Clarence Valley Council and the NSW State government  confirmed in August 2013 that they would jointly fund a $100,000 project to investigate potential sources of sand which could be used to nourish Wooli dunes and beach.

Beach nourishment seems to be an essential component of any Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) that aims to preserve beach amenity and the village assets into the future, whether used in combination with other management (such as terminal rock revetments, beach scraping) or on its own. Potential sand sources in the vicinity are not well documented. Further, they are likely to be located within national and/or marine park estates. In order to determine if local sources of sand are available, an investigative study/report is required. This will better inform draft actions in a revised draft CZMP.

The Minister for the Environment has approved Council ‘s request for special circumstances at Wooli and offered 75%, or $75 000, of the total $100 000 project costs. This is unprecedented for funding under the CMP for Clarence Valley Council.

CCPA-Wooli is in discussions with CVC as to the project’s timetable and how the community can assist in this important initiative. More on this later.