Shark Beach seawall reconstruction won’t be finished until next year
Image: Wet weather and flooding has delayed the expected completion of a seawall at Shark Beach in Vaucluse. Photo: DPIE
By ERIN MODARO
The reconstruction of a beach wall at Shark Beach in Vaucluse has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions, meaning the beach will remain off limits until next year. The NSW Parks and Wildlife Service has now confirmed that the wall will not be completed until at least 2023.
Plans for fixing the seawall, which separates the border of Nielsen Park with the beach, commenced in March after the wall sustained damage from storms in 2016. The expected completion date was previously December of 2022, and access to Shark Beach was significantly impacted while construction is going ahead.
The beach, as well as the Nielsen kiosk and restaurant, have been closed for visitors during construction, and will not open until works are over.
The NSW Parks and Wildlife Service said they considered managing the works to allow for beach access to continue, however the “considerable set up and establishment works involved in this project” meant the idea could not go ahead.
Mayor says nothing can be done about delays
Woollahra Mayor Susan Wynne stated to media that there is nothing council can do about the delay in construction.
“If it’s not ready, it’s not ready,” Cr Wynne said.
The Concept Plan for the project reveals the works will include improved ramps for the area, which will allow for sufficient wheelchair access. Also included are new trees to line the seawall, as well as improved lawn areas.
