The NSW Government's Coastal and Estuary Grants Program underpins the implementation of the coastal management framework and supports local councils and communities to achieve the state's long-term vision for the coast.

The program supports local councils in managing the coastal environment of New South Wales in a manner consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development for the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of the people of the state.

Grant funding enables local councils and communities to prepare coastal management programs and implement actions identified in those programs. Grant offers are subject to statewide priorities and the availability of funds each financial year.

Funding is available for planning projects that aim to:

• develop a coastal management program (CMP)
• transition a coastal zone management plan (CZMP) to a coastal management program
• conducting studies to comprehend coastal processes and map coastal hazards/coastal vulnerability areas necessary for coastal management program development
• conducting studies to identify threats to coastal management areas within the NSW coastal zone essential for coastal management program development
• investigate and design coastal and estuary management activities recommended in a certified coastal management program.

Funding:

For all funding streams aside from exempt activities, CZEAS projects and projects over $5 million, the NSW Government will provide $2 for every $1 provided by the applicant (2:1 ratio).

Local councils, county councils, joint organisations (established under an Act of Parliament) and incorporated Regional Organisations of Councils (ROC) can apply. 

Where multiple councils are working together within the same coastal sediment compartment or estuary to prepare and implement a coastal management program, one council, county council, joint organisation or incorporated Regional Organisations of Councils (from within the area) 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