Shoalhaven Riverwatch Incorporated
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Severe Bank Erosion on Bolong Road

Erosion along the lower Shoalhaven River at Bolong has occurred over the years with subsequent economic loss of valuable farmland, destruction of natural breeding areas for fish and the silting of the riverbed.  
Riverwatch has been actively seeking funding from the local Council as well as the federal government to undertaking bank restoration work with landowners with advice from local and state authorities to find cost effective methods of bank restoration without the need for expensive civil works.  These methods involve the planting of mangroves and foreshore vegetation to stabilise banks and build up vegetation. 
The picture above shows the extent of bank erosion.  The stone wall in front of the bank was constructed in the 60s, and the amount of erosion once this wall broke down is evident.
Of more serious consequence is the loss of the main Bolong Road which services Shoalhaven Heads. The road is now about 15 metres from the eroding bank.
The bank does have a Shoalhaven Council reserve, which is used as a local fishing spot.
Shoalhaven Council, with a grant from the Recreational Fishing Trust, constructed a new fishing platform together with bank restoration work.
Riverwatch would like to congratulate Council's staff for a job well done.

The Federal Government, through the previous local Federal Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis, obtained funding of $300,000 to stabilise the Shoalhaven River embankment near Bolong Road under the Improving Your Local Parks and Environment Program. 
This work has now been completed (See Bank Restoration Photos).
Riverwatch will continue to seek additional resources to complete the bank restoration work along this important bank.
Riverwatch would like to thank our local Federal and State Ministers for their ongoing support.

Links to Articles of Interest

21Jun16 Libs Promise to Stabilise Shoalhaven River at Bolong
19Apr13 News Item "Shoalhaven River erosion threatens Bolong Road
Updated on: 18Mar23
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