Foreshore restoration is completed

Phase three of the foreshore restoration work involving abandoned oyster leases in Hardy's Bay has been completed, according to the Hardy's Bay Residents Group.

The operation stretches back to June, 2004, when Group members Kay and Terry Feltham drew attention to the unsightly appearance of rows of roofing tiles, concrete slabs and rocks which blemished one of the most picturesque outlooks on the Brisbane Water, according to group president Mr Allan Wilson.

He said the Department of Primary Industries provided approval to dismantle the derelict leases in October of that year.

In April last year a grant of $13,075 was provided for this project through the Federal Government Community Coastcare program.

Mr Wilson said phase one of the clean up involved the removal by hand of over 35 tonnes of debris along the foreshores of Killcare.

A "call to arms" was answered by resident group members and other local residents over four months.

All material was removed at low tide and loaded onto a barge before being floated ashore at high tide.

This was used as backfill for stage two roadworks conducted by Gosford Council along Hardy's Bay Pde, with the remainder transported to a dump site, Mr Wilson said.

Almost 110 tonnes of the surrendered materials having been cleared in the three-stage process.

"We have seen an immense improvement in the reduction of silt buildup and increased water flow in areas once dominated by the abandoned oyster leases," Ms Feltham said.

"Various species of birds not seen here before are now regular visitors feeding in the shallow weed beds.

"And large turtles, stingrays and small fish have been sighted in the seagrass beds and along the foreshore since the restoration work has been undertaken.

"The area has been made a much safer place for recreational use and there has been an overwhelming, positive feedback from our community as they see the foreshore returning to its natural state."

Mr Williams said: "This cleanup forms a significant part of a broad strategy formulated by our group which it has named the Residents Environmental Action Plan."

Press release, 12 Jul 2010 Allan Wilson, Hardy's Bay Residents Group