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Studies show no net sand loss

Michael Gillian makes a number of claims relating to the Ettalong Beach Foreshore Management Plan approved by Gosford City Council in 2003.

Because of Mr. Gillian's outspoken public comments, he was invited onto our CBD Working Committee two years ago, so that he would have a better understanding and appreciation of the foreshore upgrade process.

Apparently, Mr. Gillian used his time to deliberately undermine and frustrate the consultation and approval process for the foreshore plan to the point where his public comments have been extremely unhelpful to those who have worked hard to clean up our beachfront.

I am disappointed with Mr Gillian, particularly in regard to the petition of 633 signatures he obtained claiming that the studies and plans for Ettalong Beach were not prepared by an "independent coastal management specialist".

This is simply wrong!

The studies were completed by independent consultants Patterson Britton Partners whose principal consultant Mark Tooker is well respected throughout the country, holding a Bachelor of Science degree and Masters in Coastal Engineering Science.

He has undertaken coastal process investigations for many years in many locations along the NSW coast and Lord Howe Island.

Further, Mr Gillian has always been aware that the numerous qualified and experienced consultants were independently engaged by Gosford City Council after a transparent tendering process.

Patterson Britton Partners Pty Ltd was also engaged to prepare the Coastal Studies & Management Plans for Broken Bay Beaches at the same time of the Ettalong Beach Study.

Will Mr Gillian claim that this massive study is out of date too?

I think not because it probably doesn't suit him to do so.

The statement made by Mr Gillian that "the world has moved on since 1996" (in relation to the studies) clearly shows his lack of understanding.

Environmental studies always relate to previous studies undertaken over the years, in addition to aerial photographs collected over the past 60 years and hydrological surveys, historical data and many other relevant documents.

As a result, these studies have clearly shown that the sand from the entrance of the Brisbane Water to the Rip Bridge form an active cell of sand movement which circulates in response to the tides, currents, wind and wave action.

These studies also show there are no significant net sand losses from the system.

And as many of us who have lived here forever would know, there are times when the shoreline from the Ettalong Beach Point is sand laden and times when it is not.

This is not due to Mr Gillian's claims of global warming or rising sea levels - it has been happening for many years and will continue to do so for many more.

And while these studies were finalised in 1998, they are most certainly relevant today because they are continually reviewed and qualified.

Mr Gillian claims that the Ettalong Beach Foreshore Management Plan "proposes leveling the dune system" and "removing large amounts of mature vegetation".

Again, this is incorrect.

The plan clearly describes the removal of dead and weed infested overgrown scrub and bringing it back to the protective fence barriers freeing up the beach for public use.

The plan also describes re-planting the foreshore with appropriate vegetation.

Mr Gillian has never quite got the point of this project and still doesn't get it.

The upgrading of our town beach is funded under Gosford City Council's 1998 Financial Strategy just as the upgrading of the Terrigal CBD and Avoca CBD foreshores were and (lucky them) have since been completed.

The recent plan exhibited only relates to the upgrading of the Town Beach.

Our CBD Financial Strategy funds can only be expended on the Town Beach streetfront.

The Town Beach is between Picnic Parade and Beach St.

However, all studies had to relate to surrounding areas to understand the process of the Brisbane Waters.

This is why the Plan of Management does not include the Lance Webb Reserve or the Ferry Park precinct because the project relates to the Town Beach.

All other areas will have separate plans prepared and exhibited for public comment by Gosford Council at a later date.

Everyone is entitled to have an opinion as to whether you agree or disagree with the exhibited plans.

That's the Australian democratic process.

However, comments from an individual who chooses to use misleading statements to the community should be challenged.

Misinformation has in turn created enormous delays, wasted precious public funds and divided a community that should right now be enjoying our beautiful beach and waterfront at Ettalong.

Debra Wales Umina Beach