Greater Taree City Council's October ordinary meeting voted to accept $66,400 under New South Wales government's 2009-10 waterways program from the NSW Land and Property Management Authority.

This will allow the dredging of the river adjacent to Shallow Island to improve navigation and benefit the rowing course.

The funding offer follows a successful application made by the council in partnership with the Manning River Rowing Club earlier this year.

A report prepared for the council meeting by co-ordinator of natural resources and recreational planning, Oliver Muenger, stated that heavy sedimentation had reduced the amenity of the rowing course as well as general river navigation.

The rowing club hosts a number of regattas and championships throughout the summer period that bring considerable economic and social benefits to the region, the report stated.

During the 2000 Olympics the course was the only facility outside of Sydney able to host competing teams for training and is a significant asset in attracting rowing events to the region.

Mr Muenger's report said sedimentation at the course had impacted on rowing carnivals held locally, particularly during low tides.

For this reason the removal of sediment from the rowing course and navigation channel was identified as one of the management actions in the Manning River estuary management plan.