Latella calls for coastal protection

Cr Terri Latella has called for a moratorium on coastal development with a ban on hard structures close to foreshore zones.

In a press release last week, she said this would discourage coastal development and protect these zones and their communities.

Cr Latella said that Ettalong and Umina were areas that needed this protection.

"The Ettalong and Umina areas remain sparsely populated, underdeveloped in the eyes of developers, and because of this, the land, housing, and labor of the region are viewed as significantly less expensive than national averages," Cr Latella said.

"This has attracted developers seeking to redevelop our coastal areas, areas which are identified as having the greatest sensitivity to accelerated sea-level rise.

"Given the level of scientific evidence on the effects of climate change, it would be logical to consider that it is environmentally, socially and economically irresponsible to overdevelop coastal foreshore zones in order to accommodate population growth.

"Currently, there are individuals and groups who appear oblivious to the impacts and the risks such development will provoke.

"Global warming has caused sea levels to rise and storms to become more frequent and violent, reshaping shorelines much faster than nature intended."

Cr Latella said dune grass, often ripped up or trampled upon unknowingly by developers, provided some of the best protection against beach erosion.

"So like the rest of the state, the Central Coast area has became a hotbed of development," Cr Latella said.

"However, overdevelopment of the coastal foreshore zones is particularly problematic.

"The constant pounding by wind and sea causes the shoreline to shift, erode and change shape year after year.

"The natural features of coastal zones provide significant protection.

"Sand and gravel beaches function as wave energy sinks; and barrier beaches, which act as natural breakwaters.

"Coastal dunes form natural buffers and sand repositories, from which sand may be extracted during storms without major shoreline retreat; coastal vegetation often absorbs wind or wave energy helping to minimise shoreline erosion.

"These functions of natural coastal systems contribute to the protection of the beaches and nearby properties."

"One of our most valued assets on the Central Coast are our beaches and if the majority of residents are inclined to accept this view then lobby your council to place these areas high on the protection agenda," Cr Latella said.

"This will benefit your environment which will in turn benefit your family and the community socially and economically against environmental degradation and the future destruction of what we most value."

Press release, March 10 Cr Terri Latella, Gosford Council