All issues to be considered for water pipeline route

Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils say all issues are being considered as part of the route selection for the Mardi-Mangrove Link pipeline. See the suggested route.

The Mardi-Mangrove Link Project Team has spent the past few months investigating a range of technical, environmental, social and cultural issues related to the pipeline route options through Yarramalong Valley.

These include any potential impacts on individual residential properties as well as impacts on the general valley community and natural environment. Issues such as the use of Yarramalong Road, engineering requirements, environmental constraints, costs and cultural heritage issues are also matters for consideration.

These issues will be considered by the Gosford/Wyong Councils’ Water Authority Board on Wednesday 21 May. The Board will then make a recommendation to the two Councils.

Wyong Mayor Warren Welham said the route has been divided into a number of sectors for the purposes of investigations and community consultation needs.

The general direction of the route will partly go within the Yarramalong Road reserve and partly across private properties. Where private properties are crossed, the Councils will pay fair compensation.

“One particular sector of the route, west of Boyds Lane, raises a number of complex issues such as landowner impacts, road disruptions and Wyong River crossings.

“One landowner on this sector runs an equestrian centre on her property and is concerned about how her business will be impacted. That is why a decision will only be made on this sector after detailed investigations are finalised.

“I personally met with this business owner this morning to discuss her concerns and I fully understand her position.

“Her concerns and other community views are all extremely important and we are certainly listening to what people are telling us.”

Gosford City Mayor Jim Macfadyen said the Water Authority Board will consider the pipeline route this month based on a range of factors.

“Social, economic, technical and cost issues are all important,” he said.

“The Water Authority Board members will consider all relevant issues – including specific landowner concerns – before making a recommendation on exactly where the route will go.”

Media contacts: Janet Saunders - 0438 191 3289 or Lisa McDermott - 0438 980 445

Page last updated: 08/05/2008