Central Coast Council has received $2,443,750 from the Federal and State Governments as part of the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program to improve access for Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach.
The works will replace or repair vehicle and pedestrian accesses that were damaged during the severe storms in 2021 and 2022, including: extension of the stairs in front of the Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club; replacement of the northern stairs at Soldiers Beach; replacement of the concrete vehicle access ramp at Soldiers Beach; and repair of the Jenny Dixon Beach stairs.
Council Director of Environment and Planning Alice Howe said Council is aiming to complete the projects in 2023, 2024 and early 2025 in a staged delivery.
“The construction work is dependent on the complexity of the engineering design, the outcome of the environmental and heritage assessments… and weather and ocean conditions,” Howe said.
“I am pleased to advise that the project is progressing well, with Council already awarding the design tender for the replacement of the SLSC Vehicle Access Ramp and the replacement of the Northern Stair to Royal Haskoning DHV.
“Geotechnical ground testing has also commenced at Soldiers Beach to confirm ground conditions to inform the engineering designs.”
Council Administrator Rik Hart said beaches are valuable assets which benefit the lifestyle and health of Central Coast residents and visitors and he looks forward to project completion.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the NSW Government was pleased to be providing funding towards the much-needed access upgrades.
“We have some of the best beaches in NSW right here on the Central Coast, so it is important that beachgoers have access to these valuable assets,” he said.
“I look forward to working with Central Coast Council in seeing the delivery of these projects.”
While Council has recently undertaken temporary works to ensure Soldiers Beach is accessible, Jenny Dixon Beach access remains closed until further notice.
Council barricades and warning signs remain erected at Jenny Dixon Beach for community safety.
Council advises residents and visitors to stay away from the impacted area, remain behind any barriers that Council crews have put in place and stay up-to-date by checking Council’s website or Facebook page for updates.
Source:
Media release, Feb 1
Central Coast Council