Great Lakes Council’s Manager of Natural Systems, Mr Gerard Tuckerman has received an inaugural award for “public service” for his ground-breaking work in the Great Lakes.

The 2015 NSW Annual Coastal Management Awards were presented at the recent NSW Coastal Management Conference held at Club Forster and hosted by Great Lakes Council.

“The Public Service Award has been awarded to Mr Tuckerman for his extensive 20 year contribution to the management of estuaries and coast throughout the Great Lakes” said Council’s Director of Planning and Environmental Services, Ms Lisa Schiff.”

“On behalf of Council, we extend our congratulations to Gerard.”

“I’m honoured to receive this Award on behalf of Great Lakes Council, our team of employees, community and industry partners, and key people in agencies who have assisted us to achieve some remarkable outcomes over the past years,” said Mr Tuckerman.

“The continued support of our community and councillors for coastal and estuary management and water quality improvement has also been integral to our ongoing success.”

“Management of our coastal and estuary environment is integral to the Great Lakes. Our economy depends on healthy and clean waterways and management of the environmental beauty of the area.

“We have a growing population and experience a huge inundation of holiday makers which all places pressure on our natural resources. Our programs are aimed at improving, maintaining and protecting these values and ensuring their sustainable use and enjoyment,” said Mr Tuckerman.

The Award also recognised the work of Mr Tuckerman in securing funding for the development of a sand transfer system for the ongoing efficient delivery of nourishment sand to Jimmys Beach, one of the NSW erosion hot spots identified by the NSW Government.

The Award recognised Council’s innovative water quality improvement program, which incorporates a host of water quality improvement and protection measures, including water quality objectives for new and redevelopment, wetland rehabilitation, urban stormwater improvement, riparian restoration and catchment management based on best available science.

“The condition of our estuaries has improved as demonstrated by our annual waterways report card result. This is a great achievement by our community,” said Mr Tuckerman.

“We are extremely proud of Gerard and the work he and his team have undertaken throughout the Great Lakes over the past 20 years,” said Council’s General Manager, Mr Glenn Handford.

“Our work in catchment management and water quality improvement has been recognised across NSW and is being benchmarked as best practice.”