Call for action on foreshore

Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal has joined with Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in urging Gosford Council to get on with its Ettalong foreshore management plans.

Earlier this month, Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal met with Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales to review plans for the area's revitalisation.

Ms Neal said she was delighted to see that works on the revitalisation of Ettalong could now progress thanks to a $150,000 Federal Government grant but criticised the council for its lack of progress.

"The plan of management was commenced more than 10 years ago and Gosford Council has been quite tardy in undertaking the work," Ms Neal said.

"There are further stages of the Ettalong plan of management and the timing of those will be determined by the allocation of priority and resources by Gosford Council.

"The Ettalong foreshore area is very well utilised by locals and tourists to the area.

"It is important that this work is done and also that the area is regularly maintained by the Council."

Mr Wales said he was also disappointed that it had taken almost a decade to get the management plan in place.

"The process could have been a lot more efficient," Mr Wales said.

"It's important to say that the completion of the foreshore management plan is vital for the long-term revitalisation of the Ettalong Town Centre and that any delay in the works will reflect on development and employment opportunities in the town.

"That is evident from the money that has been spent on Terrigal foreshore by Gosford Council and how it reflects on business activity in the town centre.

"The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce also strongly supports the ongoing process to upgrade the waterfront between Ettalong and Umina Beach.

"The community clearly wants our beachfront upgraded.

"The current condition of the foreshore is sub-standard and access for the public is poor.

"The local community certainly deserves better."

Gosford Council are expected to begin work on building two new viewing platforms at Ettalong foreshore soon.

The viewing decks will be located along The Esplanade with one situated between Picnic Pde and Memorial Pde and the other between Memorial Ave and Beach St, with construction work expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Media statement, 22 Apr 2010 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Press release, 22 Apr 2010 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson