No heritage impact, says council

Gosford Council has issued a statement claiming that there has been no impact on the heritage value of the road around the foot of Mount Ettalong despite the drilling of rock bolts under the road.

It was responding to claims by local activist Mr Ed James and Council Heritage Committee member Ms Kay Williams that assessments of the heritage impact of the works had not been published.

Gosford Council's acting engineering services manager Ms Margie Azmi said: "Council undertook the rock bolting work in order to maintain the long-term stability of the road embankment"

"The recent activity is an extension of previous stabilisation works which were carried out last year.

"Prior to doing the work an environmental assessment was carried out in accordance with Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.

"The assessment was also further reviewed and considered by Council's Heritage Planner prior to the works proceeding.

"The work has now been completed.

"There has been no impact on the heritage value of the track as a result of the work," said Ms Azmi.

Media Statement, 7 Jul 2011 Margie Azmi, Gosford Council