Araluen Dr wharf chosen for pump

Gosford Council has resolved to endorse Araluen Dr wharf, Hardys Bay, as the site for the installation of a marine vessel sewage pump out facility.

The proposal for a pump out facility at the wharf was considered by council at a strategy policy workshop on July 19.

Council received written advice from the Department of Lands, NSW Maritime and the Department of Primary Industries starting that they would prefer to see the pump-out facility installed on the Araluen Dr wharf at Hardys Bay.

Based on the results of community consultation, the Araluen Dr wharf ranked as the most appropriate public wharf for the facilities, according to council officers.

A report to council stated that "while the wharf will need a minor upgrade for the installation of the facility the actual pump unit and slops-hopper would be housed in a purpose-built amenity block adjacent to or between the existing toilet amenities on the shore."

It also stated that "a major objection by residents to the original proposal to install the pump-out facility on the Araluen Dr wharf was the siting of the slops-hopper on the wharf."

The report stated that this had been addressed by locating it on the shore with the pump unit in a purpose built facility that will keep it out of sight but still handy to boat users.

The construction cost of the new amenity is estimated to be approximately $25,000.

The proposal will now be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

A report will be prepared for council following the public exhibition describing the outcomes of the exhibition.

Council agenda SF.28, August 2