Council seeks $2.8M for Ettalong foreshore

Gosford Council has applied for more than $2.8 million for the Ettalong Beach foreshore under the Federal Government's Jobs Fund program.

Council's manager of open spaces and leisure services Mr Phil Moore said the cost of works proposed for the area totalled $3.3 million.

He said the funding would go towards improving the Ettalong Beach Foreshore as stated in the area's Plan of Management.

Works would include the completion of the last two viewing platforms promised for the foreshore, a beach facility building at the end of Beach St, bush regeneration, construction of a small playground, lighting, park furniture and construction of a shared pedestrian pathway between Beach St and Kourong St.

"Council hopes to achieve better access to site for the community through these embellishments, which will also include improved access and facilities for all, which will assist to draw people to the area and support local community," Mr Moore said.

Mr Moore said council had received a great deal of community support for the funding application from the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Ettalong Beach Business Group, Mantra Resort, Beachside Family Centre and the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival committee.

"The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has been a strong and long-time advocate for the upgrading of the Ettalong Beach foreshore and was instrumental in adoption by Gosford Council of the Ettalong Beach Foreshore Masterplan," Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales said.

"Over recent years, the chamber has actively supported Gosford Council in its efforts to source both state and federal funding for the Stage 1 high priority works.

"For many of our members who have worked tirelessly over the years to achieve satisfactory outcomes for the foreshore precinct, the proposed application is both welcomed and timely. "We strongly encourage the Federal Government to support the funding initiative."

Mr Moore said council was unsure when the funding application would be processed and finalised.

Council has also applied for funding under the Jobs Fund program for an upgrade to Mt Ettalong lookout.

Funding proposals for the program were accepted until May 22.

Email, 29 May 2009 Phil Moore, Gosford Council Letter, 26 May 2009 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce