Dune vegetation cutting stopped

Surf carnival organisers arrived at Ocean Beach with hedge trimmers and other equipment to cut vegetation last week, despite assurances given to Gosford Council that no vegetation would be cut.

They were prevented from undertaking the work by a Council bushcare officer, assigned to supervise a clean-up of the area.

Gosford Council's director of environmental planning Ms Louise Gee said that the incident was simply a misunderstanding.

"There was a breakdown in communications," Ms Gee said.

"Surf Life Saving were not intended to cut or clear vegetation.

"They were supposed to be there to help with the removal of rubbish and weeds."

Ms Gee said that she had spoken with dunecare representative Mr Michael Gillian who had been concerned about the incident.

Representatives of Council's environmental planning directorate had arranged to meet with Surf Life Saving representatives on February 3 to clean up the dune areas in front of the surf clubs and again on February 18 to erect fencing.

NSW Surf Life Saving had told the council it was committed to the protection and management of the beach and dunes in a letter dated December 14, and had described the event as an "eco-carnival" in a media release.

In submissions to council, dunecare volunteers and environmentalists had called for a substantial bond to cover any environment damage resulting from the event.

However, the council's set the security deposit "for an event on a beach for over 1000 people" at $550 and this security deposit had been received.

Council was told that NSW Surf Life Saving had committed to undertake any remedial works needed to reinstate the dune ecosystem at Umina and Ocean beach after the event finished in March.

Discussing the bond at last week's council meeting, Cr Terri Latella requested that NSW Surf Life Saving be made to pay a bond for dune regeneration works, but Cr Doyle claimed that a dollar figure should not be placed as it could be too much, or woefully inadequate.

Cr Doyle added that, although he understood the environmental concerns, he believed council was making things slightly difficult for Surf Life Saving.

"We run the risk of making it hard to hold an event here," Cr Doyle said.

The association had originally asked to erect grandstands over the dunes, to remove incipient dunes and some dune vegetation, and to widen around 10 walkways between Umina Surf Club and Barrenjoey Rd for vehicular access.

Staff from Council's environmental planning directorate stated that the NSW Surf Life Saving event plan and environmental commitments had addressed all outstanding environmental issues.

Chairman of the Surf Life Saving organising committee, Mr Brett Harrod, could not be contacted for comment last week.

Lyle Stone, February 4 Council agenda CS.6 EP.2, February 1