Government should not approve unsafe ferry service

In response to an article in Peninsula News edition 441 (Ettalong Channel makes talkback radio), it is common knowledge that the Ettalong Channel situation has existed for decades.

It is not a new problem.

Suggesting the problem is solely Central Coast Council's is an easy out for the State Government.

If the Government cannot guarantee that ferry services can operate safely according to schedule, it should not issue approval to the ferry operators.

Indeed, the Palm Beach Ferry Service should not have been approved without this assurance.

The approval should be withdrawn immediately until such an assurance can be given.

At present, only a small amount of funding is available to all the councils fronting the NSW coastline.

Funding for Central Coast Council is not guaranteed as this is the same funding that is also available to councils on the Mid-North Coast.

Remember, the former Gosford City Council applied for funding to address the coastal erosion at Wamberal Beach.

The council was unsuccessful.

The Government will have to significantly increase funding if it is to successfully address the coastal issues along the NSW coastline.

Letter, 27 Mar 2018

Norman Harris, Umina