State Government To Commit Over $1 million to Ettalong Channel

Emergency dredging continues.


Article heading image for State Government To Commit Over $1 million to Ettalong Channel

A further $2.45 million is set to be spent keeping the Ettalong Channel open long-term.

Terrigal MP Adam Crouch has this morning announced $1.225 million in funding under the Rescuing Our Waterways program, to be matched dollar-for-dollar by Council.

"What this will now allow Council to do is establish a long-term maintenance program for the Ettalong Channel. That will then avoid what we've seen in the past and what we're currently having to deal with at the moment."

Mr Crouch has also thanked Council staff for their co-operation during the application process.

"We've seen a real shift with staff wanting to work hand-in-glove with Crown Land, in contrast to the petty politicking we saw (from Councillors)."

Council CEO Gary Murphy's been contacted for comment regarding how Council plans to use this money and how soon. Mr Crouch's office says the funding will allow for a further 80,000 cubic metres of sand to be removed from the Channel and deposited on Ocean and Umina beaches. 

It's understood four businesses have closed and 15 people have lost their jobs since ferry services from Sydney's Northern Beaches to Ettalong and Wagstaffe were suspended back in May.

While $660,000 emergency dredging works to remove 10,000 cubic metres of sand and get the ferries back up and running continue. Click here to track the progress of these works.

14 September 2018




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