Wetlands are the lungs of our rivers and lakes, they make sure our waterways are clean and water quality is free from damaging nutrients, MidCoast Council mayor, David West says
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Cr West was speaking earlier today at an announcement the State government would make a major contribution to a project to improve the quality of run-off water at Dunns Creek, just south of Forster.
The government has tipped in $588,834 from the 2021-22 Coastal and Estuary Grant program for the ambitious project.
Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the funding would assist MidCoast Council to construct wetlands which in turn would filter untreated stormwater run-off entering the Dunns Creek catchment.
"The NSW Government is committed to supporting local councils in protecting our precious coast and foreshores by restoring degraded coastal habitats and improving the health of estuaries and wetlands," Mr Bromhead said.
"This MidCoast Council project will address a decline in water-quality by filtering and treating run-off from around 120ha of residential area which then runs from Dunns Creek and eventually into Wallis Lake."
Cr West said the funds would help build on much of the work already undertaken within the Great Lakes to ensure lakes and waterways remained clean.
This MidCoast Council project will address a decline in water-quality, by filtering and treating run-off from around 120ha of residential area which then runs from Dunns Creek and eventually into Wallis Lake.
- Stephen Bromhead
He said MidCoast Council staff have worked tirelessly to ensure water quality remains free from pollutants and a high standard.
"Water quality is vastly better (now) than it was five years ago," he said.
He said during the past five years council had re-established wetlands that had been degraded as a result of natural occurrences.
"The drought hasn't helped; wetlands have been eroded over time."
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said MidCoast Council had acquired the site, undertaken studies, prepared designs and undertaken a review of environmental factors.
"MidCoast Council is ready to commence work and build the new Lakes Way Wetland to filter untreated stormwater run-off," Mrs Hancock said.
"Work is going to result in less sediment, nutrient and litter entering the lake, which will benefit the community and local wildlife."
The Coastal and Estuary Grants Program is funded under the NSW Government's $83.6 million commitment to improving the management of the state's coastline.
For information on the program, future funding rounds and how to apply for grants, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/coasts/coastal-and-estuary-grants.
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