Residents would help in dune plan

I wish to congratulate Cr Debra Wales on her recent comments published in the Peninsular News regarding the need to meet with the residents along The Esplanade to construct a "Plan of Management where the residents get a sense of ownership" in relation to the control of vegetation along The Esplanade.

I have spoken to other Esplanade residents who would be prepared to be involved in such a scheme.

It is most refreshing to learn that a councillor has the maturity and foresight to realise that The Esplanade residents are not purely selfish in wanting to preserve or improve their water views, but are reasonably intelligent and would be prepared to assist in improving the beautification of the sand dune area for all who access the area.

I am one of many people who walk along The Esplanade every day and whose view of the water between Kourung St and Augusta St is restricted by the tall and untidy growth of tea tree and banksias.

Fellow walkers have aired their disappointment that this segment of foreshore has been neglected in comparison to the foreshore area closer to the Ettalong Shopping Centre.

We feel that the planting of low shrubs and grasses would adequately hold the sand dunes together, would contribute to the overall beauty of the area, while also providing a flexible basis for any future planned enhancements by Council.

The plan recommended by Cr Wales should be seen as a solution to overcoming the mayor’s concern over "vandalisation" of trees on the foreshore and the need to plant shipping containers.

Bill Dickson, Ettalong