The Wamberal Taskforce has hit the ground running since its establishment on 31 July, assisting Central Coast Council to deliver a long-term solution to the coastal erosion at Wamberal.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the Taskforce had been established to ensure Council urgently plans and delivers a long-term solution.
“For too long, Council balked at the opportunity to get on with the job and work with the community to address the coastal erosion issues,” Mr Crouch said.
“The Taskforce, chaired by coastal engineering expert Dr Phil Watson, has gathered all stakeholders together and we are now finally making headway with the planning of a long-term solution for Wamberal Beach.
“I want our community to know that decisions about what the long-term solution involves will be decided by experts, not politicians.
“Manly Hydraulics Laboratory is currently undertaking concept designs for protection options and beach nourishment, as well as updating the cost benefit analysis work.
“I am pleased that Council has also appointed a new Project Manager whose number one priority is to drive the delivery of a long-term solution from within Council.”
Members of the Taskforce include:
- Dr Phil Watson, Independent chair,
- Adam Crouch MP, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal,
- Gary Murphy, CEO of Central Coast Council,
- Paul Donaldson, Project Manager for Wamberal Beach at Central Coast Council,
- A representative from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (Energy and Science Group),
- A representative from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (Planning and Assessment), and
- A representative from Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (Crown Lands).
Dr Phil Watson said a focus of the Taskforce is to develop a range of options for community consideration that not only provide for property protection, but also take the opportunity to enhance the recreational amenity and public access along Wamberal Beach.
“The Taskforce is mindful of the importance of maintaining and where possible, enhancing the natural beach system at Wamberal as part of the planned response while delivering an improved outcome for the community,” Dr Watson said.
“The Taskforce acknowledges that broader consultation with the wider community is needed and so a noticeable ramping up of broader public consultation will occur in the next couple of months.
“I look forward to more direct interactions with the community on this exciting project for the Central Coast.”
