Clean-up on Killcare waterfront

A clean up and removal of designated mangroves between the Killcare public wharf and the other side of Killcare Marina was undertaken in February by 42 volunteers.

The clean-up, which was carried out with written support from Gosford Council and the relevant Fisheries Permit, was the first stage in the creation of a rubbish management area, a foot access area, a boat and small vessel access area and sediment control area for the two stormwater drains in the area.

The clean-up was part of a Residents Environmental Action Plan developed by the Hardys Bay Residents Group three years ago following the public display of the Brisbane Water Estuary Management Plan by Gosford Council in June 2011.

"The reason why the Hardys Bay Residents Group developed a parallel plan to that of Council was that the recommended actions for implementation within the appendices to Council's Plan contained several references to Hardys Bay," said Bay News editor Mr Allan Wilson.

"These recommended actions impacting on Hardys Bay were not among the highest priority management actions contained within the implementation strategy of the Council's Plan.

"The first area which was considered most necessary for action was that between the public wharf and the Killcare Marina which, for a variety of reasons, had become a virtual tip," said Mr Wilson.

The Hardys Bay Residents Group has scheduled further meetings with relevant government regulators and Council to discuss the range of options which may be available to enhance this area of Hardy's Bay in a manner which is consistent with the underlying principles within Council's Plan.

Gosford Cr Jim Macfadyen congratulated the volunteers for their efforts on the initial clean-up day and the Hardys Bay Residents Group for its initiative in seeking to improve the amenities of the Bay for the residents and its visitors.

Newsletter, 4 Apr 2013

Allan Wilson, Bay News