In the early 1900s, Newport Lagoon was a shimmering coastal wetland, teeming with life and natural beauty. People came from all over to enjoy its beauty and serenity. But this changed in the 1920s and 30s, as Newport Beach became a hotspot for development.
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The lagoon was originally called Farrell’s Lagoon, named after John Farrell, one of the earliest European settlers who farmed in this area.. It stretched from the southern end of Newport Beach back to where the bowling club now stands. A wetland occupied the space behind it, now Newport Oval.
Newport Lagoon has suffered damage and destruction over the decades due to development projects.
The first major incident occurred in the 1920s when a developer dredged sand from the lower part of the lagoon.
The sand was used to fill in and reclaim land on the upper reaches of the lagoon west towards Barrenjoey Road. The goal was to acquire land on both sides of the lagoon, replace the upper part with a concrete channel, and sell off the reclaimed land.
The dredging was carried out by Arthur Keirle, who was the Mayor of Manly at the time. By early 1926 concerns arose about removing too much sand from the beach, which increased the risk of flooding homes west of the lagoon during big seas. There were also worries that deepening the outlet of the lagoon onto the beach created a dangerous drowning hazard for children.
The second destructive incident took place in the 1930s involving the Warringah Council, which conducted further reclamation of the middle section of the lagoon.
The council was open to reclaiming the lagoon but lacked the necessary funds and permission from the Lands Department.
The council asked the state government to give it control over the rest of the lagoon so that it could be reclaimed. After securing the needed approvals and financing, the reclamation work was carried out through 1933. Once completed, the former lagoon area was turfed over and planted with trees.
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Today, the creek that fed the lagoon flows through drains and culverts, emptying unceremoniously into the ocean. Though lost, Newport Lagoon remains a poignant reminder to preserve our natural jewels against thoughtless development.
Published 25-August-2023
