Windang Foreshore Improvements
We're working to protect and improve the foreshore of Lake Illawarra at Windang.
Lake Illawarra did not always connect to the ocean. It would naturally open and close depending on weather and tides. In 2007, the lake was permanently opened to help reduce bad smells and algal blooms and make it cleaner and safer.
Over the years, changes in the movement of water in the entrance channel has caused erosion as sand and soil has washed away. Erosion has been worst along the Windang foreshore, where sections have become lost or damaged, including sand, jetties and the former playground.
The permanent opening has caused other changes, including:
- The channel of the lake has gotten deeper and wider, especially near Windang Bridge
- Tidal ranges have changed - high tides have gotten higher and low tides have gotten lower
- Important habitats like seagrass and saltmarsh have suffered because it's harder for them to survive in the new conditions.
Wollongong and Shellharbour Councils are working together on ways to manage these changes and protect the lake and its foreshore as much as we can.
Many options have been studied, but fixing erosion is complicated and expensive. Fixing one issue could create other problems. Even with a lot of work and investment, we may not be able to stop erosion completely.
You can visit the Our Wollongong website to read about the options that have been considered for Lake Illawarra and the Windang foreshore.
The Windang Foreshore Improvements Project will look at how we can manage erosion in the short-term until a long-term solution can be implemented.
Safety at Windang foreshore
It's not safe to swim in the lake channel. If you're looking for somewhere to swim nearby, there is a patrolled beach at Windang.
It is also not safe to go too close to the edge of the bank, as the foreshore could be unstable. Please check signs and stay behind orange fences that have been put in place at areas we know are unsafe.
Foreshore trees
The health of some of the Norfolk pine trees along the Windang foreshore has been affected by erosion, as roots have become exposed to direct sunlight and salt water.
Council’s arborists are monitoring the trees. We'll do any tree works as needed to manage safety and maintain the trees' health as much as we can.
Windang Foreshore Playground
We closed and removed the Windang Foreshore Playground, after storm events in April 2024 and tidal changes caused severe erosion along the foreshore. The site became unsafe, with parts of the playground collapsing into Lake Illawarra.
Council is considering options for a new permanent play space in the Windang area.
In the meantime, we're renewing the playground at Windang Beach Tourist Park, near the site of the former playground. We're aiming to open this playground in time for the peak summer season.
See our Windang Foreshore Playground page for more information.