Ettalong Channel dredging may start this week

Dredging of the Ettalong Channel could start as soon as this week, weather permitting.

"McQuade Marine have been engaged to carry out the work that will see 30,000 cubic metres of sand removed from the channel," said Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch.

The dredge was expected to start its move from Queensland to Ettalong over the weekend.

"Transport for NSW Maritime has received a Crown Lands' licence to start dredging the Ettalong Channel before the end of August.

"Dredged sand will be placed in the water on Ettalong Shoals, just off Ocean Beach.

"This location is in line with previous dredging campaigns.

"As part of this project, measures will be put in place to protect environmentally-sensitive areas.

"This will include establishing buffer areas to prevent the disturbance of sea grasses."

Ms Tesch said: "The community has been crying out for the Ettalong Channel to be dredged for too long and I am thrilled that this important work will soon begin.

"The previous Government allowed the dredging backlog to build up over 12 years, so now we are fixing the issues we inherited getting to work, dredging the Ettalong Channel."

Minister for Transport Ms Jo Haylen announced that she had asked Transport for NSW to develop a 10-year plan for dredging in the Ettalong Channel.

"I don't want this important work to fall behind again."

Ms Tesch said options for future dredging campaigns included placing sand in areas along the Ettalong foreshore.

"That wasn't possible this time around because it would have delayed the start of dredging, but we'll do the work to explore if it's possible in the future."

SOURCE:

Media release, 17 Aug 2023

Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford

End of Vietnam War commemorated at Ettalong

Vietnam Veterans' Day was commemorated yesterday at the memorial on the Ettalong foreshore.

The ceremony was organised by the Central Coast branch of the Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association of Australia.

It was followed by a luncheon in the Ettalong Club.

The ceremony started with the flyover of an Iroquois helicopter, the same as those used in Vietnam.

"Everyone thought it was a great idea, with much applause and cheering," said branch member Mr Larry Searle.

"It was fantastic weather and a larger than normal crowd with around 250 attending."

Guest speaker was Captain Richard Douglas, captain of the 25th Australian Cadet Unit at Erina.

Some cadets formed a guard of honour while others formed the catafalque party.

Reverend Arthur Pearce conducted the service.

Friday, August 18, was Vietnam Veterans Day, commemorating 50 years since the end of the Vietnam war.

Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said the day gave residents the opportunity to "pause and reflect on the bravery, teamwork and endurance that Australians displayed throughout the Vietnam war".

"We honour those veterans who lost their lives during battle and those who returned home wounded, ill or injured.

"We also pause to reflect on the impact of service on veterans' families," he said.

SOURCE:

Media release, 3 Aug 2023

Lorraine Scott, VVPPAACC

Photo (above): Larry Searle

Photo (above right): AllenTrainer