Masterplan is much-needed upgrade

I thought it important to address a number of comments made by Michael Gillian of Ettalong Beach regarding the Ettalong Beach Foreshore Masterplan which he seems to think, mistakenly, is a licence for the wholesale removal of trees from the beach front.

The masterplan, which Mr Gillian claims was funded from monies from "commercial parties", was in fact funded by Gosford Council and underwent a rigorous community consultation process before being adopted by the council last year.

If Mr Gillian cared to read the report carefully, he would have been aware that the masterplan does not involve the removal of significant vegetation but rather proposes a much-needed upgrade of the area between Picnic Parade and Beach St including viewing platforms and improved public access.

These improvements have been carefully designed by expert landscape architects under the guidance of council in order to achieve a foreshore precinct that can be enjoyed by the whole public.

In its current state, as Mr Gillian would be aware, the only people enjoying the dune area are drunks and vagrants.

Unfortunate, but it is hardly a conducive environment for families and the public in general.

Mr Gillian also claims that the upgrade works would set a dangerous precedent and lead to the wholesale cutting down of trees and the removal of dunal vegetation.

Claims such as these demean the hard work that many in the community have put into the masterplan so as to restore the precinct to the safe and accessible beachfront that can be used by everyone.

The works that will be undertaken by Gosford Council will be carried out under strict supervision from expert staff in accordance with the carefully-designed masterplan.

Anyone who has braved the beachfront in recent months will welcome the improvements which will undoubtedly enhance and activate the waterfront once again.

Debra Wales, Umina Liberal representative for Peats