Call for coastal engineer

Cr Terri Latella has unsuccessfully called for Gosford Council to employ a coastal engineer to look at the environmental, social and scientific issues surrounding Ettalong Beach.

She said the Department of Lands had identified the need in its comments on the proposed management plan for the area.

"Because the plan of management was finalised in 2003, there have definitely been some climatic changes that have and will occur.

"I suggest we take the time out now that we are reviewing this recommendation, and take on board what the department has said.

"We need to do the right thing to prevent further erosion."

Cr Latella said a consultant would not take a "great deal of time" and noted that the department was "highly suggestive of it".

Cr Latella said that studies should be undertaken before the plan of management was adopted.

Cr Craig Doyle asked council officers if the report was "questionable" and whether the acknowledgement of climate change could impact on previous conclusions and recommendations made in the report.

Following an answer from council staff that he found unsatisfactory, Cr Doyle suggested that the item be deferred for a week to allow officers to investigate the matter.

"I want to make a considered decision," Cr Doyle said.

Crs Trevor Drake and Robert Bell raised the concern that the department may not adopt the plans if the coastal studies had not been done.

"I think that there is a couple of ways to (interpret the letter), that if we were to proceed without taking the precaution, by advising us in advance, council accepts all liability," Cr Bell said.

"The other thing is that if we were to proceed as Cr Drake indicated and put it to the department, it will become a revolving exercise."

Cr Bell suggested that the department may have stated that a coastal engineer should be engaged, not could be engaged.

"It is wise for councillors to think about this again," Cr Bell said.

"We will only get further delay if the department throws it around.

"What's changed? Absolutely nothing.

"They will send it back to us again."

Lyle Stone, 6 Jul 2007