Minister questions formal dredging agreement

NSW Minister for Industry and Lands Mr Paul Toole has suggested that Central Coast Council has not formally accepted the 50:50 funding arrangement to dredge the Ettalong channel.

However, deputy mayor Cr Chris Holstein said the Council had formally accepted the arrangement.

"Maybe he didn't get the piece of paper but I know Council has agreed," he said.

"I know Council will match those funds and I am hoping it will be the last time."

Mr Toole tabled a response in State Parliament on November 8 to a petition presented by the Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch.

Mr Toole's letter said: "In September 2018, the Department of Industry - Crown Lands completed dredging the ocean end of the Ettalong navigational channel to ensure safe and reliable access for all vessels, in particular, the Ettalong to Palm Beach ferry service."

Mr Toole's letter also stated that the NSW Government's recent offer of "up to $1.225 million" in funding assistance to Central Coast Council depended "on Council's formal acceptance and commitment to match the funding, and to manage the project."

Cr Holstein said: "We have got to come up with a strategy that is better, because, as sure as night follows day, when the work is done we are going to have a problem with shifting sands in the Half Tide Rocks area.

Dredging should not be the only strategy considered as a long-term solution to ensuring there is a safe and accessible navigation channel in and out of Brisbane Water, Clr Holstein said.

He said the hydrology of the area meant that no work may be needed for several years in a row but then dredging would be required.

"Surely there is a better way to do it.

"Is there any suggestion from the hydrologists that might see berms or breakwaters that might create a workable channel?" he asked.

lr Holstein said he believed non-dredging solutions would not be put forward by the NSW Government because they did not want to be 100 per cent responsible for the channel.

"The Government won't pay for berms or breakwaters because if such infrastructure was put in place the Government would then take full responsibility.

"That is why Swansea and Newcastle channels don't need their councils to chip in 50-50 because of the major infrastructure works in their boat harbours."

SOURCE:

Letter, 8 Nov 2018

Paul Toole, NSW Minister for Industry

Interview, 14 Nov 2018

Chris Holstein, Central Coast Council

Reporter: Jackie Pearson