Groundwater extraction impact questioned

Gosford Council was rushing through plans for groundwater extraction on the Peninsula, without public scrutiny of its environmental effects, according to the Central Coast branch of the Australian Conservation Foundation.

The branch has called on council to extend the exhibition period for its extraction plans, to address the environmental impacts of the proposal and to release details of a separate study into ground water levels on the Peninsula, undertaken as part of investigations into "stormwater infiltration".

The branch was concerned that the environmental effects of the $8 million groundwater extraction proposal have not been adequately addressed, said branch president Mr John Wiggin.

"Extracting large volumes of groundwater is likely to have a substantial effect on water table levels, with consequent effects on bush reserves on the Peninsula," Mr Wiggin said.

"This could have a major impact on endangered bushland, such as Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland, which is protected under the Threatened Species Act.

"This issue has not been adequately addressed in the development application."

Mr Wiggin said that advertising for the development application has been listed amongst applications for carports and home extensions, rather than as a major infrastructure project.

"It has been placed on public exhibition for only 14 days, where most developments of any significance are placed on public exhibition for at least 28 days.

"We understand that, in fact, the proposal has been available in Woy Woy library for public inspection for only three days.

"It is alarming that an $8 million project can be undertaken with so little opportunity for public comment.

"Council's undue haste in this matter is reflected by the fact that it has already arranged to meet this week with prospective tenderers.

"Gosford Council is both applicant and regulator for this application so it is all the more important that the council's processes in this matter are open and transparent."

Mr Wiggin said that the council objected loudly and sought detailed groundwater studies, including replenishment models, when Coca Cola Amatil applied to extract large volumes of water from the Somersby Plateau.

"The same standards should be applied here," said Mr Wiggin.

Press release, July 18 John Wiggin, Australian Conservation Foundation Central Coast