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Collapse Issue 485 - 23 Dec 2019Issue 485 - 23 Dec 2019
Collapse  NEWS NEWS
Proposal to divert dredging funds
Proposal for nine flats approved without debate
National Park closed due to bushfire danger
High risk fishing locations identified
Crouch appointed Secretary for the Central Coast
Surfer breaks leg at Umina Beach
Yacht runs aground in smoke haze
Conservation group donates trees to Peninsula
Woman's 100th birthday celebration attracts 120
Koala project group has first meeting
Water quality good around the Peninsula, says council
Money for Killcare roadworks
Men's Shed seeks approval for larger workshop
Council defers adoption of consolidated planning
Hall improvements in time for centenary celebrations
Holstein calls for discussion about water restrictions
Acknowledged as a 'hidden treasure'
Aboriginal engagement day at PCYC
Christmas lights competition winners announced
Seaside Cinema at Killcare
Bushfire donations raised at nursing home
New Year's Eve events to support bushfire victims
Christmas lunch for Mary Mac's volunteers
Life saving president speaks to Rotary club
Rotary sells 275 Christmas trees in Woy Woy
Christmas Eve carols
Collapse  FORUM FORUM
We have painted ourselves into a corner
Corrupt process too often means no community loyalty
Non-compliance is to the benefit of the developer only
Lack of understanding of roundabout problem
Beyond the tipping point
Collapse  HEALTH HEALTH
Nurse recognised in State awards
Bowling club raises $4000 for research
Collapse  ARTS ARTS
Day trip to Archibald Prize exhibition
Art by the Sea becomes Five Lands Exhibition
Collapse  EDUCATION EDUCATION
Five named in HSC Merits List
Students build bookshelves from flat-packs
Students to restore remnant native bushland
Ethics teachers wanted for Kindergarten
'Better way' for transition to retirement
Staff changes at Woy Woy campus
Ag students visit Forbes
Student given phone for good attendance
Responses to letters to Santa
Students take part in multicultural games
Students visit science circus
College wins zone sports day
Large hampers donated for bushfire relief
Collapse  SPORT SPORT
Peninsula wins two touch titles
PCYC boxers win their divisions
Local surfers compete at interbranch championships
Jemma Smith competes for State
Boardriders seek children for Grommets program
Killcare surf club members qualify
Smith wins silver in ocean paddling
New coach at soccer club
Ocean Beach compete at surf boat carnival
Southern Spirit lose first innings in round 12
Patron's Graded Pairs
Two are named Bowler of the Year
Five kilometre run on Christmas Day
Umina bowler of the year
Southern Spirit holds pink stumps day
Everglades Men win mid-week triples
Soccer club seeks volunteers

Proposal to divert dredging funds

Funds earmarked for dredging the Ettalong channel could be diverted to dredge The Entrance channel.

Central Coast Council voted at its December 9 meeting to ask Member for Terrigal Mr Adam Crouch, whether part or all of the $1.45 million in funding left over from dredging Ettalong Channel could be diverted to fund dredging of The Entrance channel.

However, Peninsula Waterways Committee chairman Mr Mike Allsop has rejected the idea.

"This is contrary to the terms of the State funding agreement used to rectify the channel recently, and risks co-operation with the State in future," he said.

"I agree that urgent action is required at The Entrance, that in itself is a disgrace.

"But it should not be done with money taken from the ongoing maintenance and dredging of Ettalong channel."

Last month, Mr Crouch announced that the current six-month program of dredging at Ettalong channel was "complete" but said repeated dredging was needed to keep it safe and accessible to recreational and commercial vessels.

He said the NSW Government and Central Coast Council had each committed $1.225 million in 2018 as part of Phase 5 of the Rescuing Our Waterways Program.

"Central Coast Council will now continue to monitor the condition of Ettalong Channel and undertake further dredging, using $1.45 million in remaining funds under this Rescuing Our Waterways partnership," Mr Crouch said last month.

"We know there is no such thing as a one-off fix.

"Council has a long-term dredging strategy for this local waterway and I encourage them to ensure it remains in an appropriate condition," Mr Crouch said.

Cr Chris Holstein said further dredging would be council-funded in accordance with the last joint agreement.

"Beyond that expectation, we are back to the same debate, which will only come to a head depending on access (sand build up)," he said.

"I still hope Government or Opposition will commit to an ongoing program funded through the money raised by government in mooring fees, boat licences and registrations," Cr Holstein said.

Mr Allsop said the Committee believed two primary issues remained.

"Firstly, while the main problem at Little Box Head was resolved, the channel itself around Lobster Beach is still too narrow with tight turns making it difficult for vessels to pass in opposite directions.

"This needs to be widened a bit further toward the west and the red markers moved accordingly to allow safe passage, especially under a running tide.

"Secondly, we have had no indication from Council as to what maintenance arrangements, or emergency works, will apply to the channel and how they will be funded and resourced.

"There has been stark silence on this."

Mr Allsop said the community would be in an uproar if there was a repeat of the 2018 "debacle".





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