Works lower height of reserve

The height of the Lance Webb reserve is being lowered by almost a metre while a process of so called "restoration" work was being carried out.

Gosford Council advised me this in its letter dated 17 January 2006 from Mr G Punshon.

No formal plans were considered necessary to undertake this rebuilding exercise.

I would usually agree if what was intended was a strict process of restoration.

Clearly it was not Council's intention to restore the erosion damage but to rebuild and modify the reserve by lowering the height in a manner sympathetic with Ettalong Beach Heritage Committee-driven desires to improve vision lines.

Such action supports the development of the Tesrol and Outrigger Resort sites, again circumventing a process of public consultation.

The statement that "the height of the reconstructed wall is considered adequate for the foreseeable future" ignores the fact that the previously level public reserve had existed as an excellent community amenity for more than 25 years.

And incidently, it had been surveyed at a height much higher, but had collapsed due to erosion from storm tides.

Any lessening of this reserve's mass will be clearly less than adequate.

I doubt that property owners fronting the reserve were ever consulted.

They may certainly enjoy the improved view of the water's edge but when the storm tides come they may have a change of heart.

Edward James, Umina