Petition started for Ettalong foreshore lighting
An Ettalong woman has started an online petition in an attempt to persuade Central Coast Council to install solar safety lighting on the Ettalong foreshore.
Ms Shery Stewart said she would like to see five safety lights on the promenade path and solar fairy lights in the three major tree trunks near the playground in front of the "Lest we forget" signs.
"This whole foreshore is in complete darkness from sundown, at a time when residents and tourists would like to enjoy the area, go to restaurants and cafes safely, and walk dogs and exercise for a few more hours after dark."
She said she had made a proposal to Central Coast Council with the support of the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.
However, council staff had variously said the council had no money for them, that the lights would attract anti-social behaviour and that the council did not consider Ettalong to be a priority.
Ms Stewart said anti-social behaviour was happening now in Ettalong due to the absence of light, with the recent poisoning of banksia trees in front of the Atlantis being an example.
She said people working at the Diggers Club and the pharmacy could not walk safely along that area because it was "pitch black".
She said, if the council was paying $1 million for solar lighting for tourist parks at Patonga Beach and Umina, it was warranted at Ettalong.
Ms Stewart, who runs an "I love Ettalong Beach" social media page, said a number of coastal towns had invigorated their foreshores with lighting and fairy lights.
Port Stephens was an example.
She said the lights could be on the beach side only, designed not to spill light and in keeping with the village character.
"The area has grown organically with cafes and pop-ups and is now the most densely populated area on the Central Coast.
"Lighting makes economic sense as well."
The petition for solar lighting on the Ettalong foreshore can be found at Change.org, and within a week of its launch had attracted more than 150 signatures.
"I want to see lights there by September, and make an event of it," said Ms Stewart.
SOURCE:
Media statement, 18 Jul 2022
Shery Stewart, Ettalong