The group's president, Elaine Pearce said in 1984, two developments were approved by the former Greater Taree City Council (GTCC) with a development condition attached which was the installation of a retention dam to ease the flow of storm water into Racecourse Creek.

"This condition was never met but instead it appears a pollution trap was installed and this can be viewed today at the eastern side of Rushby Park, next to the three very large storm water pipes which are feeding storm water unabated into Racecourse Creek.

"In 1984, the vegetation on that land was accepting the rainfall which was watering the plant growth and with development came hard roofs and lots of concrete and all that rainwater is then given the name 'storm water' and directed into Racecourse Creek.

"Racecourse Creek almost immediately changed from a trickle into a raging torrent. This resulted in the near loss of 11 homes.

"GTCC's solution was to install a gabion wall to direct Racecourse Creek directly into the ocean. This was a good idea and solved the immediate problem but the gabion wall acted, as one would expect of its structure and design, like a groyne and created a very good build up of sand and the very good Badger’s Beach we now know.

"This sand build up forced the creek to exit further north and gradually eat away 170 of the fore dune since 2008.

The Old Bar Beach Sand Replenishment Group (OBBSRG) has discussed this matter with Andrew Staniland from MidCoast Council and handed him actual papers of the 1984 approval, Ms Pearce said. 

He has had finance approved for a study of Racecourse Creek and is dealing with it as a part of his preparation of the Old Bar Manning Point Coastal Management Program (CMP).

"The OBBSRG believes this is not good enough, requesting that the retention dam should be installed immediately to prevent further damage to the endangered ancient littoral forest and without waiting for the CMP to be drawn up.

"It is merely correcting an error of the previous council," Ms Pearce said.

What a great time we had last session using the envelope maker. A special thank-you to Jan and Joy for the extra demonstration and class of cup and saucer container especially with Easter eggs in mind, but also useful for table decoration for so many occasions.

Our next meeting is March 20, when Robyn will show us an interesting folding technique to make a special 3D tepee card.

Further information available from 6553 2500 or 0415 785 608.

A storm over Old Bar last Saturday afternoon again produced some pea-sized hail, which caused no damage. Rain extended into the evening, yielding a handy 27mm. This is very welcome, especially during a time of water restrictions. This is easily the biggest rain event for the town this year.