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Entrance Works
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Lake Illawarra Entrance Works (Stage-2) commence;
LIA Estuary Management Study and Plan released

22 JUNE 2006
 

Minister for the Illawarra
the Hon. David Campbell
gets the lake entrance
works moving.

Minister for the Illawarra David Campbell today visited Lake Illawarra to announce the start of construction of the Lake Illawarra Entrance Works, and the release of the Lake Illawarra Estuary Management Study and Strategic Plan.

 

“The commencement of the entrance works coincides with the release of the Lake Illawarra Authority’s Estuary Management Study and Strategic Plan, which will help guide the programming of future restoration works for Lake Illawarra and lake foreshore areas”, Minister Campbell said.

 

The entrance works involve the construction of twin breakwaters at the entrance to Lake Illawarra, the dredging of sand from the entrance channel and nourishment of Warilla Beach. Construction will be completed in two stages, expected to take up to 18 months to complete.

 

“Once completed the entrance works will ensure the lake is open to the sea more often, resulting in improved tidal flushing and water quality. The amenity of the entrance foreshore area will also be improved, reducing the potential for flooding in low-lying foreshore areas."

 

Minister for Natural Resources, Ian Macdonald, said the NSW Government had contributed $2 million in funding toward the works under the Estuary Management Program. Wollongong and Shellharbour city councils have provided the remaining funding, with each contributing $1 million.

 

“The State Government is committed to protecting and enhancing our coastal resources, and will continue to work with the Lake Illawarra Authority (LIA) to restore and protect Lake Illawarra through implementing its Estuary Management Study and Strategic Plan," Minister Macdonald said.

 

"While significant gains have been made by the LIA over the past 17 years, more work remains to be done and the NSW Government will continue to work closely with the LIA, Wollongong and Shellharbour councils, and the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority to ensure this important work continues."

 

Preparation of the study and plan was overseen by an Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from state and local government agencies, former neighbourhood committees, local residents and respective organisations.

 

“Members of the community will be informed about the Lake Illawarra Estuary Management Study and Strategic Plan through a series of information sessions planned by the Lake Illawarra Authority over the next two months”, Minister Macdonald said.

 

Important information:

 

• The Entrance Works project will be completed in two phases:

1.      Phase-1 involves the construction of twin breakwaters, with minor improvements to the existing southern training wall.

2.      Phase-2 involves the dredging of 200,000 cubic metres of sand from the entrance channel, and the nourishment of Warilla Beach.  Phase-2 is planned to commence in late 2006.

 

• Construction is not expected to impact residents and Lake Illawarra users. However pedestrian access to the entrance area will be restricted.

 

• The Lake Illawarra Authority has established a Community Liaison Group, which will meet monthly to receive information on work progress and discuss construction activities. Contact the Lake Illawarra Authority on (02) 4224 9633 for more information.

 

• The Lake Illawarra Estuary Management Study and Strategic Plan is available on the Lake Illawarra Authority website www.lia.nsw.gov.au and at the authority’s Wollongong office.

 

• The Department of Natural Resources provides administrative and technical support to the Lake Illawarra Authority.

 

IAN MACDONALD

MINISTER FOR NATURAL RESOURCES

MINISTER FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

MINISTER FOR MINERAL RESOURCES

and

DAVID CAMPBELL

MINISTER FOR WATER UTILITIES

MINISTER FOR SMALL BUSINESS

MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MINISTER FOR THE ILLAWARRA