FORWARD planning for the future of the Coffs Harbour LGA’s coastal works program just received a boost with a State Government grant and local Council funding.

The NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Grant of $46,000, matched 2:1 with $23,000 from City Of Coffs Harbour, will see Council launch a scoping study looking at the full length of the LGA’s open coastline which will provide new information to build a plan for the future.

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City of Coffs Harbour General Manager Natalia Cowley told News Of The Area, “The Scoping Study is the first step in developing a new Coastal Management Program (CMP) for our coastline, which will build on our existing Coastal Zone Management Plan.

“The project will identify the scope of the new CMP, the issues and the outcomes to be achieved.”

The study will begin in 2023 once the brief is written and consultants engaged and will be driven by Council’s Local Planning section.

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman joined Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and Ms Cowley at Coffs Harbour Surf Club, Park Beach for the announcement.

“Planning for the future is essential,” said Mrs Tuckerman.

“CMPs are long-term strategies which guide the City of Coffs Harbour and other stakeholders to manage estuarine and coastal areas, identify hazards and risks to the environment, and critical steps to appropriately manage these into the future.”

Mr Singh told News Of The Area, “This is support funding from the State Government to the Council to help them do their studies and scoping for their coastal management plans.

“The Coffs Coast has stunning coastal and estuarine environments and it’s crucial they are properly managed to ensure their health into the future.

“I’m delighted Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman is here on the Coffs Coast to see first-hand the important work being undertaken by our Council to further enhance our coastline and estuaries for the enjoyment of all.”

The aim of the Coastal and Estuary grants program is to increase the resilience of coastal communities and implement actions that improve the health of NSW estuaries.

By Andrea FERRARI