Dunes addressed in Ettalong Beach plan

A dune management plan and a review of environmental factors have been incorporated in the Ettalong Beach Plan of Management, following discussions between the Department of Lands and Gosford Council:

The plan of management has now been approved for exhibition by the department and is expected to go on public exhibition following council's meeting tomorrow night.

A department official said the department had earlier received objections from members of the community about the extent of proposed vegetation removal detailed in Council's original plan.

Since that time, the department had been "working closely with Council to consider the cases presented, and develop a plan that balances the objectives of the wider community, whilst having regard for coastal processes and environmental conditions of the site".

The Department believed a suitable compromise has been reached, she said.

The new dune management plan and a review of environmental factors were "designed to facilitate the works proposed for the boardwalks, viewing platforms and toilet blocks".

Gosford Council manager of engineering services Mr John Cragg said the Ettalong Beach Plan of Management would go on exhibition regardless of council's resolution tomorrow night, as it would be exhibited on behalf of the Lands Department.

The council is to be presented with a recommendation to present both the Ettalong Beach plan of management and the dune management plan concurrently, following a presentation of the two at a strategy policy workshop on July 11.

Mr Cragg said that several years ago council endorsed an overall plan of management but that it was not forwarded on to the Department of Lands until earlier this year.

He said the dune management plan, drawn up by a consultant, was for the section of land between Picnic Parade and Beach St.

The plan was based on the overall plan of management, Mr Cragg said.

Mr Cragg said the work council was most interested in for the immediate future was the main part of town.

The Ettalong Beach plan of management covers an area from Kourung St to Ferry Rd.

During the exhibition period, comments received regarding the plan of management would be passed on to the Lands Department.

If council accepts the staff recommendation, the plan would be on exhibition for 28 days.

Lyle Stone, July 20