Chamber to seek dredging promises

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce will seek funding commitments for Ettalong channel dredging from both major parties in the lead up to next March's State Election, according to Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"Now that the Federal election has been resolved, the Chamber will be focusing on State issues and commitments from the major parties in relation to a range infrastructure projects," Mr Wales said.

"Of particular concern is the unresolved issue of future funding for the dredging of the Ettalong Beach channel.

"While maintenance works have recently been completed, the Chamber was very disappointed that Gosford Council did not take up the option to apply for further funding from the State Government following the announcement that $500,000 was available to Councils.

"Council has consistently said that the dredging operations should be fully funded by the NSW State Government.

"The Chamber has now written to both the State Labor Government and the NSW Opposition asking that they confirm their respective policy positions and whether in fact they will continue to provide funding in the future should they be elected at the March 2011 State Election.

"This is an important issue that shouldn't be swept under the carpet simply because you have completed interim maintenance dredging.

"The channel will continue to silt into the future and we need a regular maintenance regime and a guaranteed funding stream to ensure that the work is done when needed and in a timely fashion.

"No one wants to go through the heated debate over funding again.

"All the business community wants is a firm policy and a clear understanding as to who is supposed to pay for the work."

Press release, 7 Sep 2010 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce