NSW Lands Minister Paul Toole visited Ettalong today to announce that the government would contribute a quarter of a million dollars towards emergency works.
Commenting the latest news, Adam Crouch MP – Member for Terrigal , said: “About 20,000 cubic meters of sediment will be dredged, costing around $250,000. Hydrographic surveys will be carried out by Crown Lands staff within the next week to begin this process.”
“It’s a priority for the Channel to remain safe and accessible to all waterway users – this is a great outcome for the community and local businesses.”
Central Coast Council has also welcomed the government’s commitment today to urgently dredge the Ettalong Channel.
Council called for this commitment at its last Council meeting and agreed to apply for funding under the ‘Rescuing Our Waterways’ program.
Mayor Jane Smith said that she was pleased the State Government accepted responsibility to keep the Channel open and the announcement of emergency dredging was welcome news for the community.
“The State Government has always had the means and the funding to be able to keep the Channel open and it is pleasing to see the Government now fulfill its responsibilities ,” Mayor Smith said.
“Council has listened to our community and want a long term solution for the dredging of the Channel – that is why we will apply for State Government funding.
“Preparation of that application is underway, and it will be submitted by the deadline.”
The Working Party will be made up of Council, State Government and community representatives and will assess the appropriate approach for the future, looking at maintenance dredging, technical issues, environmental implications, community impacts and funding.
Council will be lodging a ‘Rescuing Our Waterways’ funding application by Friday 8 June 2018.
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