At a recent site meeting with Central Coast Council’s agent, community members attempted to put a case for keeping Council from partially destroying the remaining fragment of the dune (at Umina Beach).
Again Council’s agent was determined to encroach into the dune to build a 3 metre wide concrete path.
When asked why so wide we were told that we needed a concrete path and 3metres was his standard, and that’s what he going to build, despite the existing concrete footpath to which this path will connect being only 2.4 metres wide.
The existing path, leading to the recreation area has no constraints as to width.
Readers will be familiar with this path – it runs parallel to the road from Umina Surf Club.
This road sets the standard for Council roads in recreational areas, it is cleverly designed with speed humps and potholes to slow the speed of motor vehicles.
Space exists on the right-hand side of the approach road to the caravan park for a 2.4 metre footpath and a barrier fence to protect pedestrians from slow moving vehicles.
Some expense will be incurred in designing a few extra speed humps and a couple of dozen of Council’s signature potholes judiciously placed to ensure maximum discomfort to road users (mostly nuisance tourists).
The dune could then be cared for and, God forbid, enhanced to provide a scenic barrier to the beach.
The existing car park could then be concreted at Council’s convenience, sometime before 2030 or not.
Email, Nov 30
Bryan Ellis, Umina