*** MEDIA RELEASE ***

NSW Government grants $386,059 to support

Lake Illawarra Foreshores and Creekline areas

The Minns Labor Government is providing funding to Wollongong City Council as part of a $4 million investment in coastal and estuary management across NSW.

The Coastal and Estuary Management Implementation Grants support local councils in maintaining and protecting their precious coastal assets against erosion, invasive weeds, hazards, pollution and more.

The NSW Government provides funding for the program at a 2:1 ratio, contributing $2 for every $1 from councils for projects in their certified coastal management plans. 

Wollongong City Council has been awarded $386,059 through the program to fund two projects.

They include Building Community Resilience to Coastal Hazards around Lake Illawarra through Community Engagement and Participation and Wollongong Coastal Shoreline Conservation.

Alongside this financial support, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water provides technical guidance and support to grant recipients. 

The other councils receiving grants are Ballina Shire Council, Bega Valley Shire Council, Bellingen Shire Council, Central Coast Council, City of Newcastle, Clarence Valley Council, Kiama Municipal Council, Lake Macquarie City Council, MidCoast Council, Nambucca Valley Council, Northern Beaches Council, Port Stephens Council and Shoalhaven City Council.

Further information about the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program can be found here. 

Anna Watson MP says:

“NSW is home to some of Australia’s most beautiful coastlines and, working closely with local government, we need to ensure they are properly protected”.

“Our coastline in the Shellharbour electorate and Lake Illawarra are incredibly important natural assets that we need to care for. This funding will strengthen these natural systems and help them withstand environmental impacts now and into the future”.

“I am proud to be working closely with key stakeholders to ensure our Lake and coastline is protected, and that a plan of management for this iconic area is in place for years to come to protect the area.”

8 October 2025