No need for duplicate ferry wharf

I have been wondering how long it would be before the sleeping dog raised its head.

I refer to the mention of the Ettalong Beach Ferry Wharf at the end of Bangalow St (Peninsula News, July 22).

As far as I remember, the wharf there was to be for the proposed Commuter Fast Ferry to Circular Quay.

This didn't eventuate as it was not commercially viable and the leases to build a wharf were cancelled by Gosford Council at the request of the Fast Ferry Operators in 2008.

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce released a proposal at that time to develop the Ettalong Foreshore with shops, restaurants and a marina.

At no time was a ferry to Palm Beach from this site mentioned in the Plan of Management.

There is already a Palm Beach Ferry wharf and public money has been spent to improve the facilities such as toilets and seating and a path through the Lance Web Reserve.

The information from the Department of Planning at that time was that the Lance Web Reserve required immediate attention.

This seems to have been overlooked, since Ettalong Beach appears to have taken precedence.

At these times of fiscal restraint, it is surely foolish to duplicate a ferry wharf, using even more public money.

There are far more pressing requirements for the people of the Peninsula.

A correspondent to the Herald this week mentioned the need for investigation into the influence of developers.

It is to be hoped therefore that in this instance any discussions about this matter take place openly and transparently.

Email, 16 Aug 2013

Margaret Lund, Woy Woy Bay