Rock Wall Update

Following up on the issue of the condition of rock walls in the area. The letter below was received yesterday. We thank the department for it's response and look forward to these much needed works commencing soon. Will keep you posted.

Dave… 

Mr Jack Tait
President
Coastal Rights Association Pamandjack1@yahoo.com.au

 Level 4, 437 Hunter Street, NEWCASTLE NSW 2300
PO BOX 2185 DANGAR 2309
tel (02) 4920 5059;
fax (02) 4925 3489;
mob 0407 066 416;

email Stephen.driscoll@lands.nsw.gov.au www.lands.nsw.gov.au

Date 22nd April 2008

N08/204

Dear Mr Tait

I refer to your email to Hon Verity Firth MP concerning rock walls at Moruya and Batemans Bay. This matter has been forwarded to Minister Tony Kelly MLC for consideration as the Department of Lands has responsibility for management of most trained river entrances in this State.

Minister Kelly has asked me to respond to you on his behalf regarding this matter as I oversee the maintenance program for breakwaters in NSW.

The department’s River Entrance and Minor Ports Program maintain ocean breakwaters at 25 locations along the NSW coast. Exposure to ocean storms varies significantly from site to site however it can be expected that there will be periodic over topping of these walls, together with damage to the armour and crest. Warning signs have been erected along these walls advising the public of the risk from large waves and the variation in crest surface.

A Total Asset Management System has been developed for the department’s maritime infrastructure. As part of this system, inspections are carried out annually. Condition surveys of breakwaters at Moruya, Batemans Bay and Narooma have been carried out by coastal engineers in February 2008. These surveys have been used to assist in determining a repair strategy.

As a result of severe storms in late 2007 repairs to the crest of the Moruya North Breakwater have been identified. A contract has been let for this work, with the contractor to take charge of the site after the April 2008 school holidays. Minor repairs will also be undertaken at Batemans Bay and Narooma before the end of this financial year.

Should you require further information, please call Mr Stephen Driscoll, State Manager Minor Ports, on (02) 4920 5059.

Yours faithfully

State Manager Minor Ports Unit

Crown Lands Division