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Plan encourages sport at foreshore |
Non-motor sports will be encouraged on and off land under the Ettalong Beach Reserve Plan of Management currently on exhibition for public comment.
As part of the plan "non-motor watercraft such as catamarans and sailing boats would be encouraged" on the water, with non motor pedestrian activities such as bicycle riding and volleyball to be encouraged around the reserve.
Under the proposed plan, a shared bicycle and pedestrian path would be built the length of the site.
The plan was produced by McGregor and Partners for Gosford Council and is being exhibited at the request of the Department of Lands.
It outlines the management and design proposals for the "revitalization of the Ettalong Beach Foreshore".
The most recent revision is from November last year.
Construction will take place in four stages.
Stage One would involve the Town Beach precinct, where council plans to construct viewing platforms and access ramps in the beach area of the Ettalong foreshore.
A dune vegetation fence would protect the dune area and "retain the dunes and vegetation".
As part of a town centre upgrade, council plans to upgrade Picnic Parade and Memorial Ave to integrate it with the foreshore design.
The Picnic Parade amenities building would be demolished and relocated to the Ferry Rd wharf area and to the proposed Fast Ferry terminal.
The rock wall seaward of the Picnic Parade toilet block would also be removed.
A new "multi-use" building near the existing storm water drain at Beach St would be constructed to house a café-kiosk and hire facility.
Stage Two, and part of Stage Three of the plan, would take place in the Ferry Park precinct, where the existing barbecue and picnic facilities would be replaced by three barbecue pavilions.
Another barbecue area would be provided at the new Picnic Parade pavilion.
The foreshore carpark would be removed to allow for greater open space and replaced with grassed areas, a playground and "bioswales".
A bioswale would be constructed adjacent to The Esplanade to filter the road runoff before it entered Brisbane Water.
Parallel parking along the foreshore side of The Esplanade would be replaced with a bicycle track.
A raised "scramble crossing" would be built at the new ferry interchange at Bungalow St, with parking provided along The Esplanade for three buses.
The Stone sea wall would be retained to accommodate the extension of the Beach St stormwater drain.
A timber boardwalk would be constructed along its length.
Stage Three of the project would take place at the South Beach Precinct, where existing boat launching facilities at the Kourung St boat ramp would be upgraded, including a new reinforced concrete ramp and sealed vehicle and trailer turning area.
A new boat launching facility for small dinghies adjacent to the ramp would also be built.
A seating wall would be built next to the shared footpath.
Dune planting would be extended towards the water where the dune is narrow.
New fencing would also be built.
The dune vegetation would be rehabilitated along with the introduction of new groundcovers.
Stage Four of the project would involve the Lance Webb Reserve Precinct, where the Schnapper Rd toilet block would be removed.
A turning circle would be constructed at the end of Ferry Rd and angle parking would be constructed on the west side of the road along with the planting of trees.
A shared cycle and pedestrian path would be built next to the dune fence line.
In front of residential properties timber paths would be built, connecting residential gates to the pathway.
A band of low indigenous vegetation would be planted along the fence line.
Weeds would be removed from dunes in the area, and the stair access kept along with native dune vegetation.
The dune would also be rehabilitated with new species to imitate an "estuary foreshore system".
Ground cover and low shrubs would be placed on bare areas to retain views.
Site-wide strategies for the project would include foreshore maintenance such as the sweeping of footpaths and surrounding hard surfaces after buildup of sand.
A traffic and parking study would also be commissioned under the plan of management.
The Ettalong Beach Reserve Plan of Management is currently on exhibition at council's administration building and libraries from August 2 to August 30.
Development Application, August 3 Gosford Council