Foreshore work to start in May
Work to upgrade the Ettalong foreshore will start in May, the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has been told.
Almost $5 million is to be allocated from a variety of sources for the work.
Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales said: "Gosford Council attended the Chamber AGM and confirmed that the upgrade of the Ettalong foreshore would kick off in May this year.
"A total of $5 million would be spent on the works which includes the $2 million promised by the Federal Government prior to the last Federal Election," said Mr Wales.
"While the delays to the project have been frustrating, the $5 million funding is good news with a combination of Council, State and Federal funds being made available," said Mr Wales.
"The Chamber had been previously advised that work would commence in August 2012 and then again in March 2013.
"The project will include the upgrading and reclamation works along Ferry Reserve between Beach St and Bangalow St, upgrading of Lance Webb Reserve including the bicycle and pedestrian link from the ferry wharf to Picnic Pde and major beach renourishment works which will restore Ettalong Beach to a 15 metre width.
"These works are a culmination of nearly 18 years of lobbying by the Peninsula Chamber to have the foreshore upgraded so that the area can once again attract visitors to Ettalong and boost the local economy.
"We are also delighted that Council may also allocate an additional $2.4 million towards the much needed revetment wall along Lance Webb Reserve that will finally repair the severe erosion in this area.
"This is important and vital investment in the local community would demonstrate Council's commitment to boosting the fortunes of the Ettalong Beach town centre.
"Council is also proposing a new cafe-restaurant building on the proposed reclamation area at the end of Beach St which is due to go out for public comment on March 13.
"While this is inconsistent with what the Chamber envisaged as part of the plan of management, we recognise that it is an important piece of infrastructure that has the potential to raise revenue for the ongoing upkeep of the foreshore reserve," said Mr Wales.
"We will be keen to look at the proposal and how it fits within the management plan and gauge how it may further activate the foreshore area".
"Overall, the funding announcements are welcome news to the Chamber and the local business community and we look forward to the work commencing in May," said Mr Wales.
Media Release, 12 Mar 2013
Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce