The main aim of the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program is to manage risks from coastal hazards, restore and maintain coastal habitats and improve the health of estuaries, wetlands and coastal rainforests in New South Wales.

Funding is available in Streams 2 to 5 based on the 4 coastal management areas identified in the Act and is focused on actions in the mapped coastal zone.

Councils may submit applications for implementing actions listed in a certified CMP or for a plan pending certification at the grant round's closing date. Funding will be contingent on the CMP being certified, except for coastal vulnerability area mapping projects (Stream 2) which may also be funded where there is no certified CMP or CMP pending certification.

Actions in a catchment area (outside the mapped coastal zone) to support the delivery of a certified CMP may be eligible, provided they clearly demonstrate that the outcome of the action will:

• significantly benefit the coastal zone and be a critical factor in estuary health
• give effect to the management objectives for the coastal management areas and the objects of the Act
• assist in addressing a key coastal management issue affecting the area to which a certified CMP applies.

The following organisations are eligible to apply:

• local councils
• county councils
• joint organisations (established under an Act of Parliament)
• incorporated regional organisations of councils (ROCs).

When multiple councils work together within the same coastal sediment compartment or estuary to prepare or implement a CMP, one council, joint organisation or ROC from within the area applies and must be the lead agency in terms of signing the funding agreement, managing monies and reporting on the project.

Public land managers (such as a Crown reserve trust or a location-specific NSW government authority) may apply in partnership with a lead council, providing the council or other eligible organisation is the principal applicant and assumes overall responsibility for administering the grant.

• Phone: (02) 9895 6494
• Email: coastalestuary.floodgrants@environment.nsw.gov.au