The Minns Labor Government and Wollongong City Council are working together to end the erosion on part of the Windang Foreshore.
Work will occur along 330 metres of the foreshore to restore safety and return the area to the community for the enjoyment of thousands of locals and visitors.
Erosion has been a chronic issue for the foreshore since the entrance to Lake Illawarra entrance was permanently opened in 2007. It’s estimated in the last few years around 10 metres of foreshore have been lost due to strong tidal flows.
This destruction has seen the foreshore locked away from the community for safety as the erosion claimed a playground, several jetties and placed pressure on roads, utilities and Norfolk Island Pines that line the foreshore.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, after the peak tourism season and take around nine months.
The stabilisation work will see rock revetments repaired and constructed to protect public land, infrastructure, Aboriginal cultural heritage and community access. The Minns Labor Government will contribute $4 million to the project which will be matched by another $4 million from Wollongong City Council.
In the lead-up to construction, Wollongong City Council has undertaken a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) to identify and assess any potential impacts from the works.
The REF will help inform the final planning and preparation for the project, including any measures needed to minimise impacts before construction begins in early 2027. The works will stabilise the foreshore allowing the area to be protected for long-term public use.
Minister for Planning and Public Spacesand Member for WollongongPaul Scully said:
“We’re ending erosion at Windang Foreshore. We’re working with Wollongong City Council to stop the damage which has claimed jetties, a playground and left the community locked out of parts of the foreshore.
“The work which is expected to start in early 2027 will reinforce the foreshore, restoring safety and additional access to thousands of locals and visitors.
“This is a great outcome and I look forward to works starting next year.”
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
“The Minns Labor Government is contributing $4 million alongside $4 million from Wollongong City Council to protect public access, infrastructure and Aboriginal cultural heritage while longer-term options for Lake Illawarra are considered.”
“We’re working with Wollongong City Council to get these protection works underway and make sure the Windang foreshore can continue to be enjoyed by the community.”
LordMayor of Wollongong City Council Cr Tania Brown said:
“This is a positive step forward and news that will be welcomed by the local community who are concerned about safe access to the lake and its foreshore areas.”
“Council has worked closely with Crown Lands and the NSW Government to advocate for solutions to the erosion hazard which has reached a level that requires urgent intervention. We are determined to find solutions that balance the needs of community, the Lake’s health and the local environment.
“These emergency stabilisation works are the result of a sustained focus from Council and the NSW Government and form part of a broader, long-term response to managing coastal hazards at Windang.”
