Grant to clean up Hardy's Bay

The Hardy's Bay Residents' Group has received a $15,000 grant from the State Government which "will significantly assist with the restoration of the bay's foreshore and the removal of derelict oyster leases in Killcare", according to group publicity officer Mr Allan Wilson.

Mr Wilson said the decision to officially endorse cleaning-up the area flanking Hardys Bay Parade was "greeted with elation" by the the residents' group which had "endured, for so long, the unsightly appearance of rows of roofing tiles, concrete slabs and other waste materials which had severely blemished one of the most picturesque outlooks on the Brisbane Water".

Group president Mr Adrian Willliams described the grant as "a wonderful gesture".

"We are grateful to the State Government for this generous and timely support," Mr Williams said.

"Minister Grant McBride's office provided us with the necessary advice relating to the availability of grants and for its support of our application.

"It also serves as an acknowledgment of all the efforts our members have put into addressing this important issue."

The key objectives outlined by the residents group in a letter to Environment Minister Mr Bob Debus was to restore the foreshore area of Hardys Bay Parade to its natural state, to create an area for seagrasses to regenerate and provide habitat for sea life, to prevent further siltation and environmental damage, to enhance the quality of the foreshore and to improve safety for the community and recreational craft.

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews and Labour candidate for Terrigal Ms Deborah O'Neill recently met with members of the residents' group to present the cheque.

Mr Wilson said it was envisaged that all material would be removed by hand at low tide into a barge and floated ashore at high tide.

Mr Wilson said this would be used as backfill for Stage Two roadworks along Hardys Bay Parade.

"The Hardys Bay Residents Group project will involve the removal of the surrended oyster leases and other unwanted matter along the foreshore of Hardys Bay Parade," Ms Andrews said.

"This will help protect the seagrass beds and provide habitat for small marine life.

"The grant is provided through the NSW Environmental Trust and is part of a statewide $6 million package which funds 89 grants designed to improve the NSW environment at a grass-roots level."

Ms O'Neill welcomed the funding and commented that the grants enabled communities to discover solutions to local environmental problems.

"I want to congratulate the Hardys Bay Residents Group who have worked so hard to secure this grant," Ms O'Neill said.

"This is a very important local project and I'm sure the residents here in Hardys Bay and Killcare would be extremely pleased to know that it has attracted State Government funding."

Mr Wilson said the financial blessing had "delighted the local communities" and noted that much of the credit for the successful outcome has been attributed to residents group members Terry and Kay Feltham, who initiated the Stage One activity, "constantly pursued the early negotiations in obtaining the official removal permits for the Stage One cleanup and worked tirelessly, in liaison with other residents, during the arduous stages of the backbreaking groundwork".

"From all the kayaking we have done on the bay over the years, it has made us realise what a disgrace the waters have been left in through resons of neglect," Mr Feltham said.

"We just want to see the foreshore returned to its natural state so that it can be used by everyone.

"Our bay is a priceless asset."

Press release, 20 Feb 2007 Allan Wilson, Hardys Bay Residents Group