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Collapse Issue 435 - 25 Dec 2017Issue 435 - 25 Dec 2017
Collapse  NEWS NEWS
Liquor and Gaming to review interests at Sporties
Waterfront group asks Council to oppose development
Dredging 'largely ineffective', says residents' group
Christmas petrol prices consistently higher here
Council asks for beach erosion funds
Fitness stations installed by community association
Charge cover 85 per cent of centre costs
Council seeks report on asbestos disposal best practice
Illegal camping and littering targeted
Library work on schedule
Surf club stalwart dies
Council awaits lagoon plan approval
Grants for community groups
Woy Woy masterplan due in 2020
Community carols on Hardys Bay waterfront
Carols at Dusk to be held at Peninsula Village
Community group granted rate relief
Surf club to support Coast Shelter youth cottage
Beach wheelchairs available for disability use
Peninsula works program boosted by $2.2 million
General manager will replace chief executive officer
Council sets up six advisory committees
Apprentice completes jewellery certificate
Holiday reading book sale
Car break-ins investigated
Council offices to close for Christmas
Collapse  FORUM FORUM
Too much traffic in Hillview St already
Aerial view is misleading
Why have guidelines if the council doesn't follow them
Jetskis threaten peace of tourist destination
Rates for our roadworks have gone elsewhere
Only system changes could make councillors responsive
Party councillors have been missing in action
ABC Radio Nation is under threat
Collapse  HEALTH HEALTH
New doctor joins skin cancer clinic
Collapse  ARTS ARTS
Chris Masters speaks of our forces in Afghanistan
Artist creates Christmas wildlife theme display
Children's activities at Pearl Beach in January
Collapse  EDUCATION EDUCATION
More than $20,000 raised at Woy Woy
Deadly awards at Woy Woy campus
Building work at Woy Woy over the holidays
Ettalong announces next year's leaders
Teachers leave Umina school
Collapse  SPORT SPORT
Jemma and Rachel named for State squad
Surf club to get new tractor
Life membership for services to zone bowls
Last charity bowls day for the year
Jemma takes leader role
Mixed pairs final
Sea kayaker nominated for award

Dredging 'largely ineffective', says residents' group

Recent dredging of the Ettalong channel near Lobster Beach has "largely been ineffective", according to the Hardys Bay Residents Group.

"The spoil has been deposited in a location too close to the channel and in a few days the spoil is redeposited into the channel," said resident group newsletter editor Mr Adrian Williams.

"One wonders if any hydro-surveys have been made pre and post the dredging to map the effect of tidal action?"

Mr Williams said: "The recent cancellation of a number of ferry services with the ferry and numerous yachts going aground, have galvanised us to again make contact with the Council, the State Government and Roads and Maritime Services to elevate the issue."

The group has urged the council to take up the State Government offer of joint funding.

He said the group had sent a detailed letter to mayor Cr Jane Smith on October 23, "again making it very clear how worried the local residents are about this situation".

He said the letter included an extract from the 2012 Coastal Zone Management Plan for Brisbane Waters, which included the adoption of the recommendation to dredge the navigation channel as a priority.

Revenue raised by the State from moorings, boat licences and jetties in Brisbane Waters should be applied to the dredging and maintenance costs.

He said the group had statements of support for dredging by the ferry owners, Gosford Sailing Club, the Chamber of Commerce and other concerned groups.

"This ferry service is a public-private transport system that is used extensively by school children, working commuters, tourists and the local community, with fares subsidised by the State.

"The channel is the only safe access to the entire Brisbane Waters basin for vessels with a draft deeper than 1.5 metres.

"We pointed out that if the channel does not receive a program of satisfactory and lasting dredging, the ferry link will likely be closed for lack of access, and the area will develop a reputation as a place where the waterways are not accessible.

"The NSW Government has committed funds to be available on application by Council and, we requested that the Council make application for these funds as a matter of urgency," he concluded.

"All of us who catch the ferry to Ettalong or Palm Beach, are very aware of how narrow the channel is near Lobster Beach," Mr Williams wrote.

"Tide and weather change things.

"The result is that over time, it is getting narrower, shallower, and the sand bank is getting larger.

"This has been an on-going concern to the residents for years."





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