Helicopter removes trees

A helicopter was used by Gosford Council last week to remove trees and undergrowth from the overgrown area of Kahibah Creek, Umina.

Regrowth in the creek bed was removed on February 16 from the channel between Janet Ave, Lakeview Dr and Kahibah Rd under the Kahibah Creek Riparian Management Plan.

This included the removal of 12 metre coral and eucalypt trees, to assist in the prevention of flooding.

Nearby resident and Ettymalong Bush Care representative Mr Bryan Ellis said he was impressed by the effort Gosford Council had gone to in protecting vegetation in the area.

"This is a radical departure from how Gosford Council used to do things.

"They have really changed their approach," he said.

"Previously they would have probably just dredged the area.

"Using the helicopter, they won't have to drag the trees through vegetation, and they have roped off an area where workers can't walk.

"This is a real step forward."

An ecologist supervised the work to ensure that surrounding sensitive vegetation was protected.

Tree limbs and trunks were removed in sections to minimize impact on the native environment.

Under the management plan for the area, over 500 trees have already been planted. Once the area is cleared bush regeneration work will begin to ensure ongoing environmental sustainability.

The helicopter was expected to make approximately 30 trips to the tip with the green waste secured in special cargo netting, where the green material would be recycled.

The tree removal was approved by the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) with the project undertaken by council.

Lyle Stone, February 16 Vicki Brown, Gosford Council