Doubt raised over surf carnival approval

Cr Trevor Drake has raised the prospect that Gosford Council might cancel its approval for the NSW Surf Life Saving Carnival, planned for Umina Beach in February next year.

At Council's meeting of November 23, Cr Drake asked the acting general manager Ms Louise Gee "when was the date where Council might have to consider cancelling approval for the carnival".

He also asked how the Umina Surf Life Saving Club application for the surf carnival was proceeding.

Ms Gee responded that the environmental planning department had received information recently, which was presently being assessed.

She said that a further meeting would be held with the council's recreation services department if further information was required.

Cr Drake's question follows concern expressed by dunecare volunteers and environmental groups about surf association plans to destroy foredunes and incipient dunes, to widen access tracks through the dunes and to trim and destroy dune vegetation for the carnival.

The groups have criticised the absence of environmental and risk management plans for the carnival, and have called for a substantial bond or insurance policy to cover the possibility of environmental damage.

Council agenda Q.126, November 23