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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Fire service asks about dredging

 

The NSW Rural Fire Service has asked Gosford Council whether it intends to dredge the entrance to Patonga Creek to maintain access for the Service's fire boat.

Gosford Council's Coastline Management, Lagoon Management and Coastal Planning (CLP) Committee considered the request from Mr Arthur Owens for the fire service.

The committee recommended that "the Service should consider placing its Patonga boat on a trailer if ingress and egress to Patonga Creek is significant to fire protection operations in the area".

Mr Owens stated that the fire boat was housed in a boat shed with a ramp to Patonga Creek.

The Fire Service was reluctant to move the boat to another location for fear of not being able to access the creek to provide fire protection to properties on the western side of creek, he said.

The CLP committee minutes indicated that the possible future dredging of the Patonga Creek sand bar would be considered when the Hawkesbury River Lower Estuary Process Study was undertaken.

If the study recommended dredging, the work would have to be "prioritised against other listed actions and projects", the committee was told.

It would be necessary to prepare an Environmental Impact Study, gain approvals and identify funding to undertake the works.

Experience suggested that even if dredging were approved, it could be years before it took place, the minutes noted.

It was also noted that the local office of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service had its boat on a trailer.

The CLP committee recommended that the NSW Rural Fire Service be advised it should consider placing its boat on a trailer.

Council agenda CL.070, December 4