The Wamberal Beach Save Our Sand (SOS) group has received a response to its petition on future solutions to ongoing erosion problems, but says the State Government has “totally neglected” the sentiments expressed in the petition and failed to resolve key matters raised.
The petition, with more than 2,200 signatories, called on the Government to investigate all alternate solutions to ensure ongoing beach amenity, including options other than a sea wall, to which the group remains completely opposed.
It also addressed concerns that the “handpicked” Wamberal Seawall Advisory Taskforce and proposed solutions did not represent the views of the Wamberal, Terrigal and wider community.
An SOS spokesperson said the response, sent by Local Government Minister Wendy Tuckerman, was “lack lustre”.
“Rather than hearing out the concerns of the public, the Minister went on to support and condone the processes that are taking place,” the spokesperson said.
“Minister Tuckerman stated that the Government ‘remains committed to implementing a long-term solution’ in the form of a sea wall, and Dr Phil Watson, Chair of the Taskforce, is ‘focused on ensuring the provisions of the Coastal Management Act 2016’.
“This response does little to address the key requests of the petition and the fact sea walls increase erosion.
“Moreover, it could be argued that the Wamberal Beach Seawall Advisory Taskforce has violated the sentiments of the (Minister’s) statement.
“Minutes released on November 18, 2021, outlined that Watson had met with homeowners to ‘discuss the option of residents submitting a DA and project managing the coastal protection works themselves’.
“Private sea walls through the DA system would allow homeowners to bypass crucial consultation and research.
“Bypassing consultation with key parties, including Wamberal Beach Surf Club, Wamberal Express Boardriders, members of the public or anyone using the beach amenity would violate Principle 3 of the Coastal Zone Management Plan and The Coastal Management Act (2016).”
The spokesperson said sea walls are known to increase danger and loss of beach amenity, with homeowners at Collaroy Beach having built a 7m wall which has eroded the beach and swept rocks and detritus into the surf zone.
Such impact to any beach is a direct violation of the State Environment Planning Policy (2018) Regulation 15, Principle 9 of the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) and the Coastal Management Act (2016).
“SOS would like to question: what is the purpose of the CZMP and how is the taskforce ensuring it meets cornerstone actions if Dr Phil Watson is supporting and condoning the DA process as a tool to implement the seawall?” the spokesperson said.
“It could also be said that the cornerstone action of the CZMP is to build a wall; so the question could be further asked – how is the CZMP managing the objectives of the State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) to maintain the presence of beaches, dunes and public safety, amenity and access as well as meeting key terms of the Coastal Management Act (2016)?
“It is sad to see the continued disregard for public sentiments, as the State Government Taskforce depicts the clear intent of the Government to support and proceed with the sea wall, rather than working with community to find the best solution for all parties involved.
“As a result, we can confirm our intent to make this matter a significant State and Federal election issue.
Source:
Media release, Feb 3
Wamberal Beach Save Our Sand