Collaroy seawall plans stalled by Government red tape

A CABINET reshuffle and a waning of interest from the NSW Government since the election has resulted in Collaroy residents being ‘left in limbo’ over plans for protective seawalls.

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NEW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts — who will sign off on the protective seawalls at Collaroy — says he has not seen the council’s plans, despite asking staff for a briefing.

Northern Beaches Council passed amendments to its coastal zone management plan on December 13, sending it to then planning minister Rob Stokes.

But a cabinet reshuffle appears to have created confusion with the new minister telling the Manly Daily he had asked for an urgent update and was awaiting advice.

The Collaroy beach front was severely undermined by June storms. Picture: John Grainger.

Meanwhile residents of the 10 houses that were left teetering on a knife’s edge have grown increasingly frustrated.

One resident, Tony Cagorski, said houses were at unnecessary risk and interest from politicians had waned since the federal election in July last year.

“We are very disappointed with what happened — it felt like while the election was on, they made some beautiful promises,” he said.

“They came in with a nice tide of well wishers and then the tide pulled back.”

NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts. Picture: Bob Barker.

NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes at Mona Vale Public School. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Mr Cagorski said the affected residents had remained in limbo while the State Government dragged its feet.

“We are coming up to o the one-year anniversary. We can’t move on, that is the hardest part — we are stuck between a rock and a hard place,” he said.

It is understood that Mr Stokes expected to sign off on the decision when he returned from studies at Oxford University in January.

However, this coincided with the resignation of Manly MP and former premier Mike Baird, causing a cabinet shuffle.

Tony Cagorski out the front of his house on Pittwater Rd days after the storm at Collaroy. Picture: Adam Yip.

Mr Stokes was again in Oxford and unavailable for comment yesterday.

Mr Roberts said he had asked planning staff for an urgent briefing and was awaiting their advice.

However, it appears the legislation is sitting with bureaucrats in multiple departments.

“I am aware of it, it is currently sitting between environment and planning and the final administration orders for the changes need to be finalised before a decision can be made,” he said.

“But I am committed, whether it is my portfolio or not, to ensure that the protection of beach and property at Collaroy and is a priority.”

The Collaroy beach suffered severe damage. Picture: John Grainger.

Mr Roberts said he was yet to see the coastal zone management plan for Wamberal Beach on the NSW Central Coast which was also severely undermined by storms in June.

A spokeswoman for the Office of Environment and Heritage said it was “assessing the plan in consultation with other relevant public authorities”.

She said the office expects to make a recommendation on the certification in the near future.

The council’s coastal zone management policy defines the rules around development within the coastal zone including seawalls.

Damage on the Collaroy beachfront after a major storm. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Currently, the council can assess applications for seawalls on private property, however a large amount of the damage done at Collaroy was a mix of public and private land.

Northern Beaches Council general manager Mark Ferguson said it would continue to push for a quicker turn around.

“Council is continuing to work with residents to help them gain approval for coastal protection works, so sea walls can be constructed,” he said.