This follows a meeting of boating and recreational fishing stakeholders with Port Stephens Council representatives and councillors last Tuesday.

We all agreed that there are major problems and that there is no "quick fix" solution.

The problems as we saw them were four fold.

Difficulties during the westerly winds and the dangers involved, sand cover on the ramp, larger boats driving on and off trailers illegally and parking of vehicles with trailers.

Suggestions put forward were to permit the driving of boats on and off trailers.

The parking problem is a bigger hurdle because there is simply no room for expansion.

The suggestion was to increase "Vehicles with Trailers Only" signs. These signs will be displayed on the, soon to be resurfaced, trailer park.

The west wind and sand depositing issues are even more difficult to solve.

The council agreed it will undertake to seek money for a study into options at Little Beach with details to the November 10 council meeting.

The council will also trial a temporary deflection wall adjacent to the ramp to deflect sand movement prior to Christmas.

It is also to instigate a wave barrier to be installed offshore from the ramp to attenuate wave action on the ramp in westerly winds (short term).

Funds, if approved will be used to monitor the impact of both temporary structures as well as research more permanent solutions and potential impacts on habitat in the area from these measures.

This will take time so be patient and be appreciative of the efforts of the maintenance crew who work flat out.

As I mentioned, the Little Beach wheels are finally turning.

STINKER