Plans for Windang Foreshore Works move forward – Wollongong

Council and the NSW government will each contribute $4 million to the project

Image: Member for Wollongong Mr Paul Scully and Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown at the Windang Foreshore

Wollongong City Council has welcomed a multi-million-dollar contribution from the NSW Government to support foreshore stabilisation and protection works at the Windang Foreshore.

Together, Council and the NSW Government have committed $8 million for the works that are due to start in early 2027. Council’s $4 million comes through an amendment to its Operational Plan 2026-27 formalised in September.

The proposed works will focus on stabilising highly eroded sections of the foreshore, preventing further undermining of the shoreline, and improving public safety. The works will also help manage tidal flow impacts and foreshore instability while permanent coastal protection measures are progressed.

Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said community members would be pleased to hear that things were moving forward on the Windang foreshore with the aim for work to start on site in early 2027.

“Following a number of natural disasters we’ve had ongoing conversations with our community about this site, the startling level of erosion we’re seeing, and its impact on the lake and surrounding area, particularly on spaces within the Wollongong Local Government Area,” she said.

“We understand this is a major concern to the Windang community, and we continue to investigate all the steps we can take to allow the community to safely enjoy the foreshore while also contributing to the long-term management of the area.”

Cr Brown said the erosion issues being faced at the lake are the legacy of the construction of the breakwaters in 2007 which has seen ongoing scouring of the Lake Illawarra Entrance Channel, shoreline recession and the loss of natural and built assets, including the critical state-managed transport link along Windang Bridge.

“We are determined to find solutions that balance the needs of community, the Lake’s health and the local environment,” Cr Brown said.

“That’s why 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.

“The proposed emergency stabilisation works are the result of that sustained effort and should be viewed as part of a broader, long-term response to managing coastal hazards at Windang.”

The project is consistent with the Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Program 2020-2030 and supports shared objectives to protect cultural heritage, safeguard environmental assets, improve public safety, maintain community access and strengthen resilience to coastal hazards.

Importantly, the project will include measures to protect known Aboriginal cultural heritage values and reduce the risk of further erosion impacts to culturally and environmentally sensitive areas.

“We need to be clear that this project isn’t a long-term permanent solution. It will not be a set-and-forget piece of work,” Cr Brown said.

“This is a complex site and one that requires ongoing observation and maintenance. The interim coastal protection works for the Windang foreshore, marking an important step in addressing the long-standing erosion impacts affecting the area.”

Plans for the work are being finalised, and further updates will be shared with the community ahead of any work starting at Windang. At this time, it’s expected work will start in early 2027.

Council will continue working with Crown Lands, the NSW Government and the local community to support the delivery of both the interim protection works and longer-term solutions that address the underlying erosion issues affecting the Lake lllawarra Entrance Channel.