Great Lakes Council has been successful in attracting Federal and State funding for a triple header project that will restore parts of the Lower Myall River whilst rehabilitating Corrie Island and replenishing the sand at erosion hotspot, Jimmys Beach.

The exciting project is being heralded by both Tea Gardens / Hawks Nest residents and Great Lakes Council, who have worked for years to try and resolve the issues relating to the entrance of the Myall River to Port Stephens and the erosion of Jimmys Beach.

Mayor Cr Jan McWilliams said, “We welcome the Federal announcement of $750,000 in funding to dredge the Eastern Channel and restore the RAMSAR listed Corrie Island through the National Landcare Programme.”

“Great Lakes Council are also very pleased to match the $993,000 grant from the NSW Government through the Coastal Program to fund an innovative sand transfer solution for the ongoing renourishment of Jimmys Beach that will protect this erosion hot spot for the next 20 years,” added Cr McWilliams.

Council has also received matching funding through the Rescuing our Waterways program of $1m to undertake the dredging of the Eastern Channel of the lower Myall River.

The member for Paterson, the Honourable Bob Baldwin said, “The local community care deeply about the Myall River, Corrie Island and Jimmys Beach, and have been very vocal about their support for the need for action.”

“Protecting our rivers and waterways is an important part of the Australian Government’s commitment to a healthier environment. Through this project we are delivering on our commitment to support the rehabilitation of Myall River and Corrie Island. Working with our state and local government counterparts, we will be protecting important migratory bird breeding grounds from the threat of feral pest animals and erosion,” Mr Baldwin said.

“This is one of many National Landcare Programme projects that will deliver practical, grass-roots action to improve the environmental health of our rivers and foreshores,” Mr Baldwin continued.