Roads to close for surf carnival
Ocean Beach Rd, Melbourne Ave and Sydney Ave will be closed in the vicinity of Ocean Beach for the NSW Surf Life Saving Carnival over the next three weeks, carnival organisers said last week.
Traffic will be redirected through a combination of traffic controls.
"There's going to be a lot of traffic, but we'll be putting up lots of signs as well as using traffic controllers," said organiser Mr Bob Nash.
Mr Nash said the road closures could last for two or three hours each day of the carnival, or even for the entire day, depending on its necessity.
Additional parking would be provided at Umina Oval, with enough space for approximately 1500 cars.
Mr Nash said camping would not be permitted outside the normally designated camping grounds.
In addition to traffic management, a cooperative effort between Gosford Council and the organising committee has seen the erection of fencing on Umina Beach that would protect the dune system against damage by spectators.
The metal fence posts were erected on Friday morning, and the organising committee will provide the fencing itself.
"The erection of the fence posts went well," said representative of local dune care group Mr Michael Gillian.
"The involvement of a Council bushcare officer and a colleague with GPS drawings was essential to ensure they were all placed outside the incipient dune area."
The organising committee will also be responsible for policing the fenced-off area for the duration of the carnival.
"It's very important because I am not aware of any plans filed with Council showing how the crowds will be controlled.
"The dune areas adjacent to the fenced competition areas will be particularly vulnerable," Mr Gillian said.
"Proof of a successful carnival, from an environmental viewpoint, will entail ensuring that the fragile dune area and vegetation is not damaged."
Organisers are expecting up to 30,000 visitors during the height of the carnival, which will run between February 25 and March 6.
Stuart Baumann, February 18