Central Coast Council has undertaken to deliver a final solution to ongoing erosion at the stormwater drain at Rickard St, Umina Breach, amid community concerns that the problem is escalating and the adjoining footpath is in danger of collapse.
Resident Ian Weekley first raised the issue in June, after meeting onsite with Council Administrator, Rik Hart last December.
Weekley said the “defective design” of the stormwater outlet is seriously eroding the sand dune and encroaching on the footpath, with the subsurface seriously eroded.
He said he feared if the situation was not addressed urgently, the entire footpath was at risk of collapse with pedestrians at high risk of injury.
Despite assurances at the time that temporary maintenance repairs had been carried as Council continued to develop a longer term solution, Weekley said the only action taken appeared to be a realignment of the fence to cover the gap between it and the deteriorating footpath.
“There is no visible, apparent or substantive repair or maintenance to the outlet itself nor is there any visible or effective attempt to stop or slow the erosion of the sand dune and undercutting of the footpath structure,” he said.
Weekley said the problem had existed for years, with no substantive improvement undertaken since he raised the issue with council last December.
He asked why it has taken so long for Council to identify suitable options for developing a longer-term solution and pointed out that Rickard St has never had kerbing or guttering constructed and connected to this or any stormwater or drainage outlet.
“Roads and associated kerbs, guttering and drainage are fundamental aspects of civil infrastructure, the provision, repair and maintenance of which is core Council business,” he said.
A spokesperson said Council has previously undertaken minor erosion protection works consisting of reinstating sand around the drain and the placement of geofabric, hay bales and wooden stakes to hold (it) in place.
“The storm and weather events experienced over the past year have contributed to the erosion of this site, however Council officers are continuing to monitor the area and take any necessary steps to ensure the safety of pedestrians utilising the footpath and reserve area at this location,” the spokesperson said.
“Developing a longer-term solution has involved complex investigation across departments within Council to ensure an effective solution can be applied without compromising the natural habitat of the beach environment.
“A solution is being finalised and it is anticipated that the project will be delivered within the first quarter of the financial year.
“Kerb and gutter is delivered as part of a road reconstruction upgrade project which includes street drainage, kerb and gutter, new road pavement and often footpath.
“Requests for infrastructure, such as kerb and gutter, is predominantly listed for consideration of funding through Council’s Capital Works Program.
“All works are prioritised against technical criteria which results in a ranking of projects.
“As funding is limited, budget allocations are made to projects with the highest ranking.
“The upgrade of Rickard St has been assessed in line with the above process and is not currently the highest priority therefore is unlikely to be undertaken for many years.”
Terry Collins