“A significant number” of submissions opposed the seawall when Council publicly exhibited the draft Wamberal Beach Terminal Protection Structure (EDR) recently. But council says “a significant number” thought a protection solution was required and were supportive “in principle” of the design requirements.
The draft EDR outline specific criteria for assessment of Wamberal Beach coastal protection development applications such as the engineering criteria, seawall alignment, construction and waste management, material selection, landscaping and maintenance.
The Council report to the October 11 meeting says these engineering requirements reflect that what the community said was of value and importance throughout the community consultation process.
“A consistent theme raised throughout all engagement phases is that Council has not investigated alternative solutions for coastal protection,” the report states.
“It is important to note that the Coastal Zone Management Study 2015 (the Study) was developed to inform management actions in the GBCZMP (Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan).
“The Study considered all feasible management options to address current and future coastal risks to the environmental planning and management of the area.
“Options considered what was legally permissible, financially viable and realistic for Wamberal Beach.
“This included mass sand nourishment, artificial reefs and planned retreat.”
Council said that online submissions showed that significant number of community members stated their opposition to a seawall at Wamberal Beach while a significant number of community members also stated they thought a protection solution was required and were supportive of the draft engineering design requirements in principle.
The report to the administrator outlined some of the feedback from the community.
People asked why key elements and triggers for sand nourishment were not detailed within the design requirements.
Council said these these elements included what the triggers for sand nourishment were; who would pay for the sand nourishment campaign; and had a suitable sand source been identified and was it available long term?
People wanted Wamberal Beach to remain accessible to the public with the same level of amenity if a seawall is constructed.
“Details on what level of accountability (and where the accountability lies) if the same level of amenity cannot be maintained are not included as part of the considerations,” Council said.
“The community is concerned about the transparency afforded to this process and question if a decision on this project is appropriate whilst Council is under Administration.”
People also wanted information on who the applicants for terminal protection development applications were and what role Council would play within the development application process, for example would Council provide support.
Risk Management
Under risk management, the council report stated that without terminal protection and the implementation of the long-term strategy, coastal erosion will continue to threaten private homes, public infrastructure, community amenity and enjoyment, and expose ad-hoc structures placing the safety of the public at risk.
“Beach erosion will incrementally get worse and require a continuation of expensive emergency works that are not designed for a long-term solution and can potentially impact beach safety and amenity for the community,” Council said.
Council will be responsible for funding protection works fronting thebeach access-ways and the Surf Life Saving Club.
It says there is a risk that owners may not be financially capable or willing to undertake coastal protection works, which impacts on seawall design, terminal end treatments and adjoining property development applications.
“Therefore, it is recommended Council write to the NSW Government seeking amendments to legislation to allow councils to recoup the costs of construction works on private land, where management actions are identified in a certified Coastal Zone Management Plan or Coastal Management Program.”
Recommendations
The report to the October 11 meeting lists recommendations to the Administrator for adoption including:
# Responsibility for the design, construction and maintenance of any seawall fronting private property rests with the landowners that benefit from the proposed coastal protection works and are to be fully funded by each respective private property owner.
# Confirm that coastal protection works fronting Council-owned land at the beach access ways and Wamberal Surf Lifesaving Club also be governed by the Engineering Design Requirements, and that Council make provision for the cost of these works in its Long Term Financial Plan.
# Write to the NSW Government, as the owner of five beachfront allotments at ‘The Ruins’ and ’69 Ocean View Drive’, seeking commitment for coastal protection works fronting those lands and the use of the Engineering Design Requirements.
# Note that sand nourishment is not expected to be required in the short term due to the location of the structure on private land landward of the current beach.
# When the need for sand nourishment arises, as established by periodic monitoring of sand volume on Wamberal Beach, private property owners will be required to contribute to the cost of that beach nourishment to maintain public beach amenity at a capped rate of $100/lineal metre/year, plus annual increases determined pursuant to the All Groups Consumer Price Index.
# Council to write to the Minister for Local Government, Minister for Planning and Homes, Minister for the Environment and Minister for Regional NSW seeking:
- amendments to the Local Government Act 1993 to allow for the costs of construction works on private land, identified in a certified Coastal Zone Management Plan or Coastal Management Program, to be recouped through a coastal protection services charge or similar mechanism.
- development of a NSW-wide approach to mass sand nourishment to support coastal councils to manage the impacts of coastal erosion on coastal communities and the coastal environment; and
- additional support for coastal councils to address the increasing risk of coastal erosion to which their communities are exposed.
The report says adoption of the design requirements would provide guidance to landowners seeking development consent to construct terminal protection works at Wamberal Beach.
The report includes a number of attachments outlining the engineering design requirements.
The meeting starts at 6.30pm at the Hely St, Wyong Council chambers.
Wamberal Beach Save Our Sand says it will protest outside the building from 5.15pm.
