The seawall is designed to protect Sydney Water's stormwater plant at the southern end of Fishermans Beach at Red Point and repair work began mid-2019.

Read more: Housing package to boost industry

As part of the project Sydney Water worked with local artists of the Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation with a view to incorporating some of their works.

The result, which is now open to the public, includes a 21-metre-long Aboriginal art installation that tells stories of whale migration, Hill 60, fishing and the industrialisation of the region.

Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Paul Knight said he was pleased to see local stories making up part of the project.

"Being able to work together to achieve a great practical outcome and also provide all community members with the chance to reflect on the history of this land prior to its current industrial backdrop is exciting and an initiative that I would encourage all other businesses to consider," Mr Knight said.

Sydney Water Managing Director Roch Cheroux said the original seawall was damaged by storms in 2016.

"When we began planning for repairs, the cultural significance of the site was a key consideration and we were delighted to be able to work with the local Aboriginal community to bring this project to life," Mr Cheroux said.

We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.