Concerns about siltation

Sedimentation campaigner Graeme Smith has expressed "grave concerns" over the "dramatic increase" in silt and other substances which are threatening to clog up Brisbane Water, according to Hardys Bay Residents Group secretary Mr Allan Wilson.

"In particular, he identifies the Hardys Bay-Pretty Beach zones as problem areas where the buildup has intensified markedly in recent times," Mr Wilson said.

"Addressing a packed meeting of the Hardys Bay Residents Group, in tandem with resident, Bill Egan, Graeme provided telling evidence of the waterways' gradual deterioration through a series of photographs on screen which graphically illustrated a worsening situation."

Mr Smith said: "At present, our major worries are the sedimentation, flooding, pollution and erosion into the bay".

"We must take prompt action to protect our bays and foreshores from further decline.

"It is frustrating when the evidence is there of thousands of tons of sediment that has gone into the bay over the years.

"There is a proliferation of mangroves and blue metal at least a metre down on Mudflat Creek.

"Twenty years ago, you could row a boat under the bridge."

Mr Wilson said that Mr Smith was a temporary member of Gosford Council's Floodplain Committee, and provided a comprehensive outline of projects which were currently being addressed.

These included the Mudflat Creek/Fraser Rd and Turo Creek sectors, where flood studies have been completed, and a Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan was presently underway at the Mudflat Creek/Fraser Rd, Turo Creek and Brisbane Water zones.

Mr Smith also nominated six major concerns in addition to flood risks.

These were the adverse effects of sedimentation and foreshore erosion within the Brisbane Water Estuary, a lack of sedimentation traps in some local stormwater drainage systems, a lack of an effective Brisbane Water maintenance plan, neglect of Pretty Beach public swimming pool and foreshore reserve, the adverse effects of unrestrained growth of mangroves in some sediment-affected areas and the need for a wide, safe walking track around the bayside of Pretty Beach.

Mr Smith recommended a reduction in the size of sediment deltas, the eroded bay foreshores to be replenished and rehabilitated, the installation of sediment traps on all high flow rate drains, the deepening of Mudflat Creek, the limiting of mangrove growth, the removal of disused oyster lease rubbish, and regular liaison and a monitoring program with Government departments.

Press release, October 31 Allan Wilson, Hardys Bay Residents Group