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McWaide calls for 'full clean-up' of Ettalong foreshore

Gosford West ward's Cr Trent McWaide has called for "a full clean-up of the Ettalong foreshore".

In a motion to tomorrow's Council meeting, he will ask that it includes "removal of litter and debris, mowing, and trimming of grassed areas, pruning of vegetation, repair of minor infrastructure and pressure cleaning of high use public spaces" to be completed by December 1.

It would include the "pruning and cleansing" of foreshore vegetation at Ettalong beach.

His five-part motion includes a direction to ensure an application is submitted for $1.8 million through Infrastructure Australia for "renourishment and repair" of the foreshore.

The motion directs the Council's general manager to submit the application in October and to "prepare the necessary plans and reports for the work to commence as soon as possible without delay".

The motion says: "Vegetation pruning and cleansing needs to occur within the foreshore opposite from Beach St to Picnic Pde."

It calls for a "clean-up of debris on the beach area around the ferry terminal".

The clean-up should "ensure the public space from opposite 82 The Esplanade through to opposite Beach St is well maintained, free of litter, grass is trimmed and any overgrown vegetation cleansed".

A public update, advertised through Councils channels, would include the works to be undertaken, the timeframe for completion and how the community can report issues.

A maintenance schedule for the Ettalong foreshore would be implemented so that the area is kept to a high standard throughout the 2025-26 summer period and beyond.

The motion requests a report to the December Council meeting "confirming the completion of the works and outlining an ongoing maintenance strategy".

In notes accompanying the motion, Cr McWaide said: "Ettalong Foreshore is one of the Central Coast's most important public places.

"It is valued by the community and is a key attraction for visitors.

"The current condition of the foreshore has raised ongoing community concern, with reports of litter, weeds, overgrown areas and damaged infrastructure.

"The summer season is the busiest time for Ettalong.

"Large numbers of residents and visitors are expected, and the foreshore must be presented to a high standard to support community use, local businesses, and the tourism economy.

"This notice of motion also encourages Council to start thinking strategically about how things can be done better, and more efficiently.

"Council needs to prioritise the absolute first-class maintenance of all of the Central Coast and its beautiful public space."

In a response published in the agenda, Council general manager Mr David Farmer said: "Officers are currently reviewing the grant funding criteria to develop a project scope, costings, milestones, and delivery timeframes for submission by December 1.

"The application is intended to deliver additional pathway infrastructure, community seating, and beach rejuvenation as outlined in the election commitment announcement from Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid in the lead up to the May 2025 Federal election.

"The scope of works ultimately delivered will need to be tailored to the available grant budget, and the full range of anticipated improvements may not be achievable within the $1.8M allocation.

"Should the grant application prove successful, all works are required to be completed by June 30, 2029."

Mr Farmer said: "Council officers note ongoing community interest in the condition of the Ettalong Foreshore, including matters such as litter, debris, vegetation, infrastructure and public amenity.

"Officers will re-inspect the foreshore precinct to assess the current condition and coordinate a clean-up targeting identified areas."

Mr Farmer gave a list of maintenance activities currently undertaken by the Council.

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