Sand Transfer System Could Be Clogging Myall River

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Efforts to repair erosion on Jimmys Beach could be causing silt to build up in the Myall River, say community members.

A multi-million dollar sand transfer system was recently activated to nourish the beach, but it's believed swells are moving sediment back to the river's mouth.

Sediment and sand bars in the river haven't been able to clear up since floods in March.

Myall River Action Group spokesman Gordon Grainger says something needs to be done before the channel ends up completely closed.

"The blockage of the natural, eastern channel has serious health deficiencies," Mr Grainger said. 

"The salinity levels go right down to almost drinking water and it becomes basically lake-like and murky water, and all sorts of unhealthy diseases like blue-green algae and red spot on fish." 

There's also concern the blockage could stop boat travel between Port Stephens and Tea Gardens.

Mr Grainger says the council's next scheduled dredging isn't soon enough and immediate action needs to be taken to sort out the siltation issue.

"Nature itself is trying to rebuild Myall Point," Mr Grainger said. 

"If we can assist that by removing a couple of little sand islands that are in the middle of the entrance, that would help, that would get a lot longer life out of it."

Image credit: http://environment.nsw.gov.au/

Much Ado About Dredging Sees Calls for Simpler Process

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

There are calls for dredging in the Port Stephens area to be managed by one comprehensive body to streamline essential works.

At present, the removal of sand and debris is overseen by Crown Lands, the EPA, RMS and Marine Parks Authority - requiring a lengthy application process to have the dredging carried out.

Operator of Oyster Cave Marina, Robert Bailey believes the current situation is untenable.

"We've had a number of vessels run aground coming up the channel," Mr Bailey said, "people from Sydney, locals, even the Roads and Maritime boat has grounded coming up the channel." 

He fears for the future of commercial fishing and aqua tourism in the region if a proactive and straightforward approach to dredging isn't initiated. 

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington agrees the dredging system needs to be simplified. 

She says she's making no headway with the State Minister for Maritime. 

"I wrote to Melinda Pavey in January and she lost the letter," Ms Washington explained. 

"I then re-sent the letter in June - when we followed up recently to get a response, I was told that the response would now be expedited, but I still haven't received it. 

"The work and the delays and the red tape [to attract dredging works] comes right from the top," she said. 

Work has recently begun on removing debris from the floor of the Myall River at 'The Gut,' but the MP says even that took years of community lobbying before the announcement was made by Port Stephens MLC, Catherine Cusack. 

Cardiff intersection to remain closed after water main bursts

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

UPDATE:

Myall Road is now reopened to Westbound traffic, while Munnibung Road is closed in an easterly direction.

Hunter Water believes it will be a while yet before flooding at the intersection of Macquarie Road and Myall Road at Cardiff is drained.

The intersection is completely submerged in water, with one blue sedan stuck earlier this morning.

The issue was sparked when a 500mm pipe running underneath the roads ruptured around 5am.

Hunter Water spokesperson, Kieran Smith said some homes around the Munnibung Road area were left without running water or with low water pressure.

However, Mr Smith said, the burst main was isolated around 9am.

"We should find, given the pipe has been isolated now," he said, "water should start to be restored as the system recharges."

Lake Macquarie Police said there were indicators the road had been undermined and described the issue as "a major rupture."

They expect the intersection to be closed for around 10 hours.

Diversions are still in place northbound and southbound, while buses are re-routing to avoid the area.

Macquarie and Myall Road, Cardiff. Image: Lake Macqurie Police. 

CARDIFF: Macquarie Rd remains closed northbound and southbound at Myall Rd as works to a burst water main continue. @HunterWater on site. pic.twitter.com/Esw1a9BPkZ

— Live Traffic NSW (@LiveTrafficNSW) March 25, 2018