Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams said the government recently announced an additional $6 million over four years for the Rescuing Our Waterways program, as part of the NSW Coastal Dredging Strategy.

“This funding will help improve the accessibility, health and safety of our regional waterways for recreational and commercial vessels,” Mrs Williams said.

“There are a number of projects that councils could apply for including the dredging of the Hastings River to remove sand build up which would assist boats to better navigate the river.

“The dredging of Lake Cathie is another option for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to consider.”

Councils can apply for up to 50 per cent of the cost of a project.

Applications for the Rescuing Our Waterways program close on June 23.