Waniora Point plan

aniora Point plan

NIRAG spokesman Marcel Van Wijk has welcomed a study into sand build-up and erosion at Waniora Point Bulli.

Council contractors remove sand from Whartons Creek at Bulli Beach in 2004.

PROBLEMS with shifting sand and erosion around Bulli's Waniora Point will be looked at in a study commissioned by Wollongong City Council.

The Coastal Processes and Restoration Study will explore human activity and natural processes in the area to determine reasons for the erosion and the build up of sand in the ocean pools.

Problems associated with sand build-up have been a constant cause of frustration for local residents and Bulli Surf Club volunteers.

The Northern Leader reported as early as August 2004 community concerns over the unhealthy state of a lagoon, which had formed in front of the surf club and flowed into the nearby toddlers' pool.

Surf club officials and local residents called for an urgent meeting with Council to unblock Whartons Creek, while raising safety concerns over sand obstructing access to rescue equipment.

Bulli Surf Club spokesman Barry Adams called for engineering solutions to allow sand to drift to starved areas north of the headland.

Sand has gradually built on the south side of Waniora Point since the toddlers' pool was constructed in the late 1960s, Mr Adams said at the time, and prevents the natural drift of sand northward.

"I have lived here for 55 years and have never seen it as bad as it is now," Mr Adams said.

Lord Mayor Alex Darling said due to the sensitive location and frequent use of Waniora Point, it was imperative Council commission a study to identify all issues before any restoration work commenced.

"We are inviting quotes from consultants this week and look forward to beginning investigations in late September. The study will involve analysis of the area as well as consultation with residents," Cr Darling said.

"The process is expected to take three months and when finalised, Council will approach the state government for funding under the Coastal Management Program."

Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group (NIRAG) have pushed for remediation of the coastal foreshore between Slacky and Whartons Creeks for over 10 years according to spokesman Marcel Van Wijk.

"We (NIRAG) have been in consultation with Council and the NSW Department of Natural Resources for a number of years to find solutions to environmental problems around the point," Mr Van Wijk said.

Mr Van Wijk said NIRAG would contribute to the study and hoped residents with an intimate knowledge of the area would also have an input to find solutions to the ongoing problems.

Consultation times will be advertised in the near future.