No action on water pollution

The Hardys Bay Residents Group has claimed Gosford Council has turned its back on water pollution problems in the bay.

Group president Mr Adrian Williams said the group had been forwarded a memo from the council stating that "the matter has been thoroughly investigated and no further action is proposed by council staff at this time".

He said the memo stated: "A number of investigations have been undertaken in the catchment to identify sources of pollution, including dye testing, CCTV operations and smoke tests.

"These investigations have concluded that the sewerage network in the area is not the source of pollution and there is no overflow into the stormwater system.

"The sampling sites chosen by Waterwatch and other volunteers do not meet the criteria for primary contact activities such as swimming".

"There is a great deal of action the Council can, and should, take to rectify this matter," Mr Williams said.

"What council needs to do is clear the stormwater channels so there is proper flushing of the area.

"The proposed clearing of the stormwater channels is part of the Brisbane Water Estuary Management Plan.

"That's pretty much what we'd like to see happen.

"The point that council makes that it is not a designated swimming area is irrelevant because children play in the area, people launch kayaks, dinghies water craft etc and so there is concern, a significant concern in respect to the health issues.

"They just need to clear the area so the tidal flush can clear the water," he said.

Newsletter, 12 Sep 2011 Adrian Williams, Hardys Bay Residents Group