Businesses not happy with beach plan

The business community was "less than happy" with the Ettalong Beach Plan of Management which has been placed on exhibition by Gosford Council, according to Peninsula Mainstreet co-ordinator Ms Debra Wales.

The Ettalong CBD Committee, the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and the Ettalong Beach Heritage Committee were especially disappointed with the lack of substantial view lines and the masonry wall proposed along the footpath edge, she said.

"Whilst this plan is long overdue, the business community is disappointed in that the plan does not go far enough in retrieving accessibility to the beachfront and opening up view lines", said Ms Wales.

"The Ettalong Beach CBD Committee initiated the Plan of Management in 1998 under the Council's Financial Strategy with the objective to restore the town beach to its glory days.

"The Ettalong Beach Plan of Management was approved by Gosford Council in 2003 after much public consultation.

"Regrettably, after eight years and countless delays, what is now going on exhibition is a water-downed version of that same plan."

Ms Wales said that, as a result of countless compromises, the plan to be exhibited was a poor cousin to the original adopted plan.

"Those who worked hard for the plan were given very little opportunity to be involved in the design process.

"The Department of Lands intervened and wanted a concrete wall to be constructed from the Picnic Parade toilet block, along the entire beachfront to Beach St.

"The Department also insisted on much of coastal wattle scrub be retained outside the line of the dune fencing which has resulted in less beach being available for public use.

"In our opinion, the viewing platforms should be connected with a timber walkway along the edge of the concrete cycle-way and bordered with timber and stainless steel fencing which would protect the remaining areas of vegetation.

"However, we acknowledge that after eight years we need to move forward and therefore support the plan going on public exhibition so that the community can have input.

"Whatever the outcome, the business community will continue to work towards a people-friendly beach and foreshore area so that residents and visitors can once again enjoy Ettalong Beach."

Press release, August 3 Debra Wales, Mainstreet