Council to make up lost grant

Staff from Gosford Council have responded to claims that inaction lost the Burrawang bushcare group a $5000 State Government grant.

Manager of recreation services Mr Peter Hickman said that Council would make up the $5000 which was lost.

He also responded to claims that Council failed to formalise the grant despite a time extension by DIPNR and a reminder by the group.

"I am unaware of the two occasions before the date elapsed," Mr Hickman said.

He said that Council was not hampering attempts by Burrawang Bushcare group to look after the reserve.

"Council has always supported Bushcare to a high degree throughout the City with the number of groups increasing from about 20 five years ago to about 50 now.

"The number of Bushcare officers is now two, where (previously) the Bushcare Officer was supported purely by grant funding.

"Burrawang is an important area serviced by a dedicated bushcare group, but the reserve does have other roles.

"It is an area with a playground and it also has major Council infrastructure on it that needs to be serviced by large machinery from time to time."

Alison Branley, March 26