With Central Coast Council up to its ears in clean-up activities following heavy rains this month, a group of around 30 Copacabana residents decided to conduct their own mop up, co-ordinated by the Navy Veterans Welfare Association of NSW.
Spokesperson Roque Hammal said Copacabana was lucky compared to other areas.
“We have had to deal with blocked drains to the beach, and garbage and large amounts of driftwood along the foreshore and the rock area below the headland,” he said.
“Also, debris built up in our recreation parks.”
The clean-up was arranged in two stages.
On March 23, residents were assisted by Council, which provided heavy equipment to remove large pieces of rubbish from the lagoon area to the surf club and stockpile it at the lagoon awaiting removal.
“Working with a local contractor, we concentrated on clearing the debris and rubbish from the storm drain area, making the area safe and clean for our beachgoers,” Hammal said.
“Community members also trimmed back the tall grass along the path above the beach and two nine cubic metre skips were filled and removed.”
On March 26 the focus shifted to the larger driftwood from the foreshore and rock area as residents moved it into piles for collection by Council.
“We also cleared the overgrowth on the footpaths and recreation areas and another nine cubic metre skip was filled,” Hammal said.
“A very kind donation of $1,000 was made by the widow of a veteran to sponsor 10 younger members of our community, who had registered to assist on the day. Each one received $100 to go towards their education needs.”
Hammal said residents were grateful for support from local businesses, especially Beaumonts Coastal Excavation for organising the skip bins and supplying heavy machinery and tools.
“When we all work together with a common goal it’s amazing what we can achieve,” he said.
Source:
Media release, Mar 29
Navy Veterans Welfare Association of NSW