A re-elected Turnbull Government will provide $300,000 to stabilise the Shoalhaven River embankment near Bolong Road under the Improving Your Local Parks and Environment Program.
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The investment is part of the Coalition’s policy to support local communities and environments by investing in parks, nature reserves, coastal and river area.
Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis said for years sections of the river’s northern banks have been scouring and eroding as the river’s edge creeps closer to the road.
“The project will address both safety on the notoriously dangerous Bolong Road and Shoalhaven Riverbank stability and riparian erosion control,” Mrs Sudmalis said.
“The project will combine plantings with rock structures to improve bank stability, while also protecting Bolong Road which is used by large traffic volumes – particularly when accidents block the Princes Highway between Nowra and Berry.”
Mrs Sudmalis welcomed the project, saying it combined two important issues.
“Bolong Road is a vital piece of infrastructure in our region, carrying large traffic volumes and providing access to towns including Shoalhaven Heads, Gerroa and Gerringong which are not only home to many residents, but are popular holiday destinations,” she said.
“The Shoalhaven River is also an iconic part of the local landscape, and a project that manages to protect and preserve both the river and road is a real win-win.”
The Improving Your Local Parks and Environment Program supports local councils, community groups, environment groups and others to undertake revitalisation, maintenance, management and improvement works at local parks, nature reserves, rivers, coastal areas and community facilities, and build awareness to reduce littering and marine debris.
Environment Minister Greg Hunt said a re-elected Turnbull Government would work with local government, local residents and community groups on the final design of the project.
“This project in Gilmore will be complemented by the Green Army team announced last month to further enhance Bundanon’s beautiful environment,” Minister Hunt said.
The Coalition has a strong suite of practical environment policies that improve local environments including the Green Army, with 1145 projects announced nationally and more than 700 projects already rolled out,and planting 20 million trees to green communities and provide habitat for threatened species.
