Dredging expected by December

The dredging of Ettalong channel is expected to be completed by the start of the boating season, according to Gosford Council's director of city services Mr Stephen Glen.

Cr Peter Freewater asked a question without notice on the progress of the dredging at council's meeting on July 28.

"Four weeks ago council resolved to match funding with the State Government and expedite the dredging of the Brisbane Water entrance channel as a matter of urgency," Cr Freewater said.

"Given that a dredging plan and an REF have been finalised and that we have a licence to undertake the work, what has council done in the last four weeks to expedite the dredging as a matter of urgency and will the dredging be completed before the beginning of the summer boating season 2009?"

Mr Glen said council was doing all that it could to have the dredging works completed by December.

"Council staff have met with the Department of Lands and we have reviewed the actual dredging site as well as the information that has come before us," Mr Glen said.

"We have also, as a matter of urgency, asked NSW Maritime to undertake a survey of the entrance to the estuary.

"That survey will be undertaken during August.

"At that point, once we get that information from the survey, we will be meeting with the Department of Lands and Cardno again.

"Department of Lands are reviewing the contract documentation.

"We are doing all that we can to have the dredging done by the commencement of the boating season.

"We are aiming for completion by December 2009, at this stage."

Clare Graham, 28 Jul 2009