Ettalong foreshore work to proceed

Gosford Council is finalising plans for the upgrade of the sandstone seawall and shared footpath in Ferry Park precinct on Ettalong foreshore, according to Gosford Council's open space manager Mr Phil Moore.

Construction works will commence once the required works permits have been issued.

Mr Moore said it was anticipated that permits would be issued in the near future so that works could commence in August.

He said the council would endeavour to minimise any negative impact that construction activity would have on local business and would continue to work closely with the community in the final planning and construction stages of the upgrade works.

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has welcomed advice from Gosford Council that the next phase of the Ettalong Beach foreshore upgrade will start in August.

"Following a recent meeting with Gosford Council's project officer, Mr Derek Hill, the Chamber has been advised that the next stage of the Ettalong Foreshore upgrade will commence in August utilising the $2M Federal grant money secured by Federal Member for Robertson, Deborah O'Neill at the last election," said Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales.

"The Federal grant was a key election promise made by the Federal Member following representations by the Chamber of Commerce.

"Council has confirmed that environmental and engineering investigations are nearing completion with all the required permits from the State Government, including from Fisheries for minor reclamation works, due to be issued shortly.

"The Federal grant of $2M has been allocated by Council to undertake the detailed design and construction of the seawall and cycleway-footpath in Ferry Park precinct between the Lemon Grove outlet and Beach St outlet.

"The Ettalong Plan of Management identifies an area at the northern end of Ferry Park of approximately 1150m2 for reclamation and a 40m extension of the stormwater outlet including a gross pollutant trap.

"It is these works that have taken Council some considerable time to detail and gain approval for.

"We understand that the works will take approximately six months to complete so we are obviously urging Council to commence work as soon as possible so that there is minimal disruption to the foreshore leading up to the Christmas period.

"The Chamber will continue to lobby the Council to make further funds available for other key foreshore projects including the restoration of the failing revetment walls along Lance Webb Reserve," said Mr Wales.

Media Statement, 27 Apr 2012

Phil Moore, Gosford Council

Media Release, 15 Apr 2012

Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce