Posted on January 23, 2018
By Rob Douglas, Manning River Times
Dredging works across the Manning and Great Lakes is imminent following a funding announcement on Friday, January 19.
Almost $1 million will be used to conduct dredging projects for the Tuncurry Channel at Wallis Lake, Farquhar Inlet and the Harrington Backchannel.
About 10,000 cubic metres of material will be dredged at Wallis Lake as well as an update to the Manning River Dredging Strategy and planned activities in Farquhar Inlet and near the entrance to the Manning River will be conducted.
The funding is derived from the State Government’s Rescuing Our Waterways program and matched by MidCoast Council.
Mr Bromhead said he was pleased the State Government is working with MidCoast Council to address the issue.
“This funding will help improve the accessibility, health and safety of both Wallis Lake and Manning River, which are enjoyed by recreational and commercial users throughout the year,” Mr Bromhead said.
“MidCoast Council will match the funding to complete environmental impact assessments, relevant approvals and dredging for the three major projects.”
MidCoast Council mayor David West said the announcement shows the council is capable of matching State Government grants.
“The outcome will benefit economic growth,” Mayor West said.
“We are better together and we are stronger together.”
He added that Farquhar Inlet is critical to the oyster farmers in the Manning Valley so it needs to be up to the standard to carry out their work, while dredging at Wallis Lake is crucial to the development of tourism.
“This is the tourism Mecca of the Mid North Coast,” Mayor West said.
State Forestry and Lands Minister Paul Toole said the projects form part of a plan to preserve the State’s waterways.
“It’s a program that is 50/50 funded so it’s great to see the State government and the council are working together to deliver this project.
“There’s a lot of visitors, there’s a lot of locals that use it and we’ve got to make sure we continue to look after our waterways.
“The inlets, lakes, rivers and creeks along the coast are the lifeblood of many communities and the NSW Government is pleased to fund this work to improve waterway safety and access,” Mr Toole said.
Applications for the next round of Rescuing Our Waterways funding will open in April 2018.
Source: Manning River Times
