*Image above shows the damaged asset prior to being demolished.
Central Coast Council has received $2,443,750 from the Australian and NSW Governments as part of the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program to improve access for Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach.
The works will replace or repair vehicle and pedestrian accesses that were damaged during the severe storms in 2021 and 2022, including:
• Extension of the stairs in front of the Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club
• Replacement of the northern stairs at Soldiers Beach
• Replacement of the concrete vehicle access ramp at Soldiers Beach
• Repair of the Jenny Dixon Beach stairs
Council Director of Environment and Planning, Alice Howe said that Council is aiming to complete these projects in 2023, 2024 and early 2025, as the delivery of these projects is being staged.
“The construction work is dependent on the complexity of the engineering design, the outcome of the environmental and heritage assessments, as well as weather and ocean conditions,” Dr Howe said.
“I am pleased to advise that the project is progressing well, with Council already awarding the design tender for the replacement of the SLSC Vehicle Access Ramp and the replacement of the Northern Stair to Royal Haskoning DHV.
“Geotechnical ground testing has also commenced at Soldiers Beach to confirm ground conditions to inform the engineering designs.”
Council Administrator Rik Hart said we are pleased to have received a Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program grant from the Australian and NSW Governments.
“Our beaches are valuable assets that benefit lifestyle and health of Central Coast residents and visitors. We look forward to project completion,” Mr Hart said.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said the NSW Government was pleased to be providing funding towards these much-needed access upgrades.
“We have some of the best beaches in New South Wales right here on the Central Coast, so it is important that beachgoers have access to these valuable assets,” Mr Crouch said.
“I look forward to working with Central Coast Council in seeing the delivery of these projects.”
While Council has recently undertaken temporary works to ensure Soldiers Beach is accessible, Jenny Dixon Beach access remains closed until further notice. Council barricades and warning signs remain erected at Jenny Dixon Beach for community safety.
ADVICE
• Please stay away from the impacted area
• Please keep personal safety front-of-mind and remain behind any barriers that Council crews have put in place
• Stay up-to-date by checking Council’s website centralcoast.nsw.gov.au or Council’s Facebook page facebook.com/CentralCoastCouncil for updates