Lifeline for Waniora Point

" Wollongong City Council's conservation project officer Sally Perry said a public meeting will be held before Christmas to help try to find solutions to erosion and sand build-up at Waniora Point.

By Mick Roberts

A PUBLIC meeting will be held before Christmas to help find solutions to ongoing problems associated with sand build-up at Bulli's Waniora Point.

The public meeting is part of a three-month study commissioned by Wollongong City Council in an attempt to find solutions to sand repeatedly filling the toddlers pool and blocking access and views from nearby Bulli Surf Club.

Consultants Patterson Britton and Partners will also explore human activity and natural processes at Waniora Point to determine reasons for headland erosion and its effect on Aboriginal middens in the area.

The Sydney based company has extensive experience in coastal studies and was recently commissioned by the NSW Department of Natural Resources to assess headland erosion along the state's coast line. Senior engineer with Patterson Britton and Partners said a number of remedies would be looked at including relocating the toddlers' pool to the north side of the larger pool to allow natural sand drift.

"There are no easy answers to the problems at Waniora Point," Mr Horton said.

"We will be looking at simple management procedures, such as traffic movement over sensitive areas and revegetation of the headland," he said.

The company will complete a range of studies, taking into account coastal, geotechnical, environmental, recreational, aesthetic and heritage issues he said.

They would also look at risk management at the headland.

"We're not going to stick-up a whopping big fence and consideration will go towards visual qualities of the area and residents' views," he said.

Council's conservation project officer Sally Perry said a public meeting would be held before Christmas and local stakeholders, such as the owners of Ruby's on Bulli Beach, residents and the surf club would be involved and asked for comment.

Bulli Surf Club secretary Barry Adams said he welcomed the investigation and hoped the consultants would consider recommending the removal of the sand dunes from in front of the club-house.

"Council have spent $100,000 to build an observation deck to see over the dunes, and that will soon be obstructed by the increasing sand," he said.

Mr Adams, a member of the surf club for over 40 years, said he was looking forward to contributing to the study.

"I just hope they listen to what we have to say," he said.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Alex Darling said the company will present a comprehensive report to Council in February, including a range of prioritised solutions that take into account the results of the studies and consultation with the community.

"Due to the sensitive location and frequent use of the site, it is imperative we identify all issues before any restoration work commences," he said.

On completion of the study Council will approach the state government for funding assistance under the Coastal Management Program.