Andrews calls on Lloyd for funding

Member for Gosford Marie Andrews has called on Federal Local Government Minister and Member for Robertson Mr Jim Lloyd to approve Commonwealth funding towards "vital safety works" at Pearl Beach and Blackwall Mountain.

Ms Andrews said she understood the State Government had recommended the proposed Gosford Council works be carried out under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program, which was jointly funded by State, Federal and local governments.

"Council has applied for funding for risk assessments and safety works, such as rock-bolting or fence construction, to reduce the risk of rockfalls and landslips at Patonga Dr and Pearl Beach Dr, Pearl Beach," Ms Andrews said.

"This will help protect residents and road users in the area from the risk of damage and reduce the chance of the Pearl Beach and Patonga communities being isolated by road closures caused by rockfalls or landslips.

"It also sought funding to construct a 4.5 metre drop zone and cyclone mesh safety barriers to reduce the likelihood of debris falling on the roadway and causing damage or traffic disruption, as part of a larger roadworks project to improve safety on Blackwall Mountain.

"The total cost of the three projects is $675,000.

"If they are approved under the Program, the State and Federal governments and council each would contribute $225,000."

Ms Andrews said she understood State Emergency Services Minister Mr Nathan Rees had written to Mr Lloyd in June advising him of the projects NSW had endorsed for Program funding and seeking his approval of the recommended works.

"Under the terms of the program, Mr Lloyd needs to sign off on the recommended list of works before they can proceed," Ms Andrews said.

"I believe the State Government and Gosford City Council have agreed on the need for these Pearl Beach and Blackwall Mountain works but they cannot happen until Mr Lloyd agrees and the Commonwealth funding is provided.

"I call on him to approve these works so council can start this work to protect the local community.

"Residents of the Central Coast last month endured dreadful hardship and damage from severe storms and floods.

"The Federal Government must not now turn its back on this community."

Ms Andrews said council had also sought funding for the installation of water level gauges to record flood, rainfall and stream data across the Gosford floodplain and nine other projects.

Press release, 27 Jul 2007 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford