A sea wall which should be improving public access to Lake Illawarra has instead spent months surrounded by cyclone fencing as the wall is undermined by erosion.
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The fishing platform on the northern edge of the the lake at Windang was opened with much fanfare in 2013, and has proven a popular for recreational anglers.
But immediately adjacent to this, on the western side, the retaining walls which provided a stepped access and fishing point into the lake will need to be rebuilt.
Cyclone fencing is blocking off part of the public access area because erosion has damaged the large steps that are part of the structure.
''They looked like they were going to do something but nothing has been done yet, nothing.''
It will most likely be blocked off for more than a year before the repairs are completed.
Wollongong City Council, which built the retaining wall about six years ago, said it fenced off the area in November after deciding essential remediation works were required.
The fence has not remained intact for long, as panels have been cut so people can get through.
A council spokesman said the fence would remain until work began, likely mid-year.
“Council is planning to call for tenders for construction of a new seawall to the west of the public wharf and to rebuild a section of rock wall to the east of the public wharf,” he said. “These works need to ensure that the Aboriginal heritage is not impacted and there is no significant impact on sea grasses or water quality in the vicinity of the seawall.
“To ensure that these works comply with the state agencies’ requirements, much of the works will be undertaken from a barge in the lake.
“Council anticipates the works will begin in mid-2016 and will take about 6 to 9 months, depending on tides and weather conditions.”
Resident Ian Gibb said it was past time something was done to repair the all.
“They looked like they were going to do something but nothing has been done yet, nothing,” he said.
The sea wall was not included in the 2013 works which included the new platform, the council spokesman said. Then, the Lake Illawarra Authority and the Department of Primary Industries built the fishing platform.
“Council’s work included demolition of a brick house, pathways, and lighting,” the spokesman said. “The total cost was around $400,000.”
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