Central Coast Council has welcomed $3m in funding for Tuggerah Lakes Estuary and Catchment Improvement as part of the Federal Government’s Improving Your Local Parks and Environment Program.
These funds will add to the $7m Council has already invested in Tuggerah Lakes in the current financial year, resulting in significant improvements in the water quality across the lakes system.
Council Group Leader Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling, said the funds would be dedicated to whole-of-catchment issues in an effort to reduce the effects of pollutants, litter and environmental vandalism making their way into the lakes.
“This funding will support the ongoing implementation of the Tuggerah Lakes Estuary Management Plan, through stormwater upgrades, foreshore enhancement and a range of streambank, wetland and saltmarsh rehabilitation activities in the estuary catchment,” Mr Dowling said.
“The project will continue to improve water quality, enhance nearshore areas for recreational use, reduce pollutant loads to the estuary, control invasive species in ecologically sensitive areas, encourage sustainable use, and educate the local community about the estuary,” he said.
The project will build on a decade of estuary planning and management that has resulted in a measurable improvement in water quality and ecological condition of Tuggerah Lakes and the catchment.
Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the funding was a clear indication of the lobbying power the new Central Coast Council has, and he is looking forward to more funding flowing to the Coast for the Lakes and other key initiatives.
“The Tuggerah Lakes estuary is a jewel in the crown of the Central Coast, offering a unique environment which is rich in biodiversity and it must be protected,” Mr Reynolds said.
“Council is pleased to have this Federal Government support and it will help Council to continue to invest in monitoring and improving the health of our catchments and waterways.
“We all have a role to play in protecting our unique environment and waterways and I encourage everyone to get involved.”
Residents are urged to report environmental vandalism to Council.
The project will commence in July and will run over three years finishing in July 2020.
Source:
Media release, Jun 19
Central Coast Council media