Dune plan supports dangerous precedents

I refer to Debra Wales's comments published under the heading "Masterplan seeks to redress problems" (May 18).

The masterplan referred to is the Ettalong Beach Reserve Plan of Management prepared by the consultants McGregor and Partners and funded, I understand, from monies contributed by commercial parties.

This plan of management was adopted by Gosford Council last year.

Unfortunately the plan of management will create some dangerous precedents.

An example of this is the reference made in Ms Wales's letter to the dune vegetation in front of the Ettalong Beach War Memorial Club and current car park, the section from Picnic Parade to Beach Street.

The vegetation in this section, the best on the Ettalong dunes, consists of mature banksias, Norfolk pines, coral trees, tea trees, acacias and a rare native pine.

It is referred to as "clearly degraded, has obscured views and access, acted as a haven for anti-social behaviour and created an unsafe environment along the beachfront".

The solution put forward to redress the perceived problem is through the removal of trees, the improvement of obscured water views, installation of viewing platforms and public access.

The precedents these "improvements" would support are frightening.

How the removal of trees and improvement of water views can be reconciled with Council's tree preservation orders is difficult to see.

Just further down The Esplanade near Barrenjoey Rd, signs have been erected warning that the cutting down of trees carries a possible fine of up to $1.1 million.

The sign was erected after trees were cut down presumably "to improve water views ... and prevent anti-social behaviour".

Should the plan of management proceed in its present form, it will be seen as acceptable practice to allow the cutting down of trees, removal of dune vegetation and improvement of water views.

Michael Gillian, Ettalong Beach