Providing clarity

I write this letter to clarify my position on the contentious issue of the dredging Brisbane Water channel.

In doing this, I hope to give our community the opportunity to make an informed opinion regarding the issue.

The provision of safe, navigable channels comes under the responsibility of the NSW Department of Ports and Waterways, and the responsibility of the channel bed lies with the NSW Department of Lands.

The current offer from the NSW Government is to provide 50 per cent of the total funding needed to dredge a small section of the Brisbane Water channel, with council expected to provide the other 50 per cent.

The proposal will see council providing $250,000 worth of funding on this section alone.

Another recent study currently being undertaken, has shown further dredging may be required for Brisbane Water, near Box Head, south of the channel.

Unlike the State Government, council does not derive any income from boat owners - private or commercial - for registration or fees, nor does it from moorings, jetties, wharves or fishing licenses.

However, council does pay more than $500,000 per year for the maintenance and upkeep of 54 public jetties/wharves and 33 boat ramps/

So why is council expected to make a 50 per cent financial contribution to a project that it has no control or responsibility over, and derives no income from?

It hardly seems fair for the cost of this dredging to be pushed back onto Gosford ratepayers.

If council make a financial commitment to these dredging works, vital funds will be taken away from existing infrastructure requirements.

If ratepayers were satisfied with the condition of roads, parks, footpaths and drainage, then perhaps council could justify utilising a minimum of $250,000 from its capital works budget.

This decision would place greater pressure on council's existing funding and ultimately delay required infrastructure projects and maintenance.

This latest study outlining the issues near Box Head; indicates that the financial burden on ratepayers could equate to three times what was originally proposed by the NSW Government.

Council is not required to contribute to existing state services, such as our Police Force and Nursing Services.

So, why are we being asked to meet the NSW Government half way on this issue?

Council has no control or responsibility over the Brisbane Water channel, and derives no income from its use, so again, why should we be asked to contribute to its maintenance?

Important questions to be answered by the NSW Government, include how they utilise existing waterways fees and charges, how our local residents derive benefit from the revenues and where does this money go?

I understand the NSW Government collects $400 to $5000 from the 996 jetties in the Gosford LGA, generating between $400,000 and $5 million of State revenue, again I ask, where does this money go?

I also believe that there are more than 1000 moorings in the Brisbane Water which generates another $200,000 to $250,000 per annum for the NSW Government.

Where does the money go?

In the Gosford LGA there are 8000 boat owners paying a yearly license concession of $42 to $140, generating another $368,000 to $1.1 million.

Where does the money go?

If council agrees to joint fund this project, I believe that council will set a dangerous precedent.

The impact of the dredging in this small area may only last three to four years, which could mean an ongoing financial impost to council and ratepayers across the whole local government area.

Council is well aware that other NSW coastal communities are not required to fund 50 per cent of required dredging works.

Then why are we being treated different to the detriment of our ratepayers?

Gosford ratepayers need to be aware of all the facts before council makes a decision on this vital issue.

I believe the matter should continue to be deferred until the State Government agrees to fund the required dredging works in their entirety.

I encourage our residents to ask themselves and the State Government, "Where does the money go?"

Cr Chris Holstein, Mayor of Gosford