MEMBERS of the Myall River Action Group (MRAG), Myall Coast Chamber of Commerce and Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Progress Association recently met with Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Mick Veitch and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington in Tea Gardens.

The group expressed their concerns relating to the continued health of the Myall River and the restrictions placed upon any action by almost a dozen different government agencies.

MRAG spokesperson Gordon Grainger said the dredging program took almost eight years to achieve and that  the hurdles that were placed in the way must not be replicated in future maintenance dredging.

“The purpose of the visit was firstly to discuss the restrictions and communication difficulties we have experienced over the past eight years of dealing with the myriad of Agencies who also seem to have difficulties in communication between themselves,” Mr Grainger said.

“In all we were dealing with 11 Government entities and proved to be a nightmare for the Great Lakes Council who were the managers of the project, there was far too much bureaucracy.”

Mr Grainger said the group also discussed with Ms Washington the possible benefits they foresee in having State owned dredging facilities.

“This meeting provided us the opportunity to express our thoughts at a senior political level and hope that it will lead to some sanity

 

By Daniel SAHYOUN