2024-03-27
Tamara Smith MP, Greens Member for Ballina, has today announced funding from the NSW government for the rehabilitation of three key coastal estuaries in the Ballina Electorate, as part of the implementation stream of the 2023-24 Coastal and Estuary Grants Management Program.
The projects being funded include:
· $321,999 to fund the design, approval and works of a rehabilitation project on the Western foreshore of Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head
· $31,559 to restore dunes that have been impacted by coastal processes at Cavvanbah and Belongil Beach in Byron Bay
· $240,672 to fund restoration of a large stretch of riparian area with high importance to the Richmond River Coastal Zone Management Plan, along Maguires Creek in Ballina Shire
For more information on the projects and the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program visit: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/coasts/coastal-and-estuary-grants
Ms Smith said, “I’m proud to have secured funding for three critical restoration projects in the Ballina electorate.”
“The Greens have long been advocating for a real plan to protect the environmental and cultural values of Lake Ainsworth, and this funding will support restoration works right across our beautiful lake. We’re also building a boardwalk across the western foreshore which will not only protect some of the sensitive areas but will be a real chance for the community to learn more about the environmental and cultural values of one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
“We’ve also secured funding to re-shape the dunes at Belongil Beach. Important work will be done to stabilise the dune, both making it safer and promoting vegetation establishment and dune recovery.”
Smith continued, “I’m really excited to have secured funding to repair the large stretch of riparian area of Maguires Creek. Rehabilitating Maguires Creek is an important step in improving the health of the Richmond River, which has been a top priority for me in parliament. I want to acknowledge the amazing work of students at Alstonville Highschool, who have partnered with Landcare groups and organisations like OzFish to lead the charge in protecting Maguire’s Creek from degradation and the negative impacts of extreme weather. I’m hopeful this funding will facilitate even wider involvement from the community in protecting Maguires Creek.”
“The Greens are putting the environment at the top of the agenda in New South Wales. It’s never been more important to invest in our critical environment, and I intend to keep working with the community to stand up for our spectacular natural world,” Ms Smith concluded.