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Media release

Thursday, 30 November, 2006  

 Stage two of the Lake Illawarra entrance works set to begin

 The second stage of the Lake Illawarra entrance works is set to begin after Australian company Neumann Contractors was awarded the $1.8 million contract to carry out channel dredging and nourishment of Warilla Beach, Minister for Natural Resources Ian Macdonald and Minister for the Illawarra David Campbell said today.

 Minister Macdonald said the Iemma Government is delivering on its promise to provide a permanent opening for Lake Illawarra. 

“I am pleased to report that construction of new twin breakwaters under stage one is on track and expected to be completed in early 2007, and Neumann Contractors will begin the final stage of work in late January,” Minister Macdonald said.

 “The Queensland-based company was awarded the $1.8 million contract after a competitive tender process. There’s more work to be done but the Iemma Government is getting on with the job.”

 Minister Campbell said he is pleased the work is progressing and that dredging is about to start. 

“The provision of a permanent opening for Lake Illawarra is something my fellow Illawarra MPs and I have worked hard for,” Minister Campbell said.

 “Under stage two of the works up to 200,000 cubic metres of sand will removed from the channel area downstream of Windang Bridge and deposited along the toe of the seawall at Warilla Beach, providing an additional buffer against potential storm damage and properties fronting Little Lake Crescent. 

“A bird roosting island will also be formed over the inner shoals.

 Prior to work commencing Neumann Contractors is required to submit detailed information covering environmental management as well as obtaining a pollution licence from the Department of Environment and Conservation (EPA) for the work.  These requirements are expected to take up to 2 months.  Work will then begin after the summer holiday period, ensuring minimal disruption to residents and visitors during the peak tourism period. 

Member for Illawarra Marianne Saliba said the State Government and Wollongong and Shellharbour councils had provided the $5.75 million funding for the project.

 “Illawarra residents have lobbied hard for a permanent entrance to the lake and I am delighted to see this project coming to fruition.

 “As well as improving the health of the lake, the foreshore amenity of the entrance area will be greatly enhanced,” Ms Saliba said.

 The Lake Illawarra Authority has established a community liaison group to provide information on the work’s progress and discuss construction activities. The group has been meeting monthly and includes local residents as well as representatives from businesses at Windang, the Save Lake Illawarra Action Group, commercial fishers, the Volunteer Coast Guard, Windang and Warilla Surf Life Saving Clubs, and the Illawarra Bird Observers 

All work on a permanent entrance for Lake Illawarra should be completed by late 2007.

 Media contact: Jason Bartlett (Macdonald) 0438 209 281/ Alison Hill (Campbell)