South Mollymook Coastal Protection Works

Council has been investigating a new seawall at South Mollymook Beach to help address current and future coastal hazards.

We have now finalised the detailed engineering design for a new seawall following the completion of technical investigations, environmental assessments and community consultation.

The purpose of the new seawall is to ensure long-term protection of the essential public infrastructure at South Mollymook Beach and mitigate the risk of coastal hazards.

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, 2020 and 2025, and is nearing the end of design life.

As set out by Council’s Coastal Management Program for the Open Coast and Jervis Bay 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 Detailed Design has been completed for this project which will inform Councils investigation and determination of funding for planned construction.

Project Stages

In 2025, Council completed a grant funded partnership with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to complete development of all pre-construction requirements. This work included the detailed engineering design, environmental assessment, community consultation and required agency approvals for the replacement of the existing seawalls at South Mollymook beach.

Council is currently investigating potential funding opportunities for construction..

Community Engagement

A variety of methods will be used to inform the community on the progress of this project. Details for all community engagement dates and options will be made available as the project progresses.

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