Phil Koperberg

State Plan Priority E4: Better environmental outcomes for native vegetation, biodiversity, land, rivers and coastal waterways

Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Water Phil Koperberg visited the Illawarra today to inspect the recently completed Lake Illawarra entrance works and announce $926,000 in funding to further improve the Lake and the new membership of the Lake Illawarra Authority.

The Minister said that the latest funding offer was further proof of the NSW Government’s continued commitment to restoring and improving Lake Illawarra.

“The NSW Government recognises that Lake Illawarra is an important ecological and economic asset for the region,” Mr Koperberg said.

‘It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species and makes an important contribution to the region’s economy though supporting local industries, such as fishing and tourism.

“The sheer size of the Lake and its generous foreshores make it an important focal point for the whole community.”

Minister Koperberg said that since 1995 the NSW Government has invested $14.75 million in improving and restoring Lake Illawarra.

“We’ve made this investment because we understand that a healthy and well functioning Lake benefits the whole community and the region at large,” he said.

“That’s why we partnered with Wollongong and Shellharbour City councils to fund the recently completed $5.75 million Lake Illawarra Entrance Works Project.

“I am pleased to be here today to inspect the new-look Lake entrance and see first hand how the Project will benefit the Lake and all those who use or depend on it.

“The provision of a permanent opening is something that the NSW Government, the Minister for the Illawarra and Member for Keira, David Campbell, and fellow local MPs have worked hard for.

“A project of this scale on a NSW coastal lake has not been seen in recent years - more than 80,000 tonnes of rock was placed in the entrance to form the breakwaters and 200,000 cubic metres of sand was extracted from the channel and used to replenish Warilla Beach.”

The Minister also announced a further $962,000 in NSW Government funding for the Lake Illawarra Authority (LIA) to further improve the Lake and foreshore areas.

The funds will be matched by Wollongong and Shellharbour City councils and will support a range of projects, including:

“I congratulate Wollongong and Shellharbour City councils for their continued support of the restoration of Lake Illawarra - the partnership approach taken by the two councils together with the involvement of the community is a fine example of local cooperation.

"I would like to acknowledge the significant support for the lake restoration project from Noreen Hay MP, Member for Wollongong, Lylea McMahon MP, Member for Shellharbour, and The Hon. David Campbell MP, Minister for the Illawarra.”

The Minister also announced the appointment of the 10 member LIA, which is comprised of five community members and five members representing State and local government.

“I am pleased to appoint Doug Prosser, Sue Chapman, Professor John Morrison, Ron Hales and Robert Rawlinson as the Authority’s community representatives,” Mr Koperberg said.

“Other members appointed were: Department of Environment and Climate Change representative, Mr Chris Page; Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority Chair, Pam Green; Dr Trevor Daly representing the Department of Primary Industries; Councillor John Leedham, representing Shellharbour City Council; and Councillor Kiril Jonovski, representing Wollongong City Council.

“The new membership reflects the need to balance the Lake’s important ecological values with the many recreational and tourism opportunities it offers.

‘My sincere thanks to out-going LIA member May Hudson for her commitment and service to the LIA over many years.”

In addition to the appointment of members the Minister announced that Mr Doug Prosser has been re-appointed as Chairman.

“His knowledge of and commitment to the lake are outstanding and it is with great pleasure that I reappoint Mr Prosser as Chairman,” he said.

“While there is more work to do in and around the lake, I commend the LIA for their great achievements so far and for their continued commitment to restoring one of the greatest assets of the Illawarra.”

Contact: Ruci Fixter 0415 359 023 or (02) 9995 6750