Time to review foreshore plan

Politicians of all persuasions accept that global warming is a fact.

This means the seas are rising.

This is clearly demonstrated by homes and businesses being washed away in the southern United States at the moment.

Closer to home, we see the erosion problems at Terrigal and the northern Sydney beaches.

And what are we proposing at Ettalong?

"Construction of a public promenade, estimated to cost between $600,000 and $1,000,000, is expected to begin early next year to provide a better link between the town centre and the beach," according to an article in the Central Coast Extra (September 17).

"The promenade, including boardwalk, viewing platforms and seating will stretch from the toilet block in Picnic Parade along the Esplanade to the pine trees at the start of the beach car park.

It is being funded by Gosford council and private contributions."

Such development would unfortunately destroy the dunes and dune vegetation in front of the Outrigger development and any proposed development between Memorial Ave and Picnic Parade.

It would be diametrically opposed to the view expressed in the Ettalong Beach Reserve Plan of Management.

This plan stated: "The protection of the dunes and vegetation are the foremost concerns of The Department of Lands and Water Conservation and Gosford Council."

Because of such dilemmas and lack of clarity on priorities in the Ettalong Beach Reserve Plan of Management, I have written asking the mayor to re-open the plan.

Resolution of a number of issues, not least of which is that the plan was required to provide for the arrival of the Fast Ferry, clearly demonstrate the imperative that it now be reviewed.

Michael Gillian, Ettalong Beach