MEMBERS of the public have been getting hot under the collar for years about residents with land adjacent to public land spreading their personal possessions and building works onto public land.

The issue of private works on public land has continued recently at Corlette at the western end of Bagnalls Beach.

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On what should be a large grassy parkland between homes and the waterfront there are now a series of dangerous hazards for people to negotiate as they walk through and use this space.

John Maretich, Port Stephens Council Assets Section Manager told News Of The Area, “Council’s records detail works that have been approved by Council through the Development Application process.

“Council utilises the endorsed Compliance Policy and Public Property Encroachment Policy to regulate unauthorised structures on public land.

“Action is taken based on consideration of the factors set out within these policies.”

Council is currently working on a Coastal Management Plan.

It is hoped that this plan will make it clear what can and cannot be done on public land adjacent to the waterfront and what approvals are required prior to any works being conducted.

Any development which may potentially impact the coastline should currently be approved through the Development Application process.

Some members of the public are calling for the removal of unapproved structures, including unauthorised boat ramps, due to the impact they may have on coastal erosion.

Brock Lamont, Council’s Strategy and Environment Section Manager told News Of The Area, “The Coastal Management Program currently being developed by Council will consider a wide range of coastal zone issues, including unauthorised structures.

“The costs, risks and priority of management options for these issues will set the direction for implementation of the Coastal Management Program in the years ahead,” he said.

Of note this week is a new path from a residence on top of the hill leading down onto the Bridle Path where a resident with an adjacent property has cut steps into the hillside on public land.

For residents that have added a sneaky shortcut through the public domain with a pathway, that too is off the table, with John Maritech stating, “Council’s adopted Pathways Plan sets the direction for new pathway connections.

“A pathway in the location as suggested is not included within the Pathways Plan,” he said.

By Marian SAMPSON