Work commences on waterfront redevelopment

The first sod at the $5.2 million Ettalong Waterfront redevelopment was turned on Friday, May 24, with Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O'Neill, Member for Gosford Mr Chris Holstein and Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna celebrating the start of the collaborative project.

Ms O'Neill said this was a project of great pride for the entire community.

"I'm very proud of this Federal Government's investment in our region and it is a real boost for local residents and businesses in Ettalong.

"The redevelopment of the Ettalong Beach Foreshore will help us to showcase the natural beauty of our area and will allow both locals and visitors a better chance to share the great lifestyle we enjoy here on the Central Coast," Ms O'Neill said.

Mr Holstein also welcomed the redevelopment.

"This project is long overdue, and will be appreciated by both locals and visitors alike," said Mr Holstein.

Mayor Cr McKinna said the local community had been very involved in this project and everyone was excited for works to be commencing.

"The local community is really getting behind this redevelopment and we are happy to see the project will be consistent with the Ettalong Beach Reserve Foreshore Plan of Management.

"Council has undergone consultation with the neighbouring property owners, the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the Ettalong Beach Business Group, with everyone working together to ensure the redevelopment is reflective of the natural characteristics of the area and meets the needs of the local community," mayor Cr McKinna said.

Scheduled works include a new sandstone seawall, cycleway - footpath, playground, park furniture, carpark realignment, stormwater infrastructure and landscaping in the reserve area between Beach St and the Lemon Grove netball court entry (just south of Bangalow St).

A Beach Facilities Building consisting of a cafe, kiosk and public toilets will also be constructed at the end of Beach St as will a pedestrian walkway - cycleway along Lance Webb Reserve, between Picnic Pde and Ferry Rd.

Beach nourishment and restoration will also take place.

Construction of the new public toilet facility at Ferry Rd and the demolition of the Schnapper Rd public toilet in November 2011 are also included in the redevelopment project.

The Ettalong Waterfront redevelopment has a $2 million dollar funding contribution from the Federal Government, $2.79 million from Gosford Council, $300,000 from the NSW Government's Metropolitan Greenspace Program and just over $83,000 from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.

Media Release, 24 May 2013

Lawrie McKinna, Gosford Council