Warilla Beach seawall reconstruction starts

The $15 million project, which will improve safety for the popular beach and adjacent infrastructure including shared path, received $6.8 million funding through the NSW Government's Coastal and Estuary Grants program.

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said that the project would protect an area with significant environmental, recreational and economic value.

"While the Warilla Beach area is an extremely popular spot for swimming, walking, cycling and picnics, storm impacts over time have caused safety issues that reduce the values of the beach that are important to the community," Mrs Tuckerman said.

"The 930-metre seawall was originally built following storm events in the 1960s, however given the urgency at the time, it was constructed with material not suited for long-term sustainability. As such the rock wall was extended and repaired over successive decades in an ad hoc manner."

"With the certification of Shellharbour City Council's Coastal Zone Management Plan for the Shellharbour coastline in 2018, Council has taken a strategic approach to manage coastal erosion affecting Warilla Beach by bringing the coastal protection structure up to current engineering standards."

"Shellharbour City Council should also be commended for progressing its Coastal Management Programs with technical and financial support under the NSW Government's coastal management framework, providing longer term strategies for the coastal environment and the threats of climate change well into the future."

Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the seawall's reconstruction was a significant undertaking since extensive damage sustained during the 2016 east coast low.

"The Warilla Beach seawall will provide much-needed safety and environmental benefits well into the future, including climate resilience," Mr Homer said.

"I am pleased that this project is getting underway. It will provide much-needed protection against storm events for residents as well as the environment," he said.

Warilla Beach will be accessible from Tom Strong Reserve for the duration of the project. As works progress along the revetment the existing access stairs and ramp will be removed to make way for the new wall. These will be replaced by modern stair access points over the wall that will be a significant improvement on current access for the community.

Council will be working closely with the construction contractor to ensure that, where possible, detours will be made available. Further information is available here: Warilla Beach Seawall renewal.