Windang playground removed for community safety

Wollongong City Council has removed a playground in the lake foreshore area today, Friday 12 April, due to significant safety concerns.

While there was an underlying issue with erosion along the shoreline near the playground, there has been a significant and rapid escalation in erosion at the site since last weekend’s flood event.

More than a metre of the shoreline has been washed away since the City of Wollongong was declared a natural disaster area last weekend, leaving the playground’s soft fall base dangling into the lake.

Council staff have been on site twice daily across the week to monitor the erosion. The decision was made to carefully remove the playground to address urgent public safety concerns, and to prevent the materials from washing into the lake or damaging the sensitive area.

Caption: Photo by D Wiecek. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

“The impacts of last weekend’s event around the lake have been extensive and there has been a substantial volume of water enter the lake which has added to and impacted upon its already fast-moving currents,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“We know there is an underlying issue with erosion along the Windang foreshore area and we’ve been working with Shellharbour City Council and other state agencies including NSW Crown Lands and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to develop plans to address this in the long term.

“However, the significant rainfall last weekend and volume of stormwater that has entered the lake over the past week has seen a rapid increase in erosion. The currents have scoured banks and groyns, moving material from the northern side of the lake, and building up sand on its southern side.’’

This morning, Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle and Wollongong City Council Director Infrastructure and Works Joanne Page were onsite to inspect the playground, picnicking area and park.

“In some ways, Windang was fortunate in that local homes and properties didn’t experience flooding like some of our other suburbs did in last weekend’s weather event. However, it’s clear the natural disaster has had a significant impact on the Windang foreshore area and public spaces,’’ Mr Doyle said.

“As I assured the community this morning when I heard their concerns and feedback about the park, playground and this much-loved space, Council is working hard behind the scenes to address its future.

“We will build a new playground in nearby parkland for locals and visitors to enjoy as we know this special area is important to so many. We’ve met with the Hon. Paul Scully Member for Wollongong and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and the NSW Reconstruction Authority to seek their support and influence to address the significant flooding impacts in Windang. We are also seeking an urgent meeting with the Hon. Stephen Kamper Minister for Small Business, Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for Multiculturalism, and Minister for Sport.

“Since 2007 when Lake Illawarra’s entrance channel was permanently opened, we’ve seen significant erosion of the foreshore. This was not a decision of Council, but we’re now in a position where our community and public assets are being impacted by the resulting fast-flowing tidal water passing through the channel.

“The impact of climate change, and the likelihood of more flood and storm events like what we experienced last weekend and in February 2022 mean that this type of erosion is not a one-off event. While there have been challenges with this site for some time, the escalation of erosion clearly demonstrates an increased urgency for all agencies involved to move forward collaboratively on immediate and long-term plans to manage the lake and surrounds.’’

The removed playground equipment has been taken off site, with some components like the swings and climbing netting that are in good condition likely to be re-used at another site.