Six new dredging sites identified

Six possible new dredging sites have been identified around the Peninsula for study for a management plan for Brisbane Water.

The locations identified as "possible dredging scenarios" were at Horsfield Bay, Woy Woy Channel, Cockle Channel, St Hubert's Island, Wagstaffe and Hardy's Bay.

According to a Gosford Council newsletter, the purpose of the study will be to identify and recommend appropriate actions to manage the environmental, social and commercial aspects of Brisbane Water Estuary.

"The management study will identify relevant management issues and objectives for Brisbane Water," the newsletter stated.

"A range of management options will then be identified to address these issues.

"For example, council is aware that navigation on the estuary waterways has become increasingly difficult at some locations and is working towards developing a plan for managing potential dredging works within the Brisbane Water Estuary as part of the management study and plan."

According to the newsletter, a site at Gosford had already been completed and investigations into channel alignment scenarios had been undertaken at the Ettalong Beach Channel.

"During the consultation process, input is being sought from local residents, boat users and other relevant stakeholders as to what are the key dredging and navigation issues in Brisbane Water," the newsletter stated.

A community workshop will be held from 10am on April 4 at Erina Fair "to allow for the exchange of ideas for the management study and plan".

The Management Study and Management Plan of the Brisbane Water Estuary will encompass the entire Brisbane Water estuary and its drainage catchment including Ettalong and Woy Woy creeks.

Council has engaged the services of Cardno Lawson Treloar to undertake the study, which follows on from the completion of the Brisbane Water Estuary Process Study in February last year.

The project will be jointly funded under the Estuary Management Program between Department of Environment and Climate Change and Gosford Council.

Gosford Mayor Cr Chris Holstein said he believed the study and plan would provide "strategic guidance" for future management and decision-making regarding Brisbane Water.

To attend the community workshop, contact brisbanewater@cardno.com.au by April 1.

Press release, 25 Mar 2009 Gosford Council Newsletter, 27 Mar 2009 Gosford Council