Minister adopts Ettalong plan

Minister for Lands Mr Tony Kelly has announced that the NSW Government had adopted the Plan of Management for the Ettalong Beach Reserve.

Mr Kelly said the Department of Lands asked Gosford Council to prepare the plan of management for Ettalong Beach Reserve in response to community concern about the state of the foreshore.

"This initiative is a prime example of the Iemma Government's State Plan in action - encouraging people to enjoy the great outdoors for recreation," Mr Kelly said.

"This plan provides a management strategy for the future of this important coastal public asset.

"Significant issues identified in the plan include managing the severe foreshore erosion on Lance Webb reserve, beach stability and beach nourishment for a sustainable estuary, and better management of beach vegetation."

Member for Gosford Ms Marie Andrews welcomed the plan saying it also addressed traffic and parking issues, timely replacement of public amenities such as toilet blocks, and the need for an alternate wall fronting The Esplanade.

"I would like to thank community members for their input into refining this plan," Ms Andrews said.

"Gosford Council received 57 submissions and a number of petitions with hundreds of signatures signifying the overwhelming support from the community for the future of this important reserve."

Mr Kelly said the draft Plan of Management was placed on public exhibition from August 2 to August 30 last year.

At the request of Ms Andrews, the exhibition was extended to September 15 last year.

"Ettalong Beach Reserve is a Crown reserve set aside for public recreation," Mr Kelly said.

"This plan will determine priorities for the use and management of the reserve's assets, funding opportunities, how those funds are allocated and it will guide future works.

"The day-to-day care, control and management is the responsibility of Gosford Council as Trust Manager.

"Adoption of the Plan of Management for the Ettalong Beach Reserve is a great result for the local users and visitors to this significant coastal site," Mr Kelly said.

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Mainstreet coordinator Ms Debra Wales said that this was "very exciting news" for Ettalong Beach and Peninsula residents who had waited "so long" for the town beach improvements.

"And now with the formal approval by the Minister for Lands, Tony Kelly, we can move forward with the plans to improve our town beach and foreshore," Ms Wales said.

"Once the work is underway the Ettalong town beach and foreshore will be a place we can all be proud of and a place we can enjoy in a safe environment.

"This will bring investment and employment to our area so badly needed for young people who are looking to enter the hospitality and tourism industry.

"After more than 10 years of planning and lobbying Gosford Council and government to move forward with the town beach improvements, it is truly a welcome relief to have the Minister for Lands Tony Kelly announcing the adoption of our Plan of Management, let's hope the work commences soon and we can move forward with terrific outcomes for everyone."

Press release, 12 Oct 2007 Tony Kelly, Minister for Lands Email, 11 Oct 2006 Debra Wales