MAITLAND Council will champion a collaborative project to "revitalise" the health and function of the Hunter River and help establish Maitland as a "vibrant river city".
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The NSW Government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has awarded Maitland City Council and its associated partners of City of Newcastle, Port Stephens Council, Dungog Council and Hunter Local Land Services of $381,667 to write the Hunter Estuary Coastal Management Program.
Earlier this week, Maitland City councillors unanimously supported its role as the project lead for the management plan as well as noting a report on the successful grand funding.
"The Hunter River Estuary is one of the most important and most complex estuaries in NSW," the council report read.
"The current condition of the estuary is poor, indicated by the 2017 OEH estuary health report card. The CMP is an opportunity to review and reset the strategic direction of estuary management for the Hunter River Estuary and to focus on integrated investment in critical issue.
"During development of the 'Maitland Local Strategic Planning Statement 2040+' a clear response from the community is their desire to interact with the river. Whether this be recreational, events or aesthetics, it is recognised that the Hunter River is an integral part of Maitland.
"In recent years governance of the river has become disjointed and opportunities for collaboration and partnership development have dwindled.
"Through the creation of an effective governance structure, creation of a holding area of knowledge and information, and providing an opportunity for all stakeholders in the Hunter Estuary to unite and work towards a common goal, the coastal management program will revitalise the aim of a healthy and functional Hunter River."
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