Council clearing criticised

Ettymalong Creek Landcare Group has criticised Gosford Council action of clearing vegetation in a regeneration area.

Group member Mr Bryan Ellis said: "We were told by council that it needed to be done to prevent flooding to houses.

"We dispute that.

"We're also disappointed that council failed to follow its recently-adopted protocol following ecological damage done at Burrawang Bushland Reserve, requiring council to notify and consult with local (environmental) groups prior to carrying out such work.

"We were not notified and consulted prior to the work (at Umina Oval)," he said.

Mr Ellis said that council's consultation with local environmental groups would help develop natural resource management practices that do not damage the local natural environment needlessly.

He said: "The same storm water drain continues to flush rubbish and sediment into the Billabong.

"This violates council's own sediment and pollution control policy.

"The drain needs a gross pollutants and sediment trap.

"We hope that council will install one following our consultation with its engineer."

Mr Ellis said that the council's flushing of a storm water drain some two weeks ago behind the tennis courts at Umina Oval and just by Ettymalong Creek was preceded by the knocking down of vegetation in order to move the relevant machinery in.

Con Orfanos, July 23