$30 million erosion fix for Collaroy touted as Northern Beaches Council calls for deep sea dredging

he proposal would dredge deep sand, adding 1.3 million cubic metres more of it to Collaroy-Narrabeen immediately. It would then add 420,000 cubic metres of sand each decade.

The Collaroy beachfront went, taking with it property's and possessions. Picture: John Grainger.

A LONG-TERM solution to erosion problems on the Collaroy beachfront could cost the public $30 million in an initial instalment, followed by a lump sum of $11 million each decade.

The proposal would dredge deep sand, adding 1.3 million cubic metres more of it to Collaroy-Narrabeen immediately.

It would then add 420,000 cubic metres of sand each decade after to cope with rising sea levels which would drain more sand.

NSW Premier Mike Baird surveys the damage at Collaroy beach with Brad Hazzard, member for Wakehurst and NSW Minister for planning and member for Pittwater Rob Stokes. Picture: Britta Campion.

A report to a Northern Beaches Council meeting on Tuesday has been in the making since houses were severely undermined during June 5 storms.

Mr Persson has written to Premier Mike Baird and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull seeking discussions on a national sand nourishment program to help cover these costs.

State Planning Minister Rob Stokes backed the idea indicating that his $83.6 million in funding to support coastal management across NSW could assist.

“The NSW Government stands ready to provide funding assistance for coastal management projects, which may include beach nourishment.”

But Mackellar federal Liberal MP Jason Falinski questioned the hefty cost.

“There are a lot of things you could do in the local environment, not just the beach. And if we are going to spend that sort of money we should make sure we are doing as much as we can for as many parts of the area as possible,” he said.

Premier Mike Baird surveys the damage at Collaroy beach Picture: Britta Campion.

Mr Falinski said he was interested in opening a dialogue between local, state and federal governments on the issue. He said he has had discussions with state and federal ministers about beach nourishment, which would continue.

Mr Persson stressed that this was a matter of state and federal significance, given the amount of tourism dollars beaches bring to Australia every year.

“Although requiring substantial investment, (it) is the only solution that offers long-term benefit to ratepayers and I intend to pursue its delivery,” Mr Persson wrote in a motion.

Mr Persson argued the cost would decrease, if more beaches were done.

“These dredges are typically only found overseas. A big whack of the costs is bringing one out. As long as it is booked up the costs will reduce,” he said

If both Collaroy and Wamberal were dredged the cost would be $55 million.

Esteemed coastal engineers such as Angus Gordon has been integral in the ongoing clean-up of Collaroy after the June 5 storm.

“Collaroy has brought the matter to a head,” Mr Gordon said. “It is a catalyst, I think Dick has responded appropriately to that.”

Mr Gordon said the methods pushed by the council had seen beaches where sand had been washed away, like Cronulla, restored.