[The Entrance] Central Coast Council has secured $600,000 in state government funding for emergency dredging of The Entrance Channel and will match it with a further $600,000 dollars of it’s own funds.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said on Friday “I’m delighted to announce this morning that the NSW Government will provide $600,000 for dredging at The Entrance”
The project involves 60,000 cubic metres of sand being dredged from The Entrance channel and used to re-nourish nearby beaches.
“This week’s flooding shows that proper maintenance of the channel is absolutely essential for the safety of hundreds of homeowners and businesses. It is so disappointing that Council’s inaction over the past 18 months has led to this crisis point.
“Today, I am also renewing my calls for Council to develop and implement a long-term management plan for this local waterway. said Mr Crouch
Mayor Lisa Matthews said it was great to see the long-awaited funding finally flowing for The Entrance Channel and the State Government on board to helping find a solution.
“Our community want answers and action and today’s funding announcement means we can get on with the dredging program,” Mayor Matthews said.
“The dredging is the short-term solution to the issues facing The Entrance Channel. We need now to plan and act for the long term and I look forward to working with the State Government and our community to deliver that.”
The Mayor has now said she will now write to the Minister for The Environment, the Hon Matt Kean MP to seek advice on the status of the expert committee, promised in the recent State Government election, to improve water quality and flow in Tuggerah Lakes.
Source: Media Statement Mayor Lisa Matthews, Media Statement Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast & MP for Terrigal Adam Crouch. Friday Feb 14, 2020.