Eroded area is fenced off

Temporary fencing has been installed near an eroded area at the southern end of Umina Beach caused by heavy rainfall and an extended period of ocean swell, according to Gosford Council's director of city services Mr Stephen Glen.

Mr Glen said council had taken action at the site to minimise safety risks to beach visitors by erecting a temporary fence and warning signs.

"Over the last month there has been considerable rainfall in the catchment of Mt Ettymalong Creek, coupled with an extended period of heavy swells," Mr Glen said.

"This has resulted both in significant erosion at Mt Ettymalong Creek as it approaches the beach and crosses it.

"The situation has been compounded by the heavy swells removing sand previously accreted on the southern end of Umina Beach.

"This situation is not uncommon and typical of coastal erosion processes where both the area behind the beach as well as the beach are a coastal sand dune."

Mr Glen said accretion of sand along the beach should follow over time once the weather and seas settle.

"The natural water course in the area in question as it approaches the rear of the beach has not been modified by council," Mr Glen said.

"It remains a natural water course and any variation to its location by way of erosion or accretion is determined by natural events.

"Council has taken action to minimise risks to beach visitors by erecting temporary fencing together with appropriate signage to warn of the hazard created by the loss of sand. "Additionally, earthmoving machinery was deployed to flatten the steep sand batter cut by the storm discharge and large sea swells.

"This action is similar to that taken as a matter of routine when in other areas coastal lagoons cut swathes through beaches and council is seeking to protect beach users."

Mr Glen said the safety measures were only temporary and would be removed once the area stabilises.

Media statement, 16 Jun 2010 Stephen Glen, Gosford Council