And Friends of Settlement Shores Canals is optimistic in light of the council decision.

Ballina and Newport canals were among the original canals.

Fast forward 46 years, and with little maintenance, there is not enough sand or rocks on the beaches to help support owners' infrastructure.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will include works in the draft 2021/2022 Operational Plan to replenish the beaches of Ballina and Newport canals which are greater than 150mm below the top of the revetment wall.

The council will also investigate and work with property owners along the two canals to determine and implement an effective way to stabilise and replenish beaches to reduce the long-term maintenance as works in the draft 2021/2022 Operational Plan.

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The Canal Maintenance Plan outlines further works to be completed.

Friends of Settlement Shores Canals spokesperson Samantha Ansley said she felt the residents had finally been listened to.

She said navigation and beach nourishment went hand in hand.

"We need the beach nourishment to support our infrastructure - our revetment walls, pontoons and jetties," Mrs Ansley said.

She said there had been a team effort by residents in contacting the council.

Resident John Kruger said there was enough structure around the council resolution to get the right outcome for everyone.

"This is an opportunity to set the scene for looking after the canals in a sustainable way into the future," he said.

Mr Kruger said the council decision was a good first step to restore trust which had been lost over the past 30 years.

Mayor Peta Pinson told the September council meeting that council needed to reset and rethink in collaboration with residents.

"We need to work towards something that's amicable for both council and the residents as far as maintenance but we can't leave behind certain canals and go forward with others," she said.

Cr Sharon Griffiths stressed the importance of a fair and equitable contribution to maintenance through the fee structure.

There will be consultation with Settlement Shores Canal Estate property owners to determine an equitable fee/charge to be added to the draft 2021/2022 fees and charges.

Director Dan Bylsma said they would look at how that covered maintenance across the entire canal estate.

The Settlement Shores Canal Estate features 10 separate canals constructed during the 1970s and early 1980s.

The canals are made up of a combination of private land and council land.

A council report included information about canal maintenance and dredging to date.

Councillors set a path for the future, which involves consultation with property owners.

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