Innovative waterways solutions needed, says Holstein

Both the NSW Government and Central Coast Council need to look for innovative solutions to ensuring local waterways remain safe to navigate, according to Central Coast deputy mayor, Cr Chris Holstein.

Cr Holstein said if current NSW law meant funding for dredging fell through the gap between Council and State government then perhaps law reform was needed.

"I was serious when I asked in Council who wrote the legislation?

"If it is wrong then change it," he said.

Councillors were divided at their February 26 meeting when debating whether or not to purchase a dredge.

Liberal Councillors argued that the Ettalong channel was a Central Coast Council responsibility whereas the independent councillors, including Cr Holstein and mayor, Cr Jane Smith, remained convinced that the NSW Government should be providing some funding.

Cr Holstein said if both council and state government were prepared to "think innovatively" then a small amount of money from moorings, jetties, boat licences etc, could be diverted into a fund to pay for dredging, gross pollution traps and other perennial maintenance tasks to keep Ettalong and Woy Woy channels safe.

"The channel between Half Tide Rocks and Little Box Head runs on cycles," Cr Holstein said.

"You could dredge your little heart out for six months and turn around at the end and the sand would be back," he said.

SOURCE:

Interview, 7 Mar 2018

Chris Holstein, Central Coast Council

Reporter: Jackie Pearson