Pontoon home chosen

CLARENCE Valley councillors said they had to make a decision on the location of Cowper/Brushgrove pontoon this week, or funding could be lost.

At Brushgrove about proposed pontoon site. . Picture: Ross Kendall

DESPITE an "oversight" in the consultation process, Clarence Valley councillors said they had to make a decision on the location of Cowper/Brushgrove pontoon this week, or funding could be lost.

With a packed gallery at Maclean Chambers and following a meeting of more than 30 residents from Brushgrove and Cowper, Clarence Valley councillors agreed a site at Cowper, near the boat ramp, would be the preferred site for the pontoon.

With the NSW government Better Boating funding deadline looming, the council's decision will have to be finalised at the ordinary meeting next week.

Officers admitted there had been an "oversight" in consultation and that letters were not sent to ratepayers in the area.

However in supporting the recommended site, Cr Craig Howe said the timeframe was such, he was happy to move in favour of the Cowper site and if any residents had concerns before Tuesday's meeting, he encouraged them to contact the elected officials.

Brushgrove resident Gwen Newberry stressed she avidly supported having a pontoon in the area and appreciated the economic benefits tourism brings to Brushgrove.

"My biggest fear is that nothing is going to happen. We don't want to miss out," she said.

The Cowper site had originally been rejected because of a powerline over the river. However it had since been moved and because of the lower flow velocities, the site was reconsidered.

Originally published as Pontoon home chosen