Dredging dispute appears no closer to resolution

The on-going dispute between Gosford Council and the State Government over dredging the Brisbane Water Channel appears no closer to resolution, with both parties denying responsibility.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries - Lands has issued a statement denying responsibility for dredging the channel, saying it was the council's job.

Gosford Council has denied this, claiming that the State Government was responsible.

Dredging work undertaken by the council at Ettalong was for "beach replenishment ... not to address navigation issues", according to Council's director of community growth, Ms Judy Jaeger.

The dispute has resurfaced with calls from Marine Rescue Central Coast for dredging, and warnings to the boating public of the dangers with the channel having moved and narrowed.

The Department of Primary Industry public affairs manager Mr John McClymont said the department was responsible for dredging to maintain navigation access to government-owned maritime infrastructure.

Mr McClymont said that meant the department's responsibilities were limited to "coastal harbours and river entrances where breakwaters have been constructed to assist in providing stable navigation conditions for boating access".

However, according to Mr McClymont: "There is no state-owned maritime infrastructure in this area of Brisbane Water.

"Responsibility for dredging in local waterways, such as Brisbane Water, has in the past been delivered by local councils with support from the State Government.

"Gosford Council did not apply for funding for this site under the last funding round for Rescuing Our Waterways," he said.

However, Ms Jaeger said that the NSW Department of Primary Industries (Crown lands) owns the estuary and Roads and Maritime Services is responsible for making sure channels can be navigated safely.

"The NSW Government is responsible for making sure that the Ettalong channel can be safely navigated by boats and other vessels, not Gosford Council," Ms Jaeger said.

"Around two years ago, Gosford Council spent over $500,000 to dredge and move a significant amount of sand from the Ettalong Beach sandbank directly offshore from the Lance Webb Reserve as part of beach renourishment works," she said.

"The sand was not taken from within the Ettalong channel.

"The purpose of this project was not to address navigation issues within Ettalong channel, but rather to improve the amenity of Ettalong Beach in line with Council's foreshore and coastal zone management planning.

"We are currently looking at what options are available to complete future renourishment works at Ettalong Beach.

"However at this stage, council has ruled out buying and operating its own dredge to complete these future works," Ms Jaeger said.

Media statement, 9 Feb 2016

John McClymont, NSW Department of Primary Industries

Media statement, 17 Feb 2016

Judy Jaeger, Gosford Council