Will nourishment of Ettalong Beach affect navigation?

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Matthew Wales has presented a glowing report on the redevelopment of the Ettalong Beach foreshore.

It is acknowledged in the media release (Peninsula News, July 22) that this area is not a stable environment, so the fact that the proposed restaurant "will provide essential income through the leasing of the facility so as to pay for the maintenance and upkeep of the foreshore area" must reduce the council's management problems.

Funding has been provided for the redevelopment from the Federal Member and Gosford Council.

What's the problem?

Residents will know renourishment of Ettalong Beach has a history and safe navigation in the Ettalong Channel is a hot topic for councillors.

The Broken Bay Beaches Coastal Management Plan adopted in August 1999 advises of a PWD Study in 1973.

"Ettalong Beach has been subject to large changes in sand volumes ever since accurate records have been available this century.

"Nourishment of Ettalong Beach has been undertaken in 1941, 1967 and 1980 and a further nourishment is being considered by council," (LET, 1966).

Navigation in the entrance area is limited by available water depths of about 1.2m at all states of the tide.

Is the redevelopment environmentally wise?

When is renourishment due?

What is known about the area from Ettalong Point to Rip Bridge?

The Management Plan comments: "the rates of change and mechanisms during sediment transportation in this area are not well understood."

"Further studies are required," (Page 54, Index 5.3).

Has there been a detailed study since 1999 and what studies have supported the expenditure of $5 million with more to follow?

Ettalong Beach should be involved in future coastal processes studies.

Letter, 29 Jul 2013

Norman Harris, Umina