Funding for Old Bar / Manning Point CMP
Published on 15 September 2017
MidCoast Council has welcomed the news that the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage will provide $160,000 towards the development of a Coastal Management Plan specifically for the Old Bar / Manning Point erosion hotspot.
Council will match the funding with a further $160,000 to progress the Plan, allowing the engagement of specialists in economic evaluation of management options, coastal science and community engagement. These specialists will identify areas of bedrock and future hazard to allow the Coastal Management Working Group and the community to consider long term management options for coastal hazards at Old Bar and Manning Point.
"The finding announcement is a great outcome and demonstrates support from the NSW Government in addressing coastal management in our region, especially the importance of managing the erosion hotspot of Old Bar / Manning Point" said Council's Project Manager for Planning and Natural Systems, Andrew Staniland.
The Coastal Management Working Group, made up of a multi-disciplinary team of specialists across Council, the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and the Department of Industry - Lands, will work collaboratively to develop the plan over 18 months.
"The extensive body of work being undertaken will review a range of coastal management options, including those that have been progressed through previous work in the Old Bar area - with an economic analysis of each option" said Andrew Staniland.
The ultimate aim is to identify long term management options for Old Bar / Manning Point which are consistent with the NSW Coastal Management Act and manual.
"In addition, the Plan will also explore interim short term 'buying time' options given the complexities and uncertainties around the coastal processes acting on this coast" said Andrew Staniland.
"We will be consulting with our community throughout this process."
Once the Plan is completed, it will require adoption by Council and certification by the NSW Minister for the Environment.
The funding announcement follow's last month's grant of $45,000 from the NSW Government for an interim sand-scraping activity at Old Bar, which is due to be undertaken when suitable sand supplies are available on the beach and near shore zone. This funding will also be matched, dollar-for-dollar by Council.
For more information on Council's coastal management planning, please visit http://www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Coastal-River-Management/Coastal-Management