Viewing platforms for Christmas

Gosford Council is expecting to have two new viewing platforms along Ettalong Beach Foreshore finished by Christmas, according to coordinator of parks, playgrounds and foreshores Ms Kim Radford.

Ms Radford said it was anticipated that construction would begin in August.

The project will be funded by a $150,000 Federal Government Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program grant announced earlier this year.

"Beach and foreshore access, foreshore protection, estuarine management and dune management are major focuses in this precinct due to the impact of human activity, coastal hazards and sand movement," Ms Radford said.

"The Ettalong Beach Foreshore viewing platforms project will endeavour to address these environmental and access issues through reducing shoreline recession and sand movement and controlling pedestrian traffic.

"In addition, the community will enjoy the resulting scenic benefits due to enhanced access to the natural vistas from Ettalong Beach towards the Wagstaffe Peninsula, Broken Bay and Lion Island, which have long been considered some of Ettalong's greatest assets."

Ms Radford said the Ettalong Beach Foreshore viewing platforms project was a high priority management action within the Ettalong Beach Foreshore Plan of Management that would see the construction of the final two of the three viewing platforms designated for the town beach precinct.

In addressing the council meeting on June 1, Cr Jim Macfadyen said the funding was a great result for Gosford Council and for the people of the Peninsula.

"I would like to thank Director of City Services Stephen Glen and staff for their hard work in applying for the grant and gaining funding for the Peninsula community," Cr Macfadyen said.

Clare Graham, 1 Jun 2010 Press release, 1 Jun 2010 Kim Radford, Gosford Council