South Mollymook Coastal Protection Works
Council is designing coastal protection improvements at South Mollymook Beach. This will involve development of detailed designs for coastal protection infrastructure to address current and future coastal hazards. Technical investigation, environmental assessment and stakeholder consultation will form an essential component of this project.
The purpose of the improvements is to ensure cost-effective long-term protection of the essential public infrastructure at South Mollymook Beach and mitigate the risk of coastal erosion.
At risk infrastructure along South Mollymook Beach includes (view on map):
- Golf Avenue and Ocean Street road easement
- Stormwater outlet/culvert on Golf Avenue
- Shoalhaven Water sewerage pump station and easement south of the Golf Club
- Foreshore pedestrian pathway and beach accessways
- Mollymook Golf Club – building and carpark (funding partnership opportunities to be investigated)
- Mollymook Surf Life Saving Club and beach access ramp
- Existing seawall structures.
Background
Mollymook beach is flanked by urban development and in some areas, the frontal dune has been interfered with, reshaped, and denuded of natural vegetation.
At the southern corner of the beach there is currently near 300 meters of varied seawalls extending from the sewage pumping station south of the Mollymook Golf Club (MGC) building to the Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) boat ramp.
This coastal protection infrastructure has been previously impacted by major storms and East Coast Low events such as those which occurred in 2015, 2016 and 2020, and is nearing the end of design life.
Council has decided that the replacement of existing seawalls is the preferred option to mitigate the risks of coastal hazards on essential public infrastructure, as well as the MGC. This will improve amenity, safety and ensure protection from current and future coastal hazards.
A Concept Design has been completed for this project which will inform the development of detailed design options. Community input will be sought at the appropriate time to help inform the design considerations. Further details will be available via the News Feed as the project progresses.
The guidance for this project is outlined in Councils certified Coastal Zone Management Plan (2018) (action LA5.6) and is linked to Council’s key integrated and sustainable management strategies for the Shoalhaven community.
Project Stages
Council is currently in a grant funded partnership with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) to engage a specialist consultant to progress with the development of all pre-construction requirements including detailed design, environmentl assessment, community consultation and required agency approvals for the replacement of the existing seawalls at South Mollymook beach.
The current funding arrangement does not cover the construction stage for this project. Completion of the design and approvals phase will need to be finalised prior to Council pursuing further funding and partnership opportunities.
Community Engagement
A variety of methods will be used to engage the community on this project. Details for all community engagement dates and options will be made available as the project progresses.
Subscribe for updates using the "Stay Informed" tool on this webpage to receive notification of project updates and opportunities to provide input.