The Tuross Head Boat Ramp in Lavender Bay and the Quota Boat Ramp in Narooma will benefit from a share in up to $37,500 in funding for dredging, thanks to support from the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said under the Rescuing our Waterways program Eurobodalla Shire Council would receive $37,500 for the dredging works, which council are also matching dollar-for-dollar.
“Dredging at the Tuross Boat Ramp will remove the build-up of sand near the boat ramp to improve access into the lake for fishermen and others using this beautiful waterway,” Mr Constance said.
Above: 2016 dredging by Council resulted in a new (though temporary) Tuross swimming pool being created. Deep in the middle with shallow ends the new pool was christened "Gilligans Island" and was enjoyed for several hours each afternoon by a possie of kids. Though the newly dug channel was actually not suitable for boats it was a corker of a place to cool off on a hot day. Tuross Head Progress Assoc Vice President Cath Millikin is hoping the additional funding from Minister Constance will secure a better solution for the community and for local businesses reliant on tourism
“In Narooma, the dredging at the Quota Boat Ramp is in response to requests from the local fishing club to improve access from this popular location into Wagonga Inlet.”
“The dredging will benefit recreational and commercial boat users, and emergency response vessels.
Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes says the matched funding from the NSW Government recognised the vital role boating and marine infrastructure played for Eurobodalla residents and the shire’s 1.3 million annual visitors.
“It’s fantastic to see the NSW Government support our ratepayers in meeting the demands of our visitors, who are fundamentally important to our economic development and employment in Eurobodalla”, said Cr Innes.
Minister for Lands and Forestry Paul Toole said dredging projects allow for the best use of waterways.
“It is important we keep these waterways open for local communities and visitors to our coastal areas,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the Rescuing our Waterways funding was in addition to other essential dredging projects being delivered across the state.
“These grants help with the delivery and better coordination of important projects which help to ensure our beautiful waterways can continue to be used by water users across the state,” Ms Pavey said.
The program forms part of the NSW Coastal Dredging Strategy with the next round of funding to open early 2019. A further $1.5 million will be made available to councils on a matching dollar-for-dollar basis.
More information: https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/lands/major-projects/environmental/rescuing-our-waterways
