Bike path collapses in storms
Bike path collapses in storms
June 28, 2007
Section: News
THE collapse of the bike path at the southern end of Bulli Beach has left some residents disappointed.
The bike path, north of Waniora Point, collapsed into the ocean as a result of the waves and high tides the Wollongong region has faced in the past fortnight.
Recent storms have brought gale-force winds, high-levels of rainfall and powerful tides to the Illawarra.
Associate Professor of Science and Bulli resident, Professor Ted Bryant, said the collapse of the bike path was due to beach erosion, triggered by the wet conditions.
"We are coming out of drought weather conditions, and next year we will slowly be going into a wetter period, which adds to the development of East Coast lows," said Professor Bryant, adding that, although the lows were not a new phenomenon, the severity of recent storms could be compared with some that occurred in the 1970's and caused substantial beach erosion.
"There has also been erosion at the Southern end of Woonona Beach, where the beach has begun scarping into the dunes.
"The collapse of the bike path is one effect of soil erosion that may be problematic to resolve.
"Since the bike path was constructed on soil this means it can't be simply repaired.
"It will require some sort of retaining wall to support it.
"If we have more of these types of storms over the next couple of months we will start to see more visible signs of significant erosion.
"It could start to affect surf-clubs, sidewalks and fences in a similar way."
