After the most turbulent weather in many years, Central Coast Council is continuing to try and address the impacts of beach erosion and pollution.
Council crews remain active replenishing sand at key beaches where infrastructure is close to the beach.
Terrigal, Wamberal, The Entrance, Ocean Beach, Umina and Killcare beaches all have been depleted by the heavy rains and high tides.
Solutions to the Wamberal sand dune situation have been widely debated over the last few years, as has Ettalong and The Entrance, with some beaches changing quickly and requiring work to maintain amenities, infrastructure and even beachfront housing.
This week Council workers were at Killcare beach, adjacent to the surf lifesaving club, where recent beach erosion has made inroads into the small park near the clubhouse and kiosk.
Killcare Beach Kiosk owner Helena Hanson is concerned the slow erosion will eventually make the situation so bad the surf club may be threatened.
“I’m pleased the council workers are so proactive though they are losing the battle,” said Hanson
“The work that is done sometimes only lasts a week because a big swell comes up and it’s all gone.
“We really need this to be done correctly, it must be costing a small fortune to constantly put a band-aid on this.
Hanson said that water surges during storms and high tides have lapped at the bottom steps of the surf club already twice this year.
“When the stormwater pipes were moved some years back that changed the nature of the beach and the erosion has accelerated,” said Hanson.
“I’d like to think council can do this properly, with someone who knows beach engineering – it would then last a long time” said Hanson
“Beaches are a huge part of the economy on the Central Coast and we should treat it [the erosion] more proactivity.”
The clubhouse was rebuilt in 2008 by the council on crown land as part of the water safety levy collected over many years.
The clubhouse has been partially damaged by storm surges in both 1958 and in 1972.
David Abrahams