Dune impact halts tree removal

Gosford Council is not touching two trees that have fallen onto the beach near Ferry Rd Wharf for fear of damaging sand dunes.

Council's maintenance manager Mr Phil Mitchell said the location is of a sensitive nature and Council officers "have instructed maintenance staff to leave the trees until an appropriate removal procedure is determined to minimise the impact on the sand dune system".

He said the trees were still alive and their root system was embedded into the dune.

They fell onto the beach due to erosion in the area.

Mr Mitchell said the Ferry Rd Wharf and the surrounding area was regularly inspected for litter and rubbish with safety inspections carried out every eight weeks.

"Maintenance work is generated from these inspections as well as resident requests," said Mr Mitchell.

Kaitlin Watts, 15 Sep 2011 Interviewee: Phil Mitchell, Gosford Council