Ettalong plan should proceed

I read with interest the article by Fred Landman in the December 8, edition of Peninsula News entitled "Ettalong in the 50s".

Although I was not a resident of Ettalong during the 1950s, I have lived here for the past 10 years and have been a ratepayer for the past 25 years, so I can understand the reasoning behind Fred's comments.

I share the same thoughts and disappointments as Fred in regard to the idiotic destruction of plant life and damage to the newly-erected viewing platform at the end of Picnic Parade.

I have on three occasions replanted the Australian native shrubs that have been removed on Friday nights at that platform.

I have needed to request from Gosford Council additional shrubs to replace those that were missing or too badly damaged and I must say council has responded quickly to this request.

Although the action of these vandals is annoying and frustrating, this should in no way hinder the further implementation of the Ettalong Foreshore Plan.

The implementation of the further stages of the plan should proceed, especially now that the State Government is releasing additional funding to councils.

All residents and walkers I have been in contact with agree that the development has, so far, enhanced the area and offers residents and visitors improved views of our beautiful waterway.

Surely we would like the foreshore potential to be realised by continuing the implementation of the plan, which was agreed to by council.

By so doing, the Ettalong area could become a much-improved and attractive tourist venue, which could only help to improve local business opportunities and resident satisfaction.

Bill Dickson, Ettalong