Plan recommends action on Ettalong channel

Dredging the Ettalong channel, replenishment of sand at Ettalong Beach and a study of the "sedimentary processes" in the area to determine long-term management strategies are among the recommendations of a report currently open for public comment.

The recommendations are contained in the draft Brisbane Water Estuary Management Plan, which is currently on public exhibition and open for comment until Friday, July 29.

Other recommendations include dredging Correa Bay from the boat ramp to the entrance of Woy Woy Creek, investigating removal of the dam at the old abattoir site, and maintaining sediment traps in Horsfield Bay.

Almost one kilometre of seawall would be constructed or replaced either side of Ettalong Beach, and the seawall at Memorial Park, Woy Woy, would be upgraded.

Erosion at a number of sites around the Peninsula would be investigated and addressed.

These include at Lara St, Koolewong; at the Blackwall Point boat ramp; at the Rip Rd reserve, Blackwall; and on the eastern foreshores of Hardy's Bay.

The management plan is divided into six zones, with the five highest priority actions listed for each zone.

Zones surrounding the Peninsula are: Zone 3 The Woy Woy Reach, which covers The Bays area; Zone 4 - The Central Reach, which extends from Woy Woy to The Rip bridge; and Zone 6 - The Entrance, which takes in Booker Bay and Ettalong Channel as far as Half Tide Rocks.

The plan is available on Gosford Council's website (www.gosford.nsw.gov.au) and written submissions will be accepted by post or email.

Website, 13 Jun 2011 Items on Exhibition, Gosford Council