GREAT Lakes Council has secured $2.7 million in state and federal funding to undertake one of the Hunter's most significant environmental projects.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The funding, result of a seven-year community-led campaign, will restore parts of the Lower Myall River, Corrie Island and replenish sand at the Jimmy's Beach erosion hot spot.
"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 Program," Mayor Jan McWilliams said.
Great Lakes Council will match the $993,000 from the NSW government to fund an innovative sand transfer solution for the ongoing renour-ishment of Jimmys Beach that will protect the erosion hot spot for the next 20 years.
The council has also received the matching funding through the Rescuing our Waterways program of $1 million to undertake the dredging of the Eastern Channel of the Lower Myall River.
Myall River Action Group spokesman Gordon Grainger said he was delighted the project was about to become a reality.
"We are looking forward to seeing the river return to the way it used to be," he said.
"Great Lakes Council deserves special praise because they have had to jump through a lot of hoops to make this happen."
Paterson MP Bob Baldwin said the project was a reflection of the community's level of care for the surrounding environment.
"Protecting our rivers and waterways is an important part of the Australian Government's commitment to a healthier environment," he said. "Through this project we are delivering on our commitment to support the rehabilitation of Myall River and Corrie Island."
