Central Coast Council is welcoming the confirmation of State Government funding to extend the dredging of the Ettalong Channel from the Rescuing Our Waterways Program.

Council applied for $2.4 million in funding under this Program in June this year and today’s announcement has confirmed the success of this application for matching funding from the State Government.

Mayor Jane Smith said Council has responded to community concerns about navigation in the Channel by applying for the matching funding and was pleased the application had been processed so quickly.

“Our community want a solution to the issue of Ettalong Channel and today’s announcement will see that happen through collaboration with the State Government,” Mayor Smith said.

“The devil is in the detail of how best to undertake this dredging exercise in cooperation with the State Government and how we will now use the sand to renourish nearby beaches.

“We are willing to work through a long-term solution for our community.

“As we have said all along there is currently no funding allocated in this year’s budget so savings of $1.225 million will now need to be found in other areas to pay for our share.”