More dune vegetation goes, campaigner claims

Dunes campaigner Ms Margaret Lund has claimed that more vegetation along Ettalong Beach foreshore has been cut down without authorisation.

"Native dune vegetation, such as acacia longifolia, banksia integrifolia and the low lying native pelargonium, pelargonium australe, has been cut down and awaits disposal," she said.

"The damage caused was definitely not done by recent heavy winds.

"The trees had been cut off and sawn."

Ms Lund that the offenders were caught in the act by an Ettalong resident who was walking along the foreshore on the weekend of August 28 and 29.

"He noticed trees being cut down and asked who was in charge."

She has called on Gosford Council to fine "the culprits ... as mentioned on the signs further along The Esplanade".

Ms Lund said removal of the vegetation had encouraged erosion of the dune and the narrow strip of land between The Esplanade and the sea was "getting narrower and narrower".

"There is only about eight metres left in some parts before the sea hits The Esplanade."

Email, 10 Sep 2010 Margaret Lund, Woy Woy Bay