Pump-out to be at marina

Gosford Council has decided to locate a marine sewage pump-out facility at a private, fully-supervised marina in the Brisbane Water, rather than at Hardy's Bay.

Hardy's Bay residents have hailed the decision as a "great outcome" for the community.

In July, the coastal and estuary advisory committee sought Council blessing for the siting of a pump-out station at the Araluen Dr wharf, Hardy's Bay, to serve as a second amenity south of the Rip Bridge.

Public discussion has occurred over the council's subsequent resolution to endorse the proposal.

Proponents of the plan to use the Araluen Dr location stated it ranked as the most appropriate public wharf and, according to council officers, it had rated "most favourably" in an assessment process.

Hardy's Bay residents disputed the findings and a public meeting was consequently convened by council on October 17 at the Community Church Hall in Araluen Dr, which Hardy's Bay Residents Group member Mr Allan Wilson said proved to be a critical factor in resolving the issue.

"The huge response told it all," Mr Wilson said.

"When over 120 people crammed into the hall that evening, it emphatically confirmed the residents' genuine concerns.

"A broad representation of dignitaries present included prominent local, state government and Shadow Ministry identities who participated in a two-hour general discussion with council officers which was later described as being 'comfortable, informative and productive'.

"It was widely agreed by the residents that evening that council, to its credit, had encouraged open and frank discussion."

Mr Wilson said Gosford Mayor Cr Laurie Maher, who was joined by Cr Jim Macfadyen, praised the endeavours of the local community in which they backed up their objections by providing realistic alternatives to the siting of the pump-out and an accompanying slop-hopper.

In particular, he highlighted the popular suggestion of a "very sensible leaseback option on a private wharf".

"The wide range of concerns presented to the council officers were sweeping and balanced," Mr Wilson said.

"They embraced matters such as environmental and residential impact, a perceived lack of adequate criteria in the site selection process, the vital needs of the boat owners, the site's isolation from the main channels, health issues in a recreational zone and the eagerness of several marina operators to gain council approval for the installation of the pump-out at their respective outlets."

Mr Wilson said an interested observer at the meeting was Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Planning and the Central Coast, Mr Chris Hartcher, who noted in an address to the gathering, that "co-locating the facility with other services, whether in public or private ownership, would allow for its constant supervision by experienced marine equipment operators".

"Araluen Dr is not the appropriate place.

"Brisbane Water needs this facility but not at Araluen," Mr Hartcher said.

Mr Wilson stated that Cr Macfadyen agreed that the installation of the pump-out system on a private marina was, by far, the best option for all concerned.

"Boats will be able to easily access the pump 24 hours a day.

"It will be properly secured and there will be no impact on public facilities or local residents," Cr Macfadyen said.

Minister for the Central Coast, Mr Grant McBride, said the State Government and Gosford Council had worked closely together to reach the agreement, according to Mr Wilson.

Adrian Williams, from the Hardy's Bay Residents' Group, agreed that the new arrangement would eliminate any concerns local residents had in relation to possible vandalism and noise pollution.

"A private marina suits everyone perfectly, " he said.

"This is a great outcome".

Press release, November 9 Allan Wilson, Hardy's Bay Residents' Group