Protecting the local surf club and nearby infrastructure as well as creating safer beach access were the aims behind the construction of a new 45 metre seawall at South West Rocks.
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Kempsey Shire Council commenced the South West Rocks Foreshore Upgrade in May 2020 to protect the area surrounding the surf club from future coastal erosion, with the project recently completed.
Spanning across three stages, the project involved the installation of a stepped sandstone block retaining wall, two concrete staircases with handrails and an upgrade of the surf club ramp.
Council's Natural Resources Officer, Ron Kemsley, said the seawall had already proved its purpose during recent big seas in the summer school holidays.
"During some of the recent high tides and large swells at South West Rocks the area remained unscathed. Had the rock wall not been in place it would have been a different story," he said.
"Since its completion, we've had a great response from residents and visitors who have been using it to access the beach or have been sitting on the rock wall to enjoy the view.
"Members of the Surf Club have also expressed their appreciation at having easier access to and from the beach for their vehicles via the new ramp."
The project was adopted and supported by council for implementation following detailed concept designs, coastal process investigations and consultation with residents at a community meeting and workshop in 2017.
The project was identified as a priority project in Council's 2019-20 Operational Plan. It was jointly funded by council through in-kind contributions and a Coastal and Estuary Implementation Program grant through the NSW Government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
