Sewer repaired, but no footpath

Gosford Council has repaired the damaged sewer main at Umina Point below Mt Ettalong.

It has undertaken minor rock stabilisation measures above the repair site, but it is not planning to construct a footpath around the Point.

Council's manager of engineering services Mr John Cragg said such a project was likely to cost "several million dollars".

He said funding for the project may be pursued in the future if the opportunity arose.

However, Mr Cragg said: "The minor stabilisation works undertaken were only those needed to ensure the safety of sewer repair workers.

"Previous geotechnical assessment of the Umina Point area has confirmed that sections of the headland behind the rock shelf are unstable and that further rock falls are likely under the natural process of erosion.

"Signs have been erected warning the community that there is a risk of injury or death arising from the instability of the site.

"The works recently undertaken in association with the sewer main repair work does not warrant any alteration to the advice conveyed in the signs."

Council has sought to strongly discourage all sections of the community from walking around Umina Point.

"Any assistance the media is able to provide in conveying this message to the community will be greatly appreciated."

Media statement, 13 Jul 2010 John Cragg, Gosford Council