Ten properties at risk of coastal erosion at Collaroy have had their application for coastal protection works approved by the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel.

Mayor Michael Regan said Northern Beaches Council had been working with the State Government and residents to finalise a solution at Collaroy since the June 2016 storm that threatened to wash a number of homes into the sea.

“Approval of this DA, recommended by Council to the Planning Panel, brings owners another step closer to being able to protect their properties,” Mayor Regan said. 

“It’s been a long and challenging process because the owners wish to build a permanent structure on a public beach. That has meant approvals are required from the state government who took a long time to provide their support.

“This is not the end of the road as the residents will still need to obtain tenure from Crown Lands to occupy public land but Council understands those discussions are already underway.

“The residents now have certainty that their development application has been granted.”

Mayor Regan said Council had also resubmitted a $5.5million grant application to the state government for additional funding for the proposed works on public and private land. 

“Recent changes have been made to the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program guidelines which we believe may assist us to secure some additional relief for the residents and for the works we need to complete on Council land.

“We have applied for a contribution of 10% of the forecast cost for private protection works and Council proposes to assist with an additional 10%.

“We have also asked the state for 50% towards the cost of protecting our public assets.”

Other action taken by Council to date includes:

  • Amendment of the Coastal Zone Management Plan for Collaroy-Narrabeen and Fishermans Beach, to enable private protection works on public land;
  • Development and adoption of the Coastal Erosion Policy, which recognises the importance of maintaining public beach amenity and surf quality;
  • Preparation of the Collaroy-Narrabeen Beach Coastal Protection Works Design Specifications - ensures works are delivered consistently across public and private land;
  • Preparation of a benefit distribution analysis;
  • Significant and ongoing engagement with affected residents and stakeholders;
  • Engagement of highly experienced Coastal Engineers to review development applications and prepare detailed designs for adjoining public assets.
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