A meeting, held last Monday, March 19, between NSW Government and Central Coast Council representatives has failed to resolve the impasse over who is responsible for maintaining the navigation channels of the Brisbane Water.
Following the meeting, the Council maintained its position that the NSW Government was responsible for dredging of the Box Head and Ettalong Channels. The Council stated it was willing to work with the NSW Government on a long-term solution. Council had not received formal notification from the NSW Government on the outcome of applications for grant funding which, if granted, would allow the Council to purchase and operate a dredge for five years. Mayor Cr Jane Smith said Council recognised there was a need for dredging in order to maintain the channels for navigation purposes. She said it was essential to understand its legal position and cost implications to ensure the right decision was made.
“Councillors need to have all the information in order to make informed decisions for the long-term management of the estuary and the allocation of ratepayer money,” Cr Smith said. “That is why, at our February 12 meeting, the Council resolved to request a detailed briefing and report be given on current legal advice, dredging strategies, an understanding of how the estuaries function and cost implications of purchasing a dredge,” she said. “The information that I have received to date confirms Council’s long-held view that the dredging of the channels is a State Government responsibility.
“The State Government also collects millions of dollars in fees from moorings, jetty rents and fishing and boat licenses in Brisbane Water and this revenue could and should be put back into maintaining the channels and the waterways to ensure these recreational activities can continue. “In addition, it is worth noting that our neighbouring Lake Macquarie Council does not pay for dredging. “The State government covers that cost. “If Council must find the funding ourselves to dredge the channel, funding would need to be taken away from other priority projects our community have told us they want to be funded.
“We need the State Government to come to the table with a solid funding package for the Channel and we are happy to get on board.” The meeting included Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, Member for Terrigal Mr Adam Crouch, State Government departmental representatives, the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Fantasea Cruising, Cr Jane Smith and senior council staff. Councillors were due to receive a briefing and a report was expected to the March 26 meeting to be held in Wyong.
SOURCE: Media release, 19 Mar 2018 Jane Smith, Central Coast Council
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