The petition of certain concerned residents and friends of the NSW Central Coast who state their opposition to the proposed scuttling of the ex-HMAS Adelaide warship 1400 metres offshore from North Avoca Beach.
Brings to the attention of the House:
• the threat of beach erosion is real if the Adelaide is scuttled in its proposed location. Coastal engineers have confirmed that assertion.
• the Worley Parsons report is inadequate in that it does not comprehensively and accurately model the nearshore wave climate which is a major factor in determining beach erosion.
• more detailed studies need to be undertaken to fully understand and quantify the extent of beach erosion caused by this scuttling.
• the presence of approximately 23,000 square metres of red lead paint on the vessel if it is scuttled. Residents are strongly opposed to placing this amount of a highly toxic substance next to a popular family beach.
• more than 3000 people use Avoca Beach every day of Summer. The dive site is expected to attract 3200 divers per annum.
The undersigned petitioners therefore ask the Legislative Council to responsibly recycle the ex-HMAS Adelaide on land instead of proceeding with the proposed scuttling. It is not worth the risk to the legitimate users of the beach and marine life.