Minister suggests ferry could run in high tides
NSW Minister for Industry and Lands, Mr Paul Toole, has suggested that the Palm Beach ferry could have been running services in mid- to high-tides.
However, he said in a letter tabled in State Parliament on November 8 that the decision was "one for Fantasea Cruising".
"Fantasea Cruising has conducted two trials runs and is of the view that the current depth of water near the Lobster Beach section of the channel is not suitable for it to operate services during some low tide conditions," the letter said.
Mr Toole said about 15,000 cubic metres of sand had been removed from the navigational channel.
"A further 10,000 cubic metres of sand will be removed to widen the entrance opening in an effort to slow the movement of sand back into the navigational channel," the letter said.
The Department, in consultation with NSW Roads and Maritime Services and key stakeholders, "is in the process of analysing the results of a recent bed level survey and scoping additional works required in the channel near Lobster Beach," the letter said.
"The entire Ettalong Channel is extremely dynamic and any additional work will need to consider how quickly sand could move back into the channel, whether near Lobster Beach or near the entrance.
"The NSW Government will continue working with Central Coast Council and local stakeholders to develop the dredging strategy.
"Roads and Maritime Services will continue the ongoing monitoring, to assess the condition of Ettalong channel and manage the navigation aids, to assist boaters and commercial vessel operators to effectively and safely navigate the channel," he said.
SOURCE:
Letter, 8 Nov 2018
Paul Toole, NSW Minister for Industry