Day to discuss dune fencing

An open site day will be held at Patonga to discuss low-line dune fencing in the Patonga area.

Gosford Council's manager of open space and leisure services Mr Phil Moore said in a letter to local residents that, due to delays with the project, staff had been asked to organize another Open Site Day similar to one held in September 2005.

"This will allow all residents to once again view all of the information related to this project," Mr Moore said.

"Once a date and venue has been confirmed, we will advise all residents of the area.

"The current works schedule will be placed on hold until such time that this Open Site day has been held."

Mr Moore was responding to "concern expressed by local residents regarding the recently constructed low-line dune fencing at Patonga Beach".

"This project builds upon previous work on Patonga dunes and surrounding environs," Mr Moore said.

"Gosford Council, local volunteers, the Department of Environment and Climate Change (formerly NPWS) and professional contractors have worked together to reduce weed invasion on the fore-dunes and other bushland areas since 1999.

"The low-line dune fencing is intended to stabilize the dune area of the beach by protecting dune vegetation.

"Bush regeneration techniques involving the removal of weeds and some planting of dune species have taken place to establish a more diverse ecosystem and promote stability of the dunes.

"The height of the fencing and the selected low dune vegetation, which grows under one metre, is intended to not affect views or restrict access.

"The fencing, plants and regeneration were funded through grants the Patonga Bushcare group successfully obtained from Envirofund, the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority and the Central Coast Community Environment Network.

"Gosford Council, DECC and Patonga Bushcare group have made substantial in-kind contributions."

Mr Moore refuted claims that there was a lack of community consultation over the project, detailing a list of dates and times that the community had been made aware of the project.

"March 2001: Letter posted to all Patonga residents and owners regarding Bushcare at Patonga and the intention to begin bush regeneration on the dunes," Mr Moore stated.

"January 2003: Letter hand delivered to beachfront residents asking for their support of further dune fencing if funds became available.

"February 2003: Letter sent to all residents and owners regarding demonstration dune fencing.

"September 2005: Open Site Day invitation sent to all residents and owners detailing information on the 'successful grants and dune restoration project' and welcoming Bushcare site inspections.

"September 22, 2005: Open Site Day held at the pavilion on Eve Williams Oval with information displayed regarding the two successful grants including the construction of dune fencing and the use of bush regeneration techniques.

"Over 200 people attended on the day," said Mr Moore.

Mr Moore said that during this period the only correspondence received was in favour of the dune restoration project.

"Unfortunately the project was delayed and was unable to recommence until 2006," Mr Moore said.

"The completion of the project entails the continuation of the low-line dune fencing to the southern end of the beach with associated bush regeneration works.

"The success of the project intends to provide long-term dune stability, improve habitat value and reduce weeds."

Letter, 30 April 2007 Phil Moore, Gosford Council