Harbour	Estuary management
Parramatta City Council	Monitoring of the Parramatta River Estuary	Estuary management
Pittwater Council (currently known as Northern Beaches Council)	Coastal zone management plans for Bilgola Beach and Mona Vale Basin Beach	Coastal management
	Impacts of climate change on estuarine wetland and migratory waterbirds in the Pittwater Estuary	Estuary management
	Urban sedimentation and pollution audit in the Pittwater Estuary: stage 1	Estuary management
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council	Lake Cathie stormwater outlets	Coastal management
Richmond Valley Council	Evans Head coastal zone management plans	Coastal management
Rockdale City Council (currently known as Bayside Council)	Coastal Management Plan	Coastal management
Rockdale City Council (currently known as Bayside Council)	Lady Robinsons Beach, Dolls Point – rock groyne restoration	Coastal management
Shellharbour City Council	North Warilla Beach dune and habitat rehabilitation – stage 2	Coastal management
Shoalhaven City Council	Assessment of catchment inputs Jervis Bay and likely role of anthropogenic influences on algae blooms	Estuary management
Shoalhaven City Council	Estuary health monitoring and reporting	Estuary management
Sutherland Shire Council	North West Arm Estuary management plan	Estuary management
Tweed Shire Council	Kingscliff foreshore protection stage 2 environmental impact statement Tweed River sand extraction and nourishment Kingscliff Beach	Coastal management
Warringah Council (currently known as Northern Beaches Council)	Estuarine health assessment of coastal lagoons	Estuary management

Ballina Shire Council

Water quality in North Creek – what (or who) is affecting our oyster industry?

This project will investigate long standing water quality issues impacting on primary industry and ecosystem health. It aims to identify the particular land use issues contributing to compromised water quality in the catchment, using oyster deaths as the 'canary in the goldmine'. The use of the EcoHealth WQ monitoring program supplemented by event based elemental and faecal coliform sampling and regular testing of oysters in a parallel timeframe will build on previous work in the catchment to provide a scientific picture of the issues and the factors contributing.

Bega Valley Shire Council

Bega Valley Shire estuary monitoring program

Bega Valley Shire is currently implementing 'year 1' of its estuary health monitoring program. This includes measurement of a number of physical and biological parameters to address data gaps and assist Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) to develop an environmental profile for several of its coastal lakes. This project will build on the knowledge gained from the year 1 and extend the monitoring program to a further 4 of the Shires most important estuaries.

Pambula Lake estuary management study and plan

Council is currently undertaking the Pambula Lake Processes Study, which is expected to be completed in May 2011. The development of a management study and plan will see the completion of the estuary management planning process for the Pambula Lake estuary.

Compared to some estuaries, Pambula Lake does not have a vast range of difficult management issues. As such, Council feels that it is a logical and efficient step to combine the management study and management planning phase of the estuary management process.

Bellingen Shire Council

Hungry Head Beach access stairway

Hungry Head headland provides a view of the NSW coastline with no built infrastructure as far as the eye can see. This project will provide access from this popular vantage point onto the beach. This will give visitors an opportunity to safely access the beach with no environmental impact and head north to the recently finalised Urunga boardwalk.

Bellinger and Kalang Rivers estuary action plan – stage 2

This project will deliver an estuary action plan incorporating property scale rehabilitation plans on an estuary wide scale. It will build on management objectives outlined in the existing estuary management plan to develop estuary wide priorities to address river health issues, control bank erosion and raise community awareness of estuarine processes and its sensitivities, with a key focus on supplementing the current plan to incorporate the impacts of climate change. The planning process will engage and empower landholders to take action through establishing a set of priorities for protecting and enhancing their riparian frontage.

Byron Shire Council

Investigating the redesign of Jonson Street protection works, Byron Bay

This project will investigate the modification of the Jonson Street protection works located on Main Beach, Byron Bay. The study will investigate and recommend designs for modification of the works to mitigate impacts on coastal processes, improve structural integrity, improve public safety and enhance amenity. Desktop modelling will be undertaken to determine possible changes to erosion/accretion processes in the Byron Bay embayment, under the scenarios of the recommended design options. The study will consider the projected impacts of climate change on the recommended works designs, and on coastal processes, as impacted by the recommended redesign.

City of Canada Bay Council

Estuary foreshore management study

This foreshore study will provide a robust management and planning framework for the estuary foreshore including:

management of foreshore and infrastructure
clarification of foreshore management responsibility
review of land zonings and tenure
appropriate uses for foreshore lands
protection of natural and cultural values
usage of foreshore facilities.

Clarence Valley Council

Clarence ecosystem health monitoring program ('Ecohealth')

The development of a standardised means of collecting, analysing and presenting riverine, coastal and estuarine assessments of ecological condition to monitor natural resource condition and water quality in these systems. This monitoring program will provide consistency in monitoring and reporting, and establish the partnerships required for local and regional dissemination of outcomes. This monitoring program will provide a means of benchmarking the health of the estuary against historic data and will provide a vital mechanism to educate the community about estuary health and the issues influencing it.

Coffs Harbour City Council

Coffs Creek estuary management plan

This project will develop a plan of management for the Coffs Creek estuary. The project will include the assembly of existing data on the creek, the development of an Estuary Processes Study (EPS), Estuary Management Study (EMS) and Estuary Management Plan (EMP), of which prioritised strategies can then begin to be implemented.

Coffs Creek infilling and hydraulic capacity

The nature of the Coffs Creek catchment means that Coffs Creek is subject to heavy sediment loads. This ongoing sedimentation is encroaching on stormwater infrastructure and exacerbating flooding and estuarine issues. This project will be in the form of a technical study which will investigate the sources and settlement points of sediment throughout Coffs Creek (including modelling, undertaking creek depth cross-sections, sediment sampling, aerial photograph analysis, and modelling the hydraulic and flushing capacity of the estuary). This technical study will assist in management options for the estuary.

Pipe Clay Lake: stormwater community education program

This project is designed to improve water quality of stormwater and catchment inputs to improve estuary health and to reduce the percentage of time that harvesting of wild resources is not safe (e.g., reduction in pathogen inputs to the system as determined by bacteriological indicators). This will include, gutter stencilling, signage, bins and bags for dog owners, information packs for existing and new residents and articles in the community newsletter. There is high potential for this to improve stormwater quality (in terms of nutrients, sediments and other pollutants as well as bacteriological indicators) as a number of interested community representatives from Corindi Beach were not aware that stormwater was not treated, and that town stormwater ultimately flowed to the estuary.

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Carters Headland – controlling erosion and restoring endangered ecological communities

This project will control threats to Carters Headland and surrounding coastal reserves to protect and enhance the condition of various ecosystems including Themeda Grassland and freshwater endangered ecological communities. The project will implement key environmental actions identified within the Coastal reserves assessment report and landscape masterplans: Dalmeny to North Narooma.

The project will involve undertaking on-ground erosion control, vehicle access consolidation, weed control and revegetation works and implement a community awareness program to raise awareness of the vegetation communities and how the community can assist with protecting the environmental values of the area.

Endangered ecological community conservation works across Eurobodalla estuaries stage 3

This project will control threats in the 5 major estuaries of the Eurobodalla Shire (Clyde, Tomaga, Moruya, Tuross/Coila and Wagonga estuaries) to protect and enhance the condition of key estuarine endangered ecological communities in high priority locations. The project will implement key environmental actions identified within the estuary management plans for these areas.

The project will involve undertaking on-ground works and implementing localised community education programs at each target site to improve the condition of these habitats and increase the communities' awareness and participation in environmental protection works.

Gosford City Council

Ettalong Beach renourishment investigation assessment

Ongoing beach nourishment has been recommended in a number of studies for the management of beach recession and storm erosion affecting Ettalong Beach. Council has recently engaged a consultant to prepare designs for the rehabilitation of the existing revetment along Ettalong Beach and through this process the recommendation for ongoing beach nourishment has again been put forward. This project will seek to provide a review of the coastal processes operating in the area and of past renourishment projects; collate all existing information relating to possible sand sources for renourishment; provide a cost-benefit analysis for each option; provide relevant environmental assessment to enable Council to implement the preferred option; and provide an implementation plan for the preferred option.

Pearl Beach Lagoon rehabilitation management plan

Pearl Beach Wetland is a natural wetland area consisting of a coastal lagoon surrounded by a valuable endangered community of Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta) and Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) trees. This wetland is in a degraded condition and its preservation is of concern to Council and the residents of Pearl Beach.

This project will enable the development of a comprehensive management plan to assess the health of Pearl Beach Lagoon, engage the local community in contributing to the management process and identify management options based upon sound scientific research.

Great Lakes Council

Jimmys Beach renourishment – sand deposition reviews

The Jimmys Beach sand renourishment review will analyse erosion controls (sand deposition) undertaken over the last 4 years to ascertain if current processes are viable for foreshore management. This will present Council and the community with an unchallengeable strategy for the future protection of this part of the coastline.

Regeneration of coastal endangered species and endangered ecological communities

This project will focus on the revegetation of the Burgess Beach foreshore by reducing invasive asparagus species. The reduction of asparagus species at this location will protect the Booti Booti National Park from further invasion from this species.

Works within the National Park will focus on eradicating small emergent patches of asparagus. These small infestations are in their infancy and their eradication will stop the further spread.

Sandbar Beach/Smiths Lake berm management – projected climate change effects

Smiths Lake has a high level of exposure to ocean conditions and resultant coastal processes across the interface of Sandbar Beach. Consequently, the berm and lower estuary is likely to exhibit early and dramatic reaction to projected climate change effects including storm intensity, swell direction and sea level rise. The study will provide good understanding, informing the management requirements of other intermittently closed and open coastal lakes and lagoons (ICOLLS) with various degrees of exposure.

Ecological health assessment Karuah River Estuary stage 1 developing Karuah River catchment plan

This project will involve the preparation of an estuary health assessment of the Karuah Estuary including the branch river tributary between the townships of Booral and Karuah. The objective of the assessment is to provide baseline information that will allow for well informed decisions for the next stage of the development of a catchment plan for the Karuah River. This catchment has traditional dairy, grazing and poultry production but also increasing coal extraction and coal seam gas development. The estuary is an important oyster farming area and has suffered periodic water quality concerns.

Kore Kore Creek wetland and riparian restoration – stage 1

This project seeks to enhance the function and integrity of 2.7 kilometres of the riparian zone and estuarine wetlands of the tidal parts of Kore Kore Creek, south from Kore Kore Creek Road, Tea Gardens through the following actions:

Erection of 2.3 kilometres of permanent stock exclusion fence along currently unfenced sections of the tidal portion of Kore Kore Creek on Durness.
Revegetation of 3.3 hectares using native tree and shrub species of the currently cleared riparian zone habitat in the tidal portion of Kore Kore Creek on Durness.
Primary control/treatment of priority environmental, noxious and nationally significant weeds in the riparian zone of tidal Kore Kore Creek (35 hectares) targeting, but not limited to, Bridal Creeper, Lantana, Bitou Bush, Pinus wildlings, Asparagus Fern and Blackberry across 2.7 kilometres of the tidal section of Kore Kore Creek.

Review of the Wallis Lake Estuary and catchment management plan: addressing climate change impacts

This project will update the Wallis Lake catchment management plan and the Wallis Lake Estuary management plan Manual. It will incorporate climate change impacts and sea level rise predictions and involve engaging with the Wallis and Smiths Lake collecting field data and utilising the eShorance tool to determine the impacts of sea level rise on the foreshore of Wallis Lake. This information will be used to undertake a desktop analysis on the impact of climate change on valuable ecological communities such as saltmarsh and mangrove communities.

Wallis Lake estuarine islands weed management – stage 1

This project will protect and enhance wetlands within the Wallis Lake estuary through the reduction of invasive species, which have been recognised as a threatening process

Due to the remote nature of the site and the complexity of the issue, the project will be broken into a multi-staged approach. Stage 1 focuses on Mathers and Cockatoo Islands within Wallis Lake. Both of these islands have a high resilience to invasive species and have been deemed to have the highest chance of native regeneration. Works will involve the use of contractors, targeting specific weed species at different times of the year to ensure maximum weed treatment is achieved.

Water quality and habitat improvement addressing riverbank erosion and enhancing riparian vegetation

The Wallamba River is in the Wallis Lake catchment near Forster/Tuncurry. It is exposed to severe bank erosion due to past vegetation clearance, ongoing cattle grazing and wash from boats. Sedimentation downstream is impacting on the ecosystem health of Wallis Lake.

This project will address the water quality decline associated with bank erosion and disturbance of the riparian zone through the installation of temporary rock fillets/revetment to allow the establishment of mangroves to protect the toe of the riverbank from wash. In addition, stock exclusion fencing, and revegetation of the crown foreshore reserve will restore 12.7 hectares of estuarine riparian and wetland vegetation, thus improving significant aquatic and terrestrial habitat and providing bank stabilisation.

Hawkesbury City Council

Hawkesbury River environmental estuary management study and management plan

This project will undertake an estuary management study to determine future management planning requirements and corrective work actions that will ensure the quality of the Hawkesbury River to provide a viable ecosystem capable of supporting recreational and commercial activity.

Hornsby Shire Council

Impacts of climate change on estuarine wetland and migratory waterbirds in lower Hawkesbury estuary

This project will undertake a risk assessment, through survey mapping and modelling to determine where important migratory and estuarine waterbird populations may be lost or re-established as a result of climate change. Impacts considered include sea level rise scenarios, altered inundation regimes and altered hydrodynamic flows. This project will:

increase the baseline data on estuarine waterbird species distribution and abundance
improve protocols for monitoring estuarine waterbirds as indicators of climate change
examine climate change impacts on estuarine waterbird habitats using GIS, LIDAR and Digital Elevation Models (DEM)
further develop adaptive actions for incorporation into the Lower Hawkesbury estuary management plan.

Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority

Hunter River (Ash Island) bank stabilisation project – Riverside Park

This project seeks to stabilise the eroding riverbank at Riverside Park at Kooragang Wetlands (Ash Island) in the Hunter River estuary through the construction of rock fillets and rock revetment and revegetation. Rock fillets will promote the recovery of mangroves and riparian vegetation, leading to improved fish habitat. Rock revetment will prevent further erosion of the riverbank while allowing public access to the riverbank. Revegetation with local native riparian species will help protect the top of the riverbank, increase biodiversity and enhance native habitat.

Riparian restoration for stabilisation and biodiversity, Hunter Estuary, Ash Island

A length of 500 metres of riverbank riparian zone will be revegetated with local native species to help redress the degradation of the riparian zone due to clearing and invasion of exotic herbaceous vegetation. This project will augment previous works of removing grazing from the intertidal zone which allowed the regrowth of mangroves and re-establishing a shelterbelt of local native woodland species along the riverbank. This final stage will restore the protective, overhanging native vegetation which will provide shelter for fish; restore native biodiversity and provide long term stability for the riverbank.

Stockton sandspit habitat restoration – Hunter Estuary

The Stockton sandspit in the Hunter Estuary is one of the State's most significant migratory shorebird roosts; is of international significance; and is a key destination for bird observers and international delegations. In this project, 1.5 hectares of local native habitat will be restored along 210 metres of riverbank on the approach to the shorebird roost. This ecosystem will provide a more natural, biologically complementary ecosystem to the roost area as well as becoming a significant enhancement to native biodiversity in its own right.

Hunters Hill Council

Lane Cove River – stormwater improvement works to protect saltmarsh, Boronia Park

Boronia Park along the Lane Cove River is part of an important estuarine habitat link between Sydney Harbour and Lane Cove National Park. It is 15 hectares and forms part of the Great North Walk.

Uncontrolled stormwater runoff is resulting in erosion, sedimentation and weed infestation of key Coastal Saltmarsh and Swamp Oak Forest communities on the Lane Cover River. Stormwater quality improvement works will reduce erosion and sedimentation in these communities. It will also improve water quality in the estuary. Bush regeneration works will restore 3.5 hectares of core habitat for threatened fauna including grey-headed flying fox and powerful owl.

Lake Illawarra Authority

Lake Illawarra – estuary management planning and catchment protection (P1)

This project will consider impacts of rising sea level on the ecosystem of Lake Illawarra, including access to and use of public foreshore lands, historical and cultural values and public infrastructure. Existing strategies will be reviewed and revised where necessary to promote an adaptive risk-based approach to managing impacts of sea level rise. The project will also include preparation of a biodiversity strategy.

Lake Illawarra – water quality monitoring and improvements (P5)

This project will result in improved water quality and recovery of shallows and intertidal areas smothered by recent man-induced sedimentation. Works will also target monitoring of key performance indicators, the removal of nutrient and sediment from the lake and the removal of macroalgae from shallow waterway areas.

Lake Macquarie City Council

Dune ecosystem recovery in Lake Macquarie

This project will deliver on-ground works based on a coast-wide dune rehabilitation plan that seeks to increase dune resilience and reduce coastal hazards. The sites of this project are Redhead, Middle Camp, Nine Mile and Blacksmiths beaches.

A description of the areas with differing threats and an outline of rehabilitation techniques specific to the dune system will accompany the works program. This will include examples of dune systems where multiple storm bites coupled with a small recovery time would cause collapse; areas where there is significant weed infestation causing dune blow out; and areas where there are high human impacts causing threats to dune resilience.

Integrating coastal hazard and ecosystem health outcomes into local planning instruments

This project will update the Lake Macquarie coastal zone management plan and develop a set of planning and development instruments for the coastline and integrate the information into local planning tools such as the local environmental plan (LEP) and the development control plan (DCP).

Deciding for the future – sea level rise risk and community values

The project will identify the main factors that influence vulnerable communities' response to the effects of sea level rise in coastal estuaries. It will consider the possible responses to sea level rise - retreat, protection, modification - and prepare a decision-making matrix to help communities and planners understand the process and make decisions on the best course of action for future planning and risk management, within an uncertain biophysical environment. The decision-making matrix will weight factors based on analyses such as cost-benefit analysis, and estimations of environmental and social impact.

Improving foreshore and littoral habitats Lake Macquarie improve ecology and resilience sea level rise

The Lake Macquarie estuary management plan identifies foreshore erosion, and the loss of foreshore (littoral) vegetation as being a key issue affecting the health of Lake Macquarie. While significant improvements have already been achieved through completed foreshore and littoral vegetation works around the lake, a number of high priority degraded foreshore sites remain. This project aims to remediate prominent foreshore sites where active erosion is occurring and littoral vegetation has become degraded. Priority sites include Rathmines, Myuna Bay and Arcadia Vale. Remedial works involve the use of 'soft engineering' techniques, such as the re-instatement of cobble beaches, which have proved to be highly successful at other localities around the estuary. Outcomes from undertaking this project include water quality improvements, increased recreational amenity, improved littoral habitats, as well as increased corridor connectivity.

Sea level rise adaptation by design – low-impact protective measures for estuarine foreshores

This project will develop detailed design guidelines for works to protect property on estuarine foreshores from inundation and recession as a result of sea level rise. The proposed works, which may include vegetated berms, cobble beaches, and buried rubble walls, will preserve natural foreshore processes, and will protect property while preserving ecosystems and water quality.

Wetland and saltmarsh rehabilitation in Lake Macquarie

This project aims to address the ongoing degradation in wetland and saltmarsh areas around Lake Macquarie by undertaking wetland/saltmarsh restoration works in priority locations. These works aim to improve water quality, restore/preserve habitat values on these areas, as well as improve their buffering capacity for predicted sea level rise.

Lane Cove Municipal Council

Gore Creek – stormwater works to protect saltmarsh endangered ecological communities stage 1 – planning, design

Stage 1 of this project is for the investigation, design and documentation for erosion control works on a tributary of Gore Creek at Greenwich. The erosion control works being designed are needed to reduce the amount of sediment and nutrient laden runoff from entering the bay at the mouth of the creek where there are patches of saltmarsh. Water quality and sediment loadings will be monitored to assist with planning and design works. A project plan, including detailed designs, will be produced at the completion of stage 1 of the project.

Manly Council

Manly Lagoon estuary health improvement – sediment interception program

Manly Lagoon receives inflows from 3 creeks (Manly, Burnt Bridge and Brookvale creeks). The lagoon is now 10% of its original size and is considered one of the most polluted recreational waterways on the east-coast of Australia. It suffers from high levels of sediment pollution and eutrophication. Swimming, boating and fishing are prohibited due to the poor water quality. The stormwater system transports high levels of sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus to the lagoon, with serious implications for estuary health. This project is for the construction of a 180 cubic metre sediment basin within a major tributary of the lagoon, Burnt Bridge Creek at Manly West Park, Balgowlah, as part of a sediment and organic matter interception program to improve estuary health and water quality in the lagoon. Further, signs will be erected around the basin to educate the public and community on stormwater education in the Creek's catchment.

Marrickville Council

Cooks River – stormwater quality improvement works at Bruce Street, Marrickville

Marrickville Council's strategy for improving the condition of the Cooks River estuary is subcatchment planning, focusing on treating and using stormwater runoff before entering the estuary. This project will design and construct a 300 square metre biofiltration system on Marrickville golf course. It will treat sediment laden runoff from the course and adjacent Bruce and Princess streets, treating a 3 hectares catchment area.

Mosman Municipal Council

Mosman coastal zone management plan

This project will establish a coastal zone management plan for the Mosman local government area. Mosman has a proportionally high level of coastline compared to land area and some important locations that are threatened by coastal processes and sea level rise. These areas include iconic beaches such as at Balmoral, Chinaman's Beach and Clifton Gardens, but also important corridors for transport (the Spit) as well as numerous rocky bays which hold important habitat and amenity value. Council seeks to quantify the existing ecology and infrastructure within the coastal zone and through modelling of existing and future scenarios, create a management plan for the coastal zone advocating a risk-based management approach to coastal assets and habitats.

Parramatta City Council

Development of an ecological response model for Sydney Harbour

This project is a component of a larger program seeking to address the ongoing health of the iconic Sydney Harbour and its catchment through the development of a water quality improvement plan. The development of the plan will involve several steps over the next 3 years and this funding application relates to stage 3 – the development, calibration and running of an ecological response model including inputs.

Ecological response modelling is necessary to apply our understanding of physical, chemical and biological processes to predict changes in waterway characteristics under changing catchment land uses and climatic conditions.

Monitoring of the Parramatta River estuary

The proposed project will enable the establishment of continuous water quality monitoring stations to assess the estuarine condition and performance for the Parramatta River. The selection of locations, equipment (real time vs continuous logging telemetered), deployment and commissioning will be done in accordance with monitoring protocols, indicators and guidelines.

The data produced will be used to assess ongoing estuarine health, as well as for calibration of an existing hydrodynamic model and a multi-dimensional ecological response model soon to be developed for the Parramatta River estuary.

Pittwater Council

Coastal zone management plans for Bilgola Beach and Mona Vale Basin Beach

The Pittwater local government area includes 2 designated 'hot spot' beaches. The designated beaches are Bilgola Beach and Mona Vale Basin Beach, both of which are popular recreational beaches with existing residential development located within the foredune area. Pittwater Council is required to prepare coastal zone management plans for each of these beaches within 12 months.

Impacts of climate change on estuarine wetland and migratory waterbirds in the Pittwater Estuary

This project will undertake surveys, mapping and modelling to identify important migratory and estuarine waterbird populations and habitat that may be lost or re-established as a result of climate change. Impacts considered include sea level rise scenarios, altered inundation regimes and altered hydrodynamic flows. This project aims to:

increase the baseline data on current estuarine waterbird species distribution and abundance
improve protocols for monitoring estuarine waterbirds as indicators of climate change
examine climate change impacts on estuarine waterbird habitats using GIS, LIDAR and sea level rise mapping as per the draft Pittwater foreshore floodplain - mapping of sea level rise impacts report
further develop adaptive actions for incorporation into the Pittwater Estuary management plan.

The project will fulfil data gaps identified to enable Pittwater Council to manage migratory bird habitat within the Pittwater Estuary into the future.

Urban sedimentation and pollution audit in the Pittwater Estuary: stage 1

Careel Creek and Mona Vale Main Drain are tributaries of Pittwater Estuary, they drain urban, commercial and industrial lands within the suburbs of Avalon, North Avalon, Bilgola Plateau, Mona Vale and Bayview. Careel Creek is within the Careel Creek catchment, around 4.5 square kilometres and Mona Vale Main Drain is within the Winnererremy Bay Catchment, around 5.2 square kilometres (which also drains Cahill Creek).

The Pittwater Estuary management plan has identified these particular catchments as problematic in terms of urban pollution and sediment runoff. This project will undertake an urban pollution and sediment runoff audit for both catchments. The audit shall include assessing activities and land uses which constitute potential sources of pollution. Water quality monitoring, sediment sampling, detailed mapping and site inspections will also be carried out. The audit will prioritise areas of greatest impact and provide key hot spots to focus mitigation measures on, to reduce sediment and pollution discharges into Pittwater Estuary.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

Lake Cathie stormwater outlets

The coastal dune is actively eroding south of the Lake Cathie entrance and the Lake Cathie coastal management plan has identified existing stormwater outlets are causing extensive localised dune erosion. This erosion continues to threaten remaining stormwater, power, water and road infrastructure. Council has repaired a number of outlets in the last few years, however, now seeks to complete the remaining 4 outlets.

Richmond Valley Council

Evans Head coastal zone management plan

This project will finalise and use the upgraded hazard identification study for the Evans Head coastal areas which incorporates the impacts of climate change (including sea level rise projections of 40 centimetres by 2050 and 90 centimetres by 2100) and undertake a coastal zone management plan to update the local environmental plans and develop development control plans.

The project will also undertake a review of the Evans River estuary management plan and study and incorporate it into one document.

Rockdale City Council

Coastal management plan

Lady Robinsons Beach/Cook Park has for over 50 years suffered from storms and changes in wave climate in Botany Bay that has caused severe erosion along the beach, extending into the remnant dunes.

The predicted sea level rises due to climate change and other climate change vectors such as increased storm intensity and frequency will potentially exacerbate the erosion issues along Lady Robinson Beach and the Cooks and Georges River estuaries. Additionally, the predicted sea level rise and storm surge will potentially cause inundation of coastal areas.

This project will upgrade existing coastal management plans to incorporate the impacts of climate change, specifically increased coastal erosion and inundation and develop short, medium and long term strategies to address the potential hazards.

Lady Robinsons Beach, Dolls Point – rock groyne restoration

In 1996–97 as part of the southern Lady Robinsons Beach restoration project, 8 groynes together with beach nourishment was undertaken to restore the severely degraded beach. Since this time, wave and storm surges in Botany Bay has severely damaged the Dolls Point rock groyne and it is in danger of collapse. This project is aimed at repairing this rock groyne to protect Lady Robinsons Beach from increased beach erosion.

Shellharbour City Council

North Warilla Beach dune and habitat rehabilitation – stage 2

Warilla Beach is located approximately 10 kilometres south of Wollongong, adjacent to the entrance of Lake Illawarra. The beach is approximately 1.8 kilometres in length and is backed by residential property. Vegetation has been highly disturbed on the beach by vandalism, illegal clearing, uncontrolled access and natural dieback of non-endemic species.

This project involves rehabilitation of dune vegetation to re-instate the dune ecosystem. The project will also incorporate installation of dune fencing to restrict uncontrolled access of the dune system.

Shoalhaven City Council

Assessment of catchment inputs Jervis Bay and likely role of anthropogenic influences on algae blooms

Since September 2009, there has been large amounts of green algae (Microdictyon umbilicatum) washed up on Jervis Bay beaches. This caused community concerns related to smell, amenity of the area, potential heath impact and impact on the economy (tourism) and recreational activities.

This project will determine if anthropogenic catchments input could be causing the bloom so that preventive management measures can be put in place. This project will investigate catchment pollutant sources and assess their potential influence on the water quality.

Estuary health monitoring and reporting

This project will redesign the current routine monitoring program undertaken by Council across the estuary network to align it with the state-wide monitoring evaluation and reporting and the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (SRCMA) estuary benchmarking project.

Sutherland Shire Council

North West Arm estuary management plan

The North West Arm catchment has issues with flooding, degraded water quality, erosion, siltation, littering and weed infestations. This is due to a number of factors such as the nature of the catchment, its topography, land use, areas of population concentration, level of ongoing construction, condition of tributaries and natural characteristics of the estuary. It is expected that a North West Arm estuary management plan will propose a range of actions to address these concerns.

Tweed Shire Council

Kingscliff foreshore protection stage 2 environmental impact statement Tweed River sand extraction and nourishment Kingscliff Beach

The Tweed Shire coastline management plan (2005) and subsequent detailed investigations identified sand nourishment as the preferred management option for the immediate coastal erosion hazard impacting Kingscliff foreshore. Stage 2 works will complete the environmental studies required to proceed the sand nourishment project to approvals and implementation stage. Area 5 in the Tweed River has been identified as a suitable source of marine compatible sand for beach nourishment and in addition this project provides the opportunity to improve navigational access in the Tweed River and enhance environmental outcomes through habitat creation.

Warringah Council

Estuarine health assessment of coastal lagoons

Warringah Council manages 4 coastal estuaries. Council has developed estuary management plans for each of the coastal lagoons.

Warringah's lagoons vary in physical, biological and recreational qualities. Currently, Narrabeen is suitable for primary recreation, Dee Why is a designated wildlife refuge and Manly and Curl Curl lagoons share similar anthropogenic pressures in addition to their use as land based recreational open space.

This project will be undertaking a consistent monitoring and evaluating program, Council will acquire a robust data set that will improve the implementation of appropriate actions to manage all lagoons to their potential.

Coastal and estuary management grants awarded and project summaries

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Coast, Estuary and Flood Grants Branch

Ballina Shire Council

Lake Ainsworth western foreshore management

Maguires Creek riparian rehabilitation

Bayside Council

Lady Robinsons Beach Ramsgate – beach nourishment

Bega Valley Shire

Riparian restoration project

Byron Shire Council

Cavvanbah and Belongil Beach dune recovery project

Central Coast Council

Pearl Beach Lagoon coastal zone management plan implementation of sediment control and stormwater management actions

City of Canada Bay

Sisters Bay seawall renewal works

Coffs Harbour City Council

Stormwater management plan to protect and enhance estuarine health in the Bonville and Pine Creek Estuary

Eurobodalla Shire Council

Eurobodalla coastal management program implementation 2023–2027

Georges River Council

Donnelly Park foreshore protection and environmental enhancement

Kiama Municipal Council

Restoration of coastal wetland surrounding Minnamurra Waste and Recycling Facility

Lake Macquarie City Council

Lake Macquarie integrated coastal zone monitoring program

Pendlebury Park coastal environmental rehabilitation

Lane Cove Municipal Council

The Burns Bay living seawall in Lane Cove

Warraroon Reserve coastal wetland rehabilitation

MidCoast Council

Protecting the Manning River Estuary – improving erosion and sediment control practices

Nambucca Valley Council

Design of structures for priority estuary bank erosion sites on the Nambucca River

Nambucca Valley coastal zone public access, formalisation, upgrade and coastal environment protection program

Protecting our places and waterways – restoration and erosion control at Gumma Dock

Protecting the Nambucca Valley's coastal environments from weed invasion

Riverbank stabilisation and revegetation at Grassy Park, Bowraville

Northern Beaches Council

Curl Curl dune stabilisation – dune bay 2

Freshwater Beach – dune bay 2 stabilisation

Narrabeen Beach dunes restoration and weed control

Rous County Council

Wilsons River tidal pool – riparian restoration

Shellharbour City Council

Bass Point littoral rainforest regeneration

Shellharbour north – dune protection fencing

Shoalhaven City Council

Enhancing and restoring Shoalhaven's estuary threatened ecological communities

Mapping Shoalhaven's threatened ecological communities

Shoalhaven dune care

Shoalhaven River entrance management plan and approvals

Tweed Shire Council

Tygalgah riverbank rehabilitation

Wollongong City Council

Coastal wetland and littoral rainforest mapping in the Wollongong coastal management program area

Identification and vulnerability assessment of Aboriginal cultural values and assets along the Wollongong coastal zone

Integrating the outcomes of the risk-based framework Lake Illawarra study into Wollongong and Shellharbour's planning frameworks

Lake Illawarra banks and habitat enhancement

North Wollongong seawall (stage 2)

Stabilisation of Port and Puckeys dune systems

Water quality and ecological health monitoring of Lake Illawarra and catchment

Ballina Shire Council

Ballina Shire shoreline coastal management program

Bega Valley Shire Council

Dune resilience project

Byron Shire Council

Byron Shire open coast stages 3 and 4 coastal management program

Canterbury Bankstown Council

Deepwater Park – bank stabilisation: stage 2

Central Coast Council

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

Hornsby Shire Council

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

Kempsey Shire Council

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

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

Lake Macquarie City Council

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

Salts Bay littoral rainforest protection and enhancement works