Rosemary Deadman - 8 April 2025
Rosemary Deadman presented to Council at the Public Access Session on 8 April 2025.
Council's reply
Thank you for taking the time and effort to contribute to the Public Access session at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 8 April 2025 regarding the recent erosion at Surfside. I provide the following response to the issues you have raised in your submission.
While we appreciate that as a long term resident you have witnessed significant changes in the beach state at Surfside, it is important to recognise that the North Batemans Bay coastal area has been identified for many decades as unstable and dynamic, and the impact of coastal hazards on the land was recognised in Council’s 1987 Local Environmental Plan.
Significant changes to the morphology have been recorded, including several major erosion and flooding events in the early to mid 1900’s which led to the loss of much of the Wharf Road subdivision.
In relation to the Environmental Levy, the portion of this levy allocated to annual dune maintenance budget is $41,000. This budget covers the entire Eurobodalla Shire and is primarily used to maintain safe accessways and fencing for Council managed beaches and is not intended nor sufficient for major dune restoration works.
Council are supportive of your call for advocacy to the NSW Government in declaring this event a natural disaster and to this end, staff have been advocating for this outcome. We understand that this will open up the chance to obtain funding for beach nourishment as well as possible opportunities for property owners. The NSW Reconstruction Authority are the key state agency in managing natural disasters.
Regarding your question about the promise of funding, I can provide the following allocation of the $12,007,632 to which you make reference:
- $2.4 million for protection of Wharf Road and remediation of adjoining land for public use and access (NSW Government grant)
- $1.5 million for protection of Surfside from coastal inundation along Surfside West (NSW Government grant)
- $1.1 million for protection of Bay Road, Long Beach from erosion (NSW Government grant)
- $6 million from the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) for Caseys Beach (this grant allows for any remaining funds to be allocated to the North Batemans Bay coastal protection works projects).
- $1 million Council contribution, comprising $900,000 in cash and $100,000 in-kind, to match the DRF grant
- $7,632 Federal administrative fee associated with the DRF grant.
Council staff have also advocated strongly with Transport for NSW (Transport) staff that priority is given to undertaking the dredging works and sand nourishment in accordance with the certified Eurobodalla Open Coast Coastal Management Program (the CMP).
A letter was also sent to the Secretary for Transport on 13 September 2024 advocating that the nourishment activities for Surfside be undertaken urgently and in accordance with the CMP.
Lastly, Council has sought a Crown Reserve Improvement Fund grant for maintenance of the Crown Reserve at Surfside, including sand nourishment, rebuilding the dune and replanting the vegetation that has been removed at the back of several properties. The outcome of this grant process is expected to be announced in May this year.
Once again, thank you for your submission to Council, I trust the above answers your enquiries.