Coastal and estuary management grants awarded and project summaries

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

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

Maguires Creek riparian rehabilitation – $240,672 funding awarded

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

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

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

Riparian restoration project – $35,000 funding awarded

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Water quality improvement strategy – $200,001 funding awarded

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shellharbour coastal values project – $60,034 funding awarded

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shoalhaven dune care – $250,000 funding awarded

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

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

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

Tygalgah riverbank rehabilitation – $263,733 funding awarded

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ballina Shire shoreline coastal management program

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

Dune resilience project

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

Byron Shire open coast stages 3 and 4 coastal management program

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

Deepwater Park – bank stabilisation: stage 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salts Bay littoral rainforest protection and enhancement works

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

Big Swamp coastal wetland restoration project

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

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

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

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

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

MidCoast southern estuaries coastal management program – stages 2 to 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Newcastle southern beaches coastal management program – stage 4

This project seeks to 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.

Bank and riparian condition assessment – Camden Haven

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

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

Coastal hazard assessment and coastal vulnerability area mapping

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

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

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

Illaroo Road emergency coastal erosion works

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

Kissing Point Park foreshore protection works

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

Putney Park seawall improvement upgrades

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

Citywide dune revegetation and maintenance

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

Coastal monitoring implementation – CoastSnap expansion

This project will involve:

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

Wollongong hazard studies and preparation of a coastal management program

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

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

Lake Ainsworth riparian vegetation management works

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

Lake Ainsworth coastal management plan, action one: aerator trials

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

Houghlahans Creek rehabilitation

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

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

Scoping study for the Shaws Bay coastal management program

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

Cook Park Kyeemagh – management of beach access points

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

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

Bermagui River coastal management program

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

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

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

North Beach access upgrade and dune rehabilitation

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

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

Byron Bay – Main and Clarkes Beach dune stabilisation project

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

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

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

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

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

Catchment action plan for sub-catchments of the Prospect Creek

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

Deepwater Park – bank stabilisation project

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

Coffs Creek bank stabilisation – Englands Park

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

Central Coffs estuaries coastal management program

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

Coffs Harbour open coast coastal management program scoping study

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

Open coast coastal management program Aboriginal community engagement strategy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Foreshore protection and riparian vegetation restoration Coon Island, Swansea

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

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

Erosion protection works – Georges River

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

This project involves:

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

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

Hunter Estuary vibrant river education

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Curl Curl coastal dune restoration

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

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

Dee Why dunes restoration and weed control

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

Northern Beaches open coast and lagoons coastal management program scoping study

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

North Narrabeen dune restoration

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

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

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

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

Bank and riparian condition assessment – Hastings River

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

Coastal recreational user needs analysis

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

Dredging of Lower Cathie Creek and sand nourishment of Lighthouse Beach

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

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

Hydrodynamic modelling update – Lake Innes/Lake Cathie

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

Hydrographic dilution study Kooloonbung Creek

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

Illaroo Road coastal hazard protection options review and co-design

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

Nelson Bay eastern groyne dune erosion

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

Port Stephens Council coastal management program stages 3 and 4

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

Coraki riparian project

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

Beach monitoring program – understanding our changing coastline

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

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

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

Reddall Reserve and Elliot Lake sand scraping

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

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

Warilla dune restoration

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

Callala Bay foreshore protection

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

Coastal monitoring implementation – Coastsnap/BeachStat

This project will involve:

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

Foreshore protection and preservation – community engagement

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

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

Hydraulic assessment in risk areas

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

Implement beach scraping at Shoalhaven's identified high priority beaches

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

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

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

Mapping and assessing endangered ecological communities in coastal erosion areas

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

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

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

Mooball Creek erosion control and access management structures

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

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

Tweed coast and estuaries coastal management program

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

Bathymetric survey of Lake Illawarra

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

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

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

Lakeside vegetation restoration at Lake Illawarra

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

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

Protecting Lake Illawarra through community engagement and participation program

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

Thirroul Beach stormwater upgrade

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

Rose Bay beach sand scraping

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

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

1. a tidal inundation study be undertaken to specifically model and map permanent tidal water levels within the estuaries and adjacent coastal landscapes
2. 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.

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%.

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.

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 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.