Free shuttle ferry service starts today

A free shuttle ferry service will start today (Monday, July 10) between Wagstaffe and Ettalong wharfs, while ferry diversion timetables are in place.

Due to shifting sand bars in the Ettalong Channel, ferry services have been operating to a diversion timetable, with services from Palm Beach currently terminating at Patonga.

A free shuttle bus has been in operation since June 19, linking Ettalong and Patonga wharfs.

The intention to operate a shuttle ferry service was announced at the time.

The shuttle ferry will operate during peak weekday travel times, from 6:15am to 8:45am and from 4pm to 7pm, as well as weekends.

Departure from Wagstaffe wharf to Ettalong wharf will be about 45 minutes before the Palm Beach ferry leaves Patonga.

For passengers travelling from Ettalong to Wagstaffe, the ferry shuttle will leave Ettalong wharf about 35 minutes after the Palm Beach ferry arrives at Patonga.

Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch said: "This shuttle ferry, along with the shuttle bus, is a proactive interim measure for our community's transport needs, as we work towards a comprehensive dredging plan."

She said she was in daily contact with Transport for NSW as they worked to implement short and long-term dredging.

Ms Tesch welcomed the announcement of this ferry, which is the final connection needed to ensure temporary transport continuity during this time.

"The shuttle ferry is another means to assist passengers access the vital public transport route, allowing passengers from Wagstaffe to travel to Ettalong Beach."

More information about the free shuttle bus service and timetable changes is available on the Transport for NSW website, https://transportnsw.info/news/2023/shuttle-bus-temporarily-replacing-ettalong-wagstaffe-ferry-services

More information on the free shuttle ferry service will be provided as it becomes available at transportnsw.info, Ms Tesch said.

SOURCE:

Media release, 8 Jul 2023

Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford

No extra cleaning for Pearl Beach amenities, says Hart

The amenities block at Pearl Beach will not get an additional daily clean, Central Coast Council administrator Mr Rik Hart has told the Pearl Beach Progress Association.

"Currently, Council has fixed resources to provide the facility cleaning service across the network of 212 public toilets, resulting in over 48,000 toilet cleans per year," he wrote in a letter to the association.

"At this stage, it is unfortunately not possible for Council to provide an additional daily clean of the Pearl Beach public toilet without reducing the level of service for other public toilets across the Council network.

He said council staff were investigating whether a bin can be located inside the public toilet, "taking into consideration the size of the facility".

"Should a bin fit in the public toilet, Council will endeavour to have this installed by July 14 and trial this for up to six months.

"Council is preparing a Public Toilet Strategy to provide a public toilet network and cleaning services that will consider public feedback and financial stability.

"This strategy may identify opportunities to provide additional cleaning of public toilets based on high usage and known complaints.

"Council will inform the Association when community consultation to develop the strategy begins."

SOURCE:

Website, 6 Jul 2023

Pearl Beach Progress Association