Out with the old and in with the new – Thirroul’s new beach stormwater outlet

Works are wrapping up on the complete replacement of an ageing stormwater outlet and access stairs on the southern end of Thirroul Beach.

Construction on the $1.5 million project began in spring and will be finished ahead of the busy summer period at this beachside park.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said this project is part of Council’s work to improve and maintain the city’s stormwater drainage system and identified in the Wollongong Coastal Zone Management Plan.

“The existing structure was originally built in the 1940s and had reached the end of its useful life. The time had come to replace the outlet and access stairs,” said Cr Bradbery.

“At times, it has been a pretty dramatic looking worksite with excavations to a depth of almost four metres in some spots. However, with the new stairs in place and work on the new outlet completed, things are looking good. The outlet will help to manage the flow of stormwater during heavy rain.’’

The full scope works included:

• Demolition of the existing drainage outlet chamber and pedestrian access stairs.
• Construction of a new outlet that is set back from the current position to mitigate undermining of the foundations by rough seas.
• Construction of rock armour protection on each side of the new headwall. This looks similar to the existing protection on the southern side of the outlet.
• Construction of new concrete pedestrian access stairs approximately 30m north of new headwall. This aligns with existing stairs to the grassed area.
• Further fortification of a section of the existing concrete seawall to stabilise the area.

Council would like to acknowledge the technical and financial support provided for this project through the NSW’s Government’s Coastal Management Program.

While the work has finished on the project, the fencing will remain in place for a short time to allow the grass to get established on this popular picnicking location.