Drop-in sessions will be held later this month as the first round of community engagement begins on possible solutions to ongoing beach erosion issues at Wamberal Beach.
The State Government has welcomed the start of community consultation, with Chair of the Wamberal Taskforce, Phil Watson, saying the taskforce’s key role is to help Central Coast Council develop a range of options for community consideration.
The taskforce was formed following the latest severe erosion incident in July, which saw waterfront homes damaged and 44 properties evacuated.
“In September, I called for broader consultation with the wider community, and I am pleased that the Council has finally created a community survey and will soon be holding drop-in sessions,” Watson said.
“We all want to see the natural beach system at Wamberal maintained and where possible enhanced, whilst also addressing the significant risks posed by beach erosion.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, said the taskforce’s current focus includes concept designs, costings, potential sand sources for beach nourishment and land ownership issues.
“We can’t bury our head in the sand and hope that the coastal erosion issues at Wamberal Beach will go away,” he said.
“Council is the statutory authority for this location and has the decision-making power, but the NSW Government-appointed taskforce is helping to drive the delivery of a long-term solution.”
Sessions will be held at the Erina Centre on November 25 and Wamberal Surf Club on November 26.
Twenty-minute sessions will be held at each location throughout the day beginning at 9am, with online registration essential so meetings can be conducted according to COVID safe guidelines.
The online survey can be accessed on Council’s website, with input accepted on the first stage of community engagement until December 7.
A Council spokesperson said this first stage will provide feedback on what the community values about, and how they use, Wamberal Beach.
This information will be collated while Council awaits a report on best solutions from Manly Hydraulics, due out later this year.
Phase two of engagement will comprise ideas for a permanent solution and will be held early next year.
Terry Collins