Boulders each the size of a ‘mini bus’ fall onto two Freshwater properties
The partial collapse of a northern beaches cliff has damaged one home and cut off access to another property that is owned by Wallaby star Willie O.
Manly
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THE partial collapse of a Freshwater cliff has caused “extensive” damage to one home and cut off pedestrian access to another.
On Monday afternoon, three large boulders – which northern beaches police described as each being the size of a “mini bus” – crashed into part of Joel Gloede’s Palomar Pde home.
The boulders also ruined the roadside stairs used by Mr Gloede’s neighbours to access their home.
The affected property next to Mr Gloede’s house is owned by former Wallabies rugby star Viliami Ofahengaue, but he has not lived there since 2010.
Mr Gloede said the only person inside his home when the collapse happened was the family nanny, but she was not near the part of the building that was hit.
“She heard a big bang, a crash and didn’t know what it was,” he said.
“I couldn’t believe what she was saying (when she detailed the collapse to him on the phone while he was at work).
“It’s still a shock for us ... just disbelief.”
Following the collapse, Mr Gloede said a large tree – stabilised by the cliff – was quickly removed because it had become unstable.
Mr Gloede said, at this stage, he could not put an estimate on the cost of the damage.
“It (the damage) is quite extensive,” he said.
“It’s hit the northwest corner of the building and given it a shunt.
“Inside the house, there is extensive damage to the ensuite and master bedroom.
“It has popped double-glazed windows, tiles off the wall, heaps of structural damage inside.”
Ofahengaue – widely known to Wallabies supporters as Willie O – said he would inspect the damage done to the stairway in due course.
“We were shocked,” he said.
“It’s lucky nobody was hurt ... it’s pretty scary.”
Northern Beaches Council general manager of environment and infrastructure, Ben Taylor, said geotechnical experts were still evaluating the site.
He said this included looking at the cause of the rock fall, options for restoring safe access and remediating the site.
“Council’s No.1 priority is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of affected residents and their properties ... and to ascertain the cause of the rock fall and its impact,” he said.
Mr Taylor said some affected residents were receiving council assistance, with temporary accommodation being provided.
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