The NSW Government has announced over $100,000 for Byron Shire Council and Ballina Shire Council under the 2020-21 Coastal and Estuary Grants Program.

 

Local Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said these grants are important in ensuring councils are supported and equipped to manage their complex coastal and estuarine environments.

 

“This long-term investment will support Byron and Ballina Shire Councils, who have the primary role of managing coastal and estuarine issues for the local community.

 

The program aims to increase the resilience of our coastal communities and improve the health of NSW estuaries through planning and prioritisation of future projects,” Mr Franklin said.

 

The grants for Byron and Ballina Shire Councils are two of 13 projects across the state, totalling $2.3 million that were awarded through the programs planning stream this month.

 

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock congratulated both councils on successfully acquiring funding.

 

“I congratulate Byron Shire Council and Ballina Shire Council on successfully securing this money to support their coastal zones through well-planned action”, Mrs Hancock said.

 

Byron Shire Council has been awarded $70,000 to complete a coastal hazard assessment study for its coastline.

 

Ballina Shire Council also received $33,333 to prepare the Ballina Shire Coastal Management Program (CMP). This CMP will set the long-term strategy for the coordinated management of the coastal zone.

 

There are currently five funding streams under the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program.

 

One stream is for planning and studies, while the other four are for implementing works identified in certified coastal or estuary management plans.

 

Councils can apply for funding to undertake planning and studies at any time during the year, while applications for funding to implement works are available annually.

 

These grants are part of the NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Grants Program. More information on the program can be found here.