Phone 4342 2070 Fax 4342 2071 Email us

2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Sewage pump plan alarming

 

A Gosford Council threat to install a marine sewage pump-out facility on the Araluen Dr waterfront reserve at Hardy's Bay with an alarming lack of factual justification and consultation has bitterly disappointed those of us who reside and own properties in this tranquil, unspoilt corner of the Brisbane Water.

Throughout the past 18 months, the Hardy's Bay-Killcare community has been voicing objections to the council's plans to station the pump-out on an unsupervised recreational pier in the midst of a residential section of the bay.

Our residents fully support the need in our waterways for appropriately sited and effective marine sewage reception facilities.

However, to "clear the air", we have sent comprehensive objections to the relevant local officials, signed petitions and attended numerous meetings in vain efforts to persuade the Gosford councillors to select a suitable site on its merits or, at the least, to invite all parties to engage in an open discussion at a specially convened meeting.

Despite our efforts dating from June of last year, during which time we quoted studies and experts' reports on the serious environmental consequences, warned of the dangers of the misuse of the facility, untreated sewage and vandalism in this 24-hour a day, seven days a week, unsupervised system, and provided hard evidence on such matters as pollution and ecological damage and tidal flows, little has happened to lift our hopes for a "fair trial".

An early request for a copy of the documentation relating to the areas and sites which have been under consideration for the eventual location of the marine sewage pump-out remains unacknowledged by the authorities.

An 11th-hour decision by Council to invite concerned Hardy's Bay residents to attend two forums at the Central Coast Leagues Club this month is seen by many observers as a window-dressing concession to the long wait for action.

Since the final decision is expected to be handed down shortly, it is feared by some that, already, too much quality time might have elapsed.

During my professional career, I have visited many of the world's most enchanting destinations.

None, to my mind, can quite match the unique appeal of our own Hardy's Bay.

Let us hope that this delightful little haven, with all its special charms, which provides so much relaxation and joy for visitors and residents alike, continues to be permitted to offer these unshackled pleasures.

Allan Wilson, Hardy's Bay