Newport Surf Life Saving: Court determines $7.4m upgrade after three year coastal erosion planning row

A protracted planning battle over the future of a northern beaches surf club has finally been settled after a planning row centred on the threat of rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

A northern beaches surf club has been given the green light to build a sea wall to protect the century-old building after a three-year red tape row centred on the risks from rising sea levels.

The Land and Environment Court approved the $7.4 million makeover of Newport Surf Life Saving Club, allowing the club to safeguard the venue against severe storms, coastal erosion and the threat of rising sea levels.

The decision comes after the state’s independent Sydney North Planning Panel rejected the plans due to concerns over the club’s exposure to coastal erosion.

The panel recommended that the building be demolished and moved to another location away from the shoreline “given storm inundation will continue to increase as the sea level rises” and therefore put the club in its current position at risk.

The proposed development by the Northern Beaches Council, which owns the 1000-memeber club – saw hundreds of submissions lodged by residents in support of retaining the club in its current position.

The club plans have been in the planning stages for three years.

Karen Burns – a patrolling member of Newport Surf Life Saving Club – said relocating the club would “severely hinder” the ability for surf lifesavers to undertake operations and therefore put the beach-going public at risk.

“Each safety surveillance and the club’s ability to rapidly deploy emergency rescue craft during a rescue event would be dangerously compromised,” she wrote.

Brendan Donohoe, president of the Surfrider Foundation Australia, backed the council’s plans for the club, saying the decision to refuse the plans was “appalling”.

A concept image of the proposed club upgrades.

Modelling by the council showed relocating the surf club could add $3m to the project cost and result in the demolition of amenities surrounding the club including carparks and a basketball court.

The Land and Environment Court this week approved revised plans for the club which includes multiple conditions the council must adhere to including a requirement to provide a bank guarantee for restoration of the beach or maintenance of coastal protection works “in the event they are damaged as a result of a coastal storm”.

The council must also pay for coastal protection works if increased erosion is caused by the works.

A decision on the proposal was handed down this week.

Court Commissioner Susan Dixon said the club upgrade would “not adversely affect the environment or cause avoidable erosion”. 

The development also includes adding new facilities including equipment storage and club areas and other upgrades.

The council’s plans for the site stated leaving the site in its current state was not in the public interest, as the building would be at risk of collapse

“The proposed coastal protection works will significantly enhance public safety compared to the current situation,” the plans stated.

In a statement, a Northern Beaches Council spokeswoman said the council will now “consider the next steps” for the site including the funding and timing of the development works.

“The Newport Surf Life Saving Club building is an important facility for the community and more importantly, for saving lives,” she said.

“Council is aware of (the conditions of approval) and is satisfied that they are appropriate for the proposed works.”