Landslip projects receive funding

Two Peninsula projects have received Federal Government funding under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program.

The Patonga Dr Landslip Project and Pearl Beach Dr Rockfall and Landslip Mitigation Project have been identified as natural disaster risk priorities by Gosford Council and the Federal Government.

Pearl Beach Progress Association president Mr Rod Craig said the association welcomed the news of Federal Government support for the ongoing problem of the two local roads.

"This issue has been an ongoing fight for many years to see these two vital access roads safe," Mr Craig said.

"We are happy to see more focus and attention from the government on making the two roads safe for drivers and pedestrians.

"It seems the ongoing pressure has paid off in terms of stabilising the roadways."

Mr Craig said he had been in consultation with council in regard to the Pearl Beach and Patonga Drives and work was expected to commence in eight weeks time.

Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein said the council would receive just under $500,000 from a $6 million funding scheme for 71 projects throughout the state.

"Considering the positive impact this program has on communities around Australia and the nation-wide support that it's getting, I hope that the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program can offer continuous funding," Cr Holstein said.

"A natural disaster is something we never really can control, but we can control how we go about reducing the impact they have on our neighbourhoods, so knowing that there is ongoing assistance for my LGA and other communities would be most welcomed.

Other Gosford Local Government Area projects to receive funding include the Turo Creek and Pretty Beach Flood Mitigation Works and the Natural Areas Bushfire Risk Analysis Study - Stage Three.

Press release, 5 Mar 2009 Alexandra Hornby, Gosford Council