Work is well underway at The Entrance Channel with NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and Central Coast Council both on the job.
NSW RMS workers are currently working to replace power cables under the bridge while council presses forward with its 2020 dredging program.
Around 5,000 cubic metres of sand have been removed from the eastern reaches of the channel and used to repair eroded banks on the southern side, with the work designed to discourage further outflow from the channel’s southern side and to sustain the current flow of water through the northern side for longer periods.
Central Coast Mayor, Lisa Matthews, said that during the February flood event, a lot of erosion occurred on the southern banks.
“Repair of this foreshore will improve the safety of the beach area and protect nearby infrastructure such as council’s lifeguard tower,” she said.
Council’s Unit Manager, Environmental Management, Luke Sulkowski, said the work would help preserve the current exchange of water between the estuary and the ocean.
“Since the February 2020 flood event, Council staff have observed significant changes in the movement of sand at The Entrance, with the sandspit that separates the ocean from the estuary again beginning to grow in size,” he said.
Meanwhile, The Entrance MP, David Mehan, has launched a petition calling for a change in the management of The Entrance Channel to avoid a repeat of the February 2020 floods.
The petition calls on the State Government to work with Central Coast Council to actively manage the channel, to reduce flood risks and maintain the health of the lake.
Mehan is also calling for better flood warning and triggers to open the channel in an emergency.
Source:
Media releases, Apr 17, 9
Central Coast Council
Media release, Apr 14
The Entrance MP, David Mehan
Reporter: Sue Murray