The rock levy in front of 144 and 146 Whiting Road continues to receive criticism because of the impact on the beach and the inability of the community to continue to hold the Easter Races because of the rock-wall’s footprint.
The protection of the properties at 144 and 146 Whiting Road was a requirement of the State Government to provide protection against a 100-year storm tide which required a levee to be built at a 2.85 AHD height. This was a State Government planning condition and not a requirement of Council.
The location of the seawall is consistent with the State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) approval which was the subject of community consultation. The intrusion of the coast protection measure was shown on plans as far back as 2014.
The current structure includes a concrete sleeper retaining wall, earth levee and rock armour (secondary and primary).
Fisherman Bay Management has constructed the seawall within the corridor shown in drawings approved by the State Government and therefore have acted strictly in accordance with the planning approval.
Council staff have enquired about an alternative solution to reduce the footprint on the beach. The alternative solution advised by engineers would involve replacing the rock wall with a precast wall option. This alternative would reduce the footprint. The cost associated with this amendment provided by Bardavcol is estimated to be up to $300,000 and would be at a cost to the ratepayer.
There is no budget for Council to undertake this work.
Some of the community have also complained about the looseness of the rocks and the risk to the safety of children climbing these rocks.
The rock revetment is not designed for public access. The rocks are dry stacked and punched into place with the excavator, not glued or concreted in and therefore the rocks will likely move if walked on. This is the same system used for the rock wall at the Port Broughton boat ramp.
Council staff have installed signage to say do not walk on rocks.
Council staff have also agreed to place beach access steps in this location to provide easy access to and from the beach and public toilets to encourage people to stay off of the rocks.
I acknowledge the rock levy will continue to be a bone of contention, and this post will likely generate more debate and comments, that I will try and respond to in the coming week.
Yours sincerely,
Maree Wauchope
Chief Executive Officer