Lake Macquarie Council Give Go-Ahead for New Boat Ramp at Same Location

BY NIKOLA JOKANOVIC

Proposed plans for a new and improved boat ramp in Pelican have finally been approved by the Lake Macquarie Council.

Councillors at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 28 August endorsed recommendations to rebuild the ramp in the same location with a new design at a $1.2 million dollar pricetag.

The Pelican boat ramp has been closed since October 2015 after being left in disrepair by tidal erosion over time and damage caused by the super storm in April of that year.

The new ramp aims to address these issues by being positioned in a protective alcove slightly inland from the current site.

Protective rock groynes will also be installed on either side of the ramp, as well as a pontoon for public safety.

A number of other sites and designs were considered before this final decision, including a protested initial proposal to build the new ramp in a popular beach area south of the original site.

"Council staff have worked hard to develop a solution that not only meets the community's needs but also suits the water conditions in that part of the lake," says Mayor, Kay Fraser.

"I am pleased that the voice of residents and Pelican foreshore users has been heard and that boat users will have a new and improved ramp next year."

Some remain concerned that the new boat ramp will meet a fate similar to its predecessor, particularly following state government recommendations to build the new ramp elsewhere to avoid damaging water flows.

With the new design expected to last 25 years, Mayor Fraser says there is little to worry about.

"That's why we're doing a different type of boat ramp. It's actually going inland, which means it'll be like a bit of an alcove, so it'll be protected by being inland, and rock groynes will protect either side of the boat ramp. Having a pontoon in the middle will be good for safety and ensure that it'll be there for the long term."

Lake Macquarie Boat Ramp Reconstruction Despite Erosion Threats

BY LAUREN KEMPE

Despite advice from the state government to rebuild Lake Macquarie's Pelican ramp elsewhere, Lake Macquarie council has alternatively decided to rebuild it in its present location.

Stabilisation reconstruction works will commence around early next year, provided councillors endorse the $1.2 million budgeted plan.

The ramp is designed to last 25 years, and the protective alcove design with surrounding rock structures acting as a buffer are anticipated to withstand any future problems of erosion.

The Mokoro Street ramp has been closed since May 2015, and there has been significant community push for reconstruction ever since.

Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser says the community was very strong in maintaining the boat ramp's location, and the plan to move it more inland will alleviate erosion problems going forward.

"We had to look at how the engineering would stack up, but I think we now have a really good option where we can go more inland.

"[The ramp] will be more protected now, so we're looking at having rock retaining walls around a meter high. It will be a completely different look than we've had before."

Mayor Fraser is confident Lake Macquarie council will proceed with the notion within months.

"We have to have it approved by council, which will happen this month, hopefully. The community's overjoyed, they've been waiting since 2015 and they've been really patient. I think it's a really great outcome for the community and the council."

Image Credit: http://www.lakesmail.com.au/story/3542602/boat-ramp-upgrades-to-boost-lake-safety/

Drunk Hamilton man crashed into cars at Belmont North

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

A man will face court after he allegedly crashed into a parked car at Belmont North while drunk last night before speeding off.

The 33-year-old Hamilton man reportedly crashed into the car on the Pacific Highway but took off when the owner confronted him going through a red light.

He was pulled over at Pelican where it's alleged he returned a high range blood alcohol reading.

Officers suspended his licence on the spot.

Argument in Lake Macquarie leads to police pursuit

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man will face court today following reports he stabbed a man during an argument in Lake Macquarie.

Officers were called to a home on Martha Street, Caves Beach, just before 1:30pm yesterday. When they arrived they were told two men became involved in a verbal argument when one of the received a cut to his hand.

A 31-year-old man then fled the house in vehicle.

Police pursued the vehicle to Turea Street, Pelican, where they found a man and arrested him.

The man was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with police pursuit-not stop-drive recklessly, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, aggravated enter dwelling and three counts of enter enclosed lands without lawful excuse.

He was refused bail.

Public asked to Decide Marina's Fate

BY GARY LYSAGHT

Lake Macquarie residents have been invited to attend a public meeting on the Pelican Foreshore Saturday afternoon to discuss the future of the former Pelican Marina site.

Pelican Marina before its demolition [Source: ABC].

The Marina fell into the lake earlier this year and was subsequently removed by the State Government.

Since then, the site has been in limbo as the Government remains tight lipped on their future plans.

Swansea MP Yasmin Catley will host the event, which will be attended by Shadow Lands & Water minister, Mick Veitch.

Catley says she’ll be keeping Lands & Water minister, Niall Blair abreast of tomorrow afternoon’s discussions.

“Certainly through Parliament I’ll be making sure [the] minister his the community’s views,” she said.

“He just needs to come on board now and make sure that he lets the community know that in good faith, he will listen to them.”

Minister Blair was invited to the event, but refused to attend.

Conversation has already begun over what will replace the marina and the Milanos restaurant with Catley suggesting they should simply be replaced.

“People really liked having a marina at that part of the lake,” she said.

“It was obviously well utilised because of its location.”

A free sausage sizzle will be on offer to those that attend, with attendees being asked to bring a camping chair along to avoid sitting on the grass.

Catley says the event will be easy going and community focussed.

“It’s the community coming together to give me their views on how they would like to see the building proceed,” she said.

The event will kick off at 3:30pm.