Wollongong City Council has delayed work on the refurbishment of the Sandon Point Surf Life Saving Club following the discovery of an Aboriginal midden.

Due to this delay the work on the site will not be completed until 2012 and Council will provide temporary facilities on the site for beach goers and surf life saving club members.

The work on the $2.4 million refurbishment includes replacing concrete slabs, building improved storage facilities, new public amenities, expanding the club’s training room and toilets, improving disabled access and ramp access to the beach for lifesaving vehicles.

Council has been working with the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and the local Aboriginal community following the discovery of the midden, and has recently remediated the midden in accordance with OEH requirements.
Council has now suspended further work on the SLSC site and is currently undergoing the consultative process required prior to applying for an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit from the OEH.

Construction sheds have been removed from the site. The site fence remains to prevent public access to the construction area. The temporary public facilities, including toilets, will be located adjacent to the carpark. Surf life savers will continue to patrol the beach from a temporary location 50 meters south of the Sandon Point Surf Club building.

For more information you should visit the Council’s website or contact Council’s Customer Service centre on (02) 4227 7111.