Member for Robertson Gordon Reid has spoken against a seawall for Wamberal Beach in Federal Parliament, ahead of a meeting planned for Sunday, November 5, to discuss the next steps in the anti-wall campaign.
Reid told Parliament the community did not want the proposed seawall to go ahead.
“The majority of residents I have spoken with in Wamberal, and across the Central Coast, do not want to see a vertical 1.3km concrete seawall constructed along Wamberal Beach,” he said.
“The community is concerned about a range of flow-on effects that will occur should this proposed seawall go ahead.
“These concerns are for beach scouring, rediverting of storm surges into the adjacent Terrigal/Wamberal Lagoon and the increased likelihood of flooding.
“If you look at the example of the Collaroy seawall on the Northern Beaches, you will see that these outcomes are taking place there.
“During sea storms the beach is scoured away.
“This effect leaves very little beach sand behind and exposes rocks and other debris hidden beneath the beach.
“This effect destroys the amenity of the beach and reduces access for the community.”
Reid said there was also the increased likelihood of storm surges being rediverted into the Terrigal/Wamberal Lagoon, flooding properties and devasting the local community.
“All this to protect a handful of beachside properties at the detriment of the wider community,” he said.
“I will continue to represent my community on this issue and will be encouraging people in the region to make submissions to the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel once a Development Application is submitted by the proponents.
“I would like to thank the Save Our Sands (SOS) organisation for all its work campaigning against this seawall proposal over several years.”
A stop-the-seawall event will be held on Sunday, November 5, from 3pm at Wamberal Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
The Pizza to stop the seawall event will be held upstairs in the Oceanview Café.
Attendees will learn more about possible impacts of a seawall and have a chance to ask questions and get answers.
The day will include surprise guests, treats and a raffle.
All are welcome to attend.
Source:
Member for Robertson Gordon Reid