Canals in need of action

Association president Mr Barry Lewis said canal siltation had become critical and residents were fast running out of patience with Hastings Council which, according to Mr Lews, agreed to take responsibility for canal maintenance in 1973.

“The council has about $75,000 in hand from the fees on ramps and pontoons but not one cent has been spent on the canals in the past 27 years.

“As a result, boats are becoming stranded in some canals, there are less and less fish in the canals and there appears to be an explosion of sea grass. Basically, the canals are showing serious siltation problems.’’

A Port Macquarie Sea Rescue Group GPS survey of the canals on June 21 this year has revealed that the depth of Ballina canal varies between just one metre and 2.5 metres. Cornwallis canal has an average depth of just 1.5m and Lachlan Bay canal has a depth of 90cm to 1.8m.

A delegation of the association’s executive will meet with the council’s senior management, including general manager Bernard Smith, on Friday where they will present the concerns of residents as outlined at tomorrow’s meeting.

The meeting will be held at 7.30pm at Westport Bowling Club.

“We’re hoping for some answers and, more importantly, some action,’’ Mr Lewis said.

Also on the agenda will be a proposal from Port Shores on relocating sea grasses near the canal development currently under construction near Settlement Point.

Mr Lewis said some residents on Regatta Point canal, had been asked permission for the sea grass to be relocated in the canal on their frontage.

The association will have a display of material on all of the issues impacting on the canals.

“We want all residents to be fully informed and aware of the ramifications if rating matters and current and future deterioration of the canal system continues without remedial action by Hastings Council,’’ Mr Lewis said.