Correa Bay report submitted

The Correa Bay Water Quality Management Committee has presented its final report to Gosford Council.

The study, entiltled "A Qualitative Study of the Environmental Status of Correa Bay and its Catchment - July 2000", made recommendations on a number of issues.

These included:

- The approach by the Department of Land and Water Conservation (DLWC), Environmental Protection Agency and council to control of erosion from a nearby quarry known as Rudd's Pit.

- Adequacy of the current controls for leachate and suspended clay particles associated with the Woy Woy tip

- Evidence of pollution on the upper reaches of the creek and its possible association with the Woy Woy Abattoir

- Stability of the area to the rear of the quarry; and,

- The legal status of the quarry known as Robson's Quarry.

The Correa Bay committee said that if the report's recommendations were implemented, it would resolve the identified environmental problems in The Bays area.

Four committee members made the presentation, Mr Derek Britton, Ms Heather McKenzie, Mr John Oakley and Mr Gordon Saxby.

Mr Britton said the committee was formed because of long-term community concerns and the proposed extension of the tip.

He outlined problems the committee had experienced with council and DLWC and acknowledged the expert assistance provided by Mr John Laxton, an environmental consultant.

The council has referred the report to a sub-committee of its Coastline Management, Lagoon Management and Coastal Planning Committee.

The sub-committee will comprise Cr Brooks, a representative of the Department of Lands and Water Conservation, Mr David Holland from the Central Coast Community Environmental Network, Mr Bert Hunter and council's environment officer Mr Gary Chestnut.

Cr Geoff Preece dissented.

Carl Spears, December 8