Collaroy Beach, including the area in front of all sections of the seawall, is currently open and has been open for most of the past year. All beach accessways are also open. South Narrabeen Beach remains closed today due to dangerous surf. 

The story published by Sydney Morning Herald article on 4 January 2022 on signage at Collaroy Beach contained some errors of fact, and did not fairly reflect Council's briefing to the outlet.

After receiving this enquiry yesterday, the first feedback we had received on the signs since they were erected in mid-2022, Council was prompted to review signage to see if it was misleading. Our staff inspected the area, reviewed the text and determined that the red “Area Closed” signs could confuse beach users. The warning signage and orange fencing already in place were deemed to be sufficient and the “Area Closed” signs removed. 

Importantly, the article does not mention the beach is open to the public, and instead has chosen to post photos from a year ago (which were from a short 100m stretch of beach) which may confuse local beach users. 

The lead paragraph stated that the 'seawall was damaged a year ago'. The seawall was not damaged: Heavy seas eroded a construction bund built by contractors on behalf of private residents building the wall. 

The story stated that Council removed signs from 750 meters of beach front. After inspecting the road ends and access ways, Council staff removed four signs across a 430-metre stretch of beach. 

Our priority is always helping to keep the community safe and minimise any weather impacts on public property and services. 

Background: 
In July 2022, private contractors returned at Council’s request to remove rock from the foreshore which had become exposed following an erosion event. Signage was left in place as an extra precaution around public access. 
 
We encourage beach users to use the sand ramp provided when accessing the beach and stay clear of the rocks to either side of the path, which can be affected by storm events. Formal access stairs will be reinstated when the accessways are reconstructed, as per our Coastal Zone Management Plan.
 
Collaroy-Narrabeen Beach is no different to any other beach – we see naturally occurring, periodic erosion and the eventual return of sand to the beach. The beach generally recovers well from erosion once conditions ease. This is evidenced at similar beaches with seawalls on the Northern Beaches such as at Manly, Curl Curl, Dee Why, Collaroy, Bilgola and Basin Beach (Mona Vale). 

Images available upon request.