Step up – and down – to North Wollongong Beach

Work has wrapped up on the long-awaited seawall at North Wollongong beach with the new space opening up just in time for the busy summer months.

“The large, sand-coloured steps have been designed to improve accessibility to this popular beach and to protect the North Wollongong Surf Club building and foreshore area from storm events and coastal wave damage,’’ Wollongong Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“I’m very pleased to see the first stage of this project finished in time for the busy summer months. I know some people might just look at this site and see some access steps that’ll get you to and from the beach and provide some of the best seats in the city to watch the sunrise. And yes, they’d be right. However, this is a clever design in action because underneath the sand-coloured surface, the seawall has been engineered in a way that sees it also protect the surf club and the foreshore area from powerful wave action that can have a big impact during storms.”

The Stage 1 seawall works were supported by technical and financial assistance from the NSW Government’s Coastal and Estuary Management Program.

The project was a priority action in Council’s certified Wollongong Coastal Zone Management Plan aimed at reducing the risk from coastal erosion to public assets at the site.

The completion date for the project was pushed back because, as with other large construction works, it faced challenges including extended bad weather, heavy rains and large seas, supply chain issues, and skilled labour shortages.

“We know our community has been waiting some time to see this part of the project wrap up and I’m thrilled that day is here,’’ Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said.

“We’re appreciative of everyone’s patience as we worked around issues with materials supply, wild wet weather and challenging sea conditions. However, now that the work is finished, I’m sure everyone will agree it’s a real asset for beachgoers as this beach is enjoyed year-around.’’