A culturally significant Aboriginal midden at Crookhaven Heads will be protected from coastal erosion, with Council beginning construction of a barrier from Monday 16 November.
The Crookhaven Heads Midden Protection Project aims to safeguard the midden on Crookhaven Headland, between Crookhaven River and Shoalhaven Marine Rescue. The site has been affected by ongoing shoreline recession and erosion, and the works will help preserve an area of significant Aboriginal cultural heritage while enhancing the resilience of the foreshore and surrounding estuarine environment.
Developed in consultation with the Jerrinja Aboriginal community, the project includes the installation of a low sandstone boulder protection structure and natural log elements to help stabilise the shoreline and protect the midden.
To facilitate construction, the northern jetty and adjacent small boat ramp at the Crookhaven Heads Boat Ramp on Prince Edward Avenue will be temporarily closed for approximately two weeks, from 16 to 30 November 2026.
The jetty will be used to load sandstone boulders onto a barge for transport to the work site and for temporary vessel mooring during construction.
Public access to the Crookhaven Heads main boat ramp and two jetties about 50 metres south will continue to be available throughout the works.
Boaters wanting to access the main boat ramp may experience minor delays due to construction activities. However, every effort will be made to minimise disruptions and maintain safe public access.
The midden protection works are identified in Council’s Lower Shoalhaven River Coastal Management Program, adopted in October 2025. They also form part of Council’s Connecting Communities to Shoalhaven Waterways Project, which includes habitat repair, water quality improvements and community-led bush regeneration.
The waterways project is funded through a $1.5 million grant from the Australian Government.
