More coastal expenditure needed

The Council has on exhibition its coastal erosion emergency plan.

I recently visited Ocean Beach to observe the effects of coastal erosion on the beachfront and beach parking area as well as infrastructure, particularly the Trafalgar Ave stormwater pipe-litter basket.

The large stormwater pipe that discharges onto Ocean Beach seaward of the dome has the potential to collect more than litter in the years ahead.

In April, May and June of 2001, records of the Project 12 committee disclosed that 500kgs of litter was removed from the Trafalgar Ave litter basket.

A significant amount of litter was removed from the beach and ocean in three months.

Is this vital infrastructure that should be maintained?

Obviously yes, but according to locals, Council's maintenance schedule does not meet the community's expectations.

The Project 12 committee's maintenance schedule required cleaning once a month.

What is the current cleaning schedule?

There are also outstanding maintenance issues required to be addressed relevant to the Ocean Beach SLSC clubhouse and amenities.

These are external repairs, the responsibility of Gosford Council.

Instead of the council promoting horizon to horizon development on the Peninsula, it would be appropriate to have a 1:100 year meeting to discuss infrastructure and its ongoing maintenance.

In 1997 it was necessary for Gosford Council to increase rates to fund 13 major community projects outside of the council's normal works program.

With increased development, will it be necessary to constantly bank additional funds to implement basic infrastructure?

The upkeep of infrastructure is a separate issue.

Letter, 1 Jul 2012

Norman Harris, Umina