The grant, to be matched by Great Lakes Council, will fund a study into the investigation of the health of the Myall River estuary.

“In light of concerns from locals regarding water quality at Tea Gardens, the NSW Government has provided Great Lakes Council with a grant to go to the Tea Gardens/Corrie Island Estuary Health Assessment and Sediments Dynamics Study,” Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Carmel Tebbutt said.

The preliminary study is expected to investigate how “tidal flushing and the build up of sand in the channels around Corrie Island affect estuary water quality.”

Ms Tebbutt said tidal flow patterns, water depth and changes to the foreshore over time will be used to “ensure the future health of the estuary.”

The grant comes one month after members of the action group presented the minister with first hand accounts and photographs of the silting river.

“What this means for the group is that the Department of Climate Change through Carmel Tubutt have realised there is substance to what we’ve been saying about clarity of the river,” Myall River Action Group spokesman, Gordon Grainger said.

“It is hoped that the study will be completed as quickly as possible for correctional procedures to begin.”

Working in conjunction with Department of Environment and Climate Change scientist, Dr Peter Scanes, Mr Grainger has already begun daily clarity tests on the river using a Secchi device. The findings of his research are expected to contribute to further tests carried out to assess tidal flow and water depths through the two entrances of the Myall River, and compare changes in the position of the eastern foreshore of Corrie Island.

A major coup for the group, Mr Grainger said the study is the first in a succession of procedures that need to be undertaken to ensure the river’s health.