Erosion takes its toll

Residents of the Peninsula, other than beach walkers, may not be aware of the increasing erosion on the foreshore at Ettalong.

There is an abundance of security tape, warning of subsidence all along the Lance Webb Reserve and next to the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial.

Despite the efforts of Gosford Council to stop the advancing water, a viewing platform hangs over the beach, trees have been uprooted and sand and rocks have been gouged out either side of the drain.

The huge boulders and groins put in place by the council to prevent nature having its way have failed.

The safest area is the well-vegetated dune in front of the new club/resort.

This vegetation has a major job in stabilising the dune.

This is the only part of The Esplanade where sand is not blowing across the road until you reach Kourang St.

All the other parts where vegetation has been removed for views or recreation are showing signs of wear and erosion.

It is vital that council, in implementing the Ettalong Beach Reserve Plan of Management, recognises the vital role the existing vegetation plays.

It ensures that sand drops and builds up the dune.

Monies available for the plan must surely then give priority to protecting the foreshore from erosion.

We must avoid creating erosion problems similar to those that exist at Wamberal Beach and other Northern Suburbs beaches.

We must vegetate not desecrate if we are to maintain our beaches.

Margaret Lund, Woy Woy