Water claim unjustified but testing needed, says Latella

Gosford Greens councillor Terri Latella has cast doubt on reports that water in creeks around Hardys Bay is unsafe for swimming.

However, she said she would ask Gosford Council to professionally test the waters surrounding Hardys Bay and Killcare following claims by the Hardys Bay Resident Group that its preliminary findings were that water quality was unsafe for people, plants and animals.

The findings showed that the water was not safe for swimming in certain areas around Hardys Bay, including Mudflat creek, RSL Creek and the area near the drain opposite, 36 Araluen Dr, according to the group's publicity officer Mr Allan Wilson.

Cr Latella said she had received calls from residents concerned about the water quality and asking whether the issue would cause devaluation to their properties.

She said that the assertions made about the water quality by the group seemed without justification and the claim that the water quality was badly affected by bacteria and other organisms that are harmful to human, wildlife and even plant health was "drastic and draconian".

"There is no current justifiable, scientific or professional proven fact that such contamination and pollution exists," said Cr Latella.

The Hardys Bay Residents Group carried out water quality tests in line with NSW Waterwatch guidelines, with several members undergoing training courses for the testing procedures, according to Mr Wilson.

Mr Wilson stated that it was "early days in the testing program and it is necessary that further tests should be conducted in order to get a clearer indication of water issues at the various sites".

Cr Latella criticised the group for not seeking Gosford Council's assistance before making statements regarding the water quality.

"Should the assertions regarding unsafe water quality be legitimate, the suggestion should have been to gain Council's assistance or that of the Environmental Protection Agency, in proving such matters prior to making such statements."

Cr Latella said that should there be any signs of contamination in Hardys Bay once professional testing had been undertaken, she would call for urgent remediation and decontamination together with the placing of adequate signs for public safety.

"A campaign invoking fear in the lives of residents, children and tourists is not the way forward in such life threatening matters," said Cr Latella.

Media Release, 18 Jan 2011 Cr Terri Latella, Newsletter, 27 Dec 2010 Allan Wilson, Hardys Bay Residents Group