Foreshore works to be funded by rate rise

Ettalong Beach Foreshore Enhancements will be one of 34 Gosford Council projects to be funded by a rates increase being proposed by Gosford Council.

Council stated that a "majority" of Gosford ratepayers would pay "only 11 cents extra per day" on their rates to fund the Civic Infrastructure Strategy projects, if the levy was approved by Minister for Local Government Mr Kerry Hickey.

The total increase over five years for most ratepayers will be $201.87.

A press release from Brilliant Logic publicity officer Mr Scott Mackillop, on behalf of Gosford Council, stated that Ettalong Beach was fast becoming a new gateway to the Central Coast for tourists, "especially visitors from Sydney and around NSW".

It said the Ettalong Beach Foreshore was currently "degraded" and was "unappealing for locals and visitors alike".

"The foreshore enhancement will provide ramps and viewing decks to ensure access to and views of the beach and Broken Bay, while maintaining and reinforcing sand dunes," it stated.

"It is envisaged that this program will generate tourist investment and stimulate further growth of Ettalong and the wider Peninsula."

The press release stated that each of the projects were the result of feedback received from local residents during the Gosford Vision 2025 project, a community consultation process undertaken by council during 2005 and 2006, to identify areas of priority for the development of the City over the next 20 years.

The press release stated that council "listened closely" to the feedback from the community and has developed the Civic Infrastructure Strategy's projects as a response.

It stated that the State Government had developed a regional plan for the Central Coast, which highlighted Gosford as the capital of the Coast and a "crucial" centre for the economic development of NSW.

It stated that the civic infrastructure strategy projects supported that regional plan.

The rate increase will also fund a proposed development program for Umina, Ocean Beach and Killcare Surf Life Saving Clubs, among others.

Another project includes the implementation of plans of management for Blackwall Mountain, Everglades Lagoon and Brisbane Water.

"The Civic Infrastructure Strategy is the result of Gosford Council listening to the feedback from the community gained during the Vision 2025 process, and acting upon that feedback," said mayor Cr Laurie Maher.

"The sheer scope of the projects and the enormous benefit they will bring to the entire Gosford LGA, when compared to the relatively small increase in rates is significant.

"For Gosford City, this increase will ensure Gosford is a better place to live, to raise children, to work and to do business.

"All council needs to make this happen is the support of the community.

"Then we can move forward, with broad-sweeping benefits for all."

Council will be holding community forums on the issue in March where the community will be presented more detail about the strategy and where an assessment will be taken to provide an indication of support for the strategy.

Press release, 8 Feb 2007 Scott MacKillop, Brilliant Logic