MEDIA RELEASE 16.07.2019 - ETTALONG DREDGING PUSHES ON

ETTALONG DREDGING PUSHES ON

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has today welcomed continued progress on the dredging of the Ettalong Beach channel and the start to the beach renourishment process.

 “Crown Lands have recently confirmed that works are continuing on the Ettalong Beach Channel under the State Governments Rescuing our Waterways Program”, said Peninsula Chamber President Matthew Wales.

 “The first stage of the dredging project is well under way and involves dredging up to 20,000 cubic metres of sand from the channel and placement on Ocean/Umina Beach to mitigate the impact of coastal hazards and improve beach amenity”.

 “We understand that Central Coast Council and DPIE Crown Lands have agreed to deliver the project in stages”, said Matthew Wales.

 “However, in early June 2019, dredging work had to cease due to a coastal storm conditions and large swells where the contractor suffered considerable damage to some of the dredging equipment and pipework”.

“This led to a post storm survey of the channel which identified problematic shoaling within the navigational channel around half-tide rocks (opposite Ettalong Point)”, said Matthew Wales.

 “We have been advised that following consultation with Council, NSW Maritime, the dredge contractor and key stakeholders, it was agreed that around 10,000 cubic metres of sand would be dredged from around the half-tide rocks channel to reduce navigational risks”.

 “Dredging has now recommenced with works around the half-tide rocks area expected to be completed by late July”, said Matthew Wales.

 “Crown Lands has also confirmed that the dredge will then relocate to the main channel opposite Lobster Beach to continue the main navigational works”.

“This process is extremely important to the continued safe passage of commercial and recreational craft entering Brisbane Water and particularly the Palm Beach Ferry service which underpins many local businesses in Ettalong Beach”, said Matthew Wales.

“It is a credit to both Central Coast Council and the NSW State Government that this work has continued in the spirit of co-operation. Everyone wins when organisations and Government work together”.