Huge boost to the future of Lake Illawarra

RICHARD PAYNE

The future of Lake Illawarra has received a huge boost after the State Government announced grants last week of $120,000 to help Illawarra councils and the Lake Illawarra Authority (LIA) reduce the impact of flooding.

Coming in the wake of the horrific floods that have hit the Queensland coastline in the past fortnight, Member for Wollongong Noreen Hay said the money would be split.

“The funds will be shared between Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council and the LIA,” she said.

“These funds will be used to help in the undertaking of vital floodplain management planning.

“Although we have been going through one of the worst droughts on record, it is important we remember the damage that can be caused by floods.

“The June 2007 floods in the Hunter and those during the past weekend in northern NSW demonstrate just how devastating floods can be.”

Coming from the State-assisted Floodplain Management Program, the money will be split between a number of studies.

“Flood plane studies of Mullet Creek, Cabbage Tree Creek, Lake Illawarra and Allens Creek will all benefit from the grant,” Ms Hay said.

“The program is a key component of the NSW Government’s Flood Prone Land Policy managed by the Department of Environment and Climate Change.

“It aims to provide appropriate levels of flood protection to existing and future development.

“This is managed through structural and non-structural flood mitigation strategies.”

Ms Hay said the funding demonstrated the NSW Government’s commitment to reducing the impact of floods in communities throughout the State.

Lake Illawarra Authority Chairman Doug Prosser said the funding was a welcome boost.

“It is important to continue planning for the lake’s future,” Mr Prosser said.