Committee hears about canal LEP

A presentation on the draft local environment plan (LEP) for St Huberts Island canals, was made to Gosford Council's Coastal and Estuary Committee on February 24.

The draft LEP was designed by council to reclassify the land to "operational" to permit the installation of pontoons in the area.

The draft LEP applies to the foreshores of the canals and includes regulations about the types of structures allowed in the canals.

The LEP has been exhibited and is currently with Parliamentary Counsel for a legal opinion.

The NSW Maritime has told council that it has responsibility for navigable waters and that due to safety concerns, mooring licences would not be issued in the canals.

A concern was raised by the committee in regard to the effect of swing moorings on seagrass.

Natural resource officer Mr Peter Freewater said he would investigate the status of any reports or studies on the matter and would report the findings back to the committee.

Council agenda CE.001, March 22