The Old Bar Manning Point Coastal Working group has taken the next step in progressing plans for a Coastal Management Program, with a funding application submitted to the NSW Government last week.
The application seeks funding to engage specialists in the fields of community engagement and coastal science, who will join representatives from MidCoast Council, Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and Department of Industry – Lands (DoI – Lands) in developing a long-term Coastal Management Program for the Old Bar and Manning Point region.
Andrew Staniland, MidCoast Council Project Manager , recently welcomed this important step forward. “ Coastal erosion in the Old Bar Manning Point area remains an on-going challenge, and the development of a Coastal Management Program that provides a platform for addressing it over the long term is a priority. ”
If successful, the funding will contribute to an extensive body of work that aims to identify long term management options, and allows the community to be involved throughout the process.
Part of the this work will include reviewing a range of coastal management options, including those that have been progressed through previous work in the Old Bar area, and conducting a thorough economic analysis of each option.
Andrew added that the funding application will be assessed and an outcome announced ideally before the end of the financial year. “ If successful, we’re anticipating the program will take up to 18 months to prepare and finalize. ”
For now, the Old Bar Beach Sand Replenishment Group in partnership with MidCoast Council, Nortec and Work for the Dole have several short-term initiatives underway. These include dune fencing and sand traps on Old Bar beach, designed to assist in retaining sand as an interim measure.