Australia's east coast to fund dredging strategy to secure ports and harbors

The New South Wales government has announced an 8-million-Australian-dollar (six million U.S. dollars) coastal dredging strategy on Wednesday, aimed at improving the state's ports and harbors.

"These waterways are the lifeblood of many communities and the NSW Liberal & Nationals Government is pleased to fund this essential dredging," New South Wales Minister for Lands and Forestry Paul Toole said in a statement.

"We will also be working with councils to develop long-term dredging plans for local waterways and enable councils to undertake their own dredging works to address the needs of their local communities."

As part of the government's Rescuing Our Waterways Program, all coastal councils will be eligible to apply to the state for funding, which will see 50 percent of the cost of dredging covered.

"I encourage eligible local businesses, chambers of commerce, commercial operators and boating clubs to apply for funding through the Rescuing Our Waterways program with applications now open," New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said.

At the top of the government's priorities will be state-owned ports and harbors that need dredging to maintain navigational access.

"The NSW Coastal Dredging Strategy will improve boating safety and ensure the continued enjoyment of coastal harbors and rivers," Pavey said. (1 Australian dollar = 0.75 U.S. dollar) Endit