No funds for viewing platforms

Bulldozers have recently cleared large areas of trees and vegetation, and levelled the dune area, at Ettalong Beach in preparation for building viewing platforms.

Discussion with Council's project officer David Medcalf, confirmed Council had provided some monies for this work but I understand from Council that the viewing platform funding position is dependent upon securing $300,000 from the Ettalong Beach Club and a similar amount from a regional partnership grant.

With the Club experiencing financial stress, it is unlikely that the $300,000 will be available and it is understood the regional grant is dependent on Council receiving this commercial co-contribution from the Club.

So Council has bulldozed the vegetation and toilet block before securing any funds to build the viewing platforms.

Monty Python is alive and well and working for Gosford Council!

The Department of Lands recommendation to Council with regard to a third viewing platform on the reserve stated "It would appear the reserve in general has higher priority funding issues than the addition of a third viewing platform especially if there are already two of these in place".

Council has ignored this advice which will surely jeopardise any grant from the State Government.

Michael Gillian Ettalong Beach