Dredging planned for Ettalong Point

The Department of Lands is currently progressing efforts to start emergency dredging "to improve navigation channels around the Ettalong Point sand shoal", according to Gosford Mayor Cr Laurie Maher.

Cr Maher said the sand shoal shifts and changes shape, with its current form and position making navigation into Brisbane Water "difficult".

"Council has alerted the Department of Lands, which owns the estuary bed, to the situation and has met with Lands Minister Mr Anthony Kelly to seek assistance to prioritise the dredging of the shoal," Cr Maher said.

"Suitable models and ecological data for the dredging operation already exist.

"A brief is being finalised to engage suitably qualified personnel to prepare the dredging plan and a review of environmental factors.

"The Department of Lands are preparing tendering contracts and seeking expressions of interest to undertake the work.

"The proposal is that about 20,000 cubic metres of clean sand be dredged from the navigation channel."

Cr Maher said it was anticipated that the dredging program could cost as much as $300,000.

Cr Maher also noted that prior to the commencement of dredging, the Department of Lands would need to consult with many public authorities.

"Given the scale of the dredging operation, the approvals and consultation required, and the funds that must be sourced, it is anticipated that the work may not be completed until October-November this year," Cr Maher said.

Press release, 21 Jun 2007 Marion Newall, Gosford Council