Newport Surf Life Saving Club has received approval to build a sea wall to protect its century-old building, following a prolonged three-year battle over environmental and safety concerns.
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The Land and Environment Court has approved the Club’s $7.4 million redevelopment plan, ensuring the building is safeguarded against severe storms, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels.
The decision overturns a prior rejection by the Sydney North Planning Panel, which recommended the building’s demolition and relocation to a site further from the shoreline due to its vulnerability to future storm surges and erosion.
The panel’s initial refusal sparked significant community support for retaining the club at its current location. Hundreds of residents lodged submissions backing the Northern Beaches Council’s proposal to keep the 1000-member club in place.
Karen Burns, a patrolling member of the surf club, emphasized that relocation would “severely hinder” life-saving operations, putting the beach-going public at risk. She noted that moving the club further inland would compromise its ability to conduct safety surveillance and rapidly deploy rescue craft during emergencies.
The court’s approval includes several conditions. The council must provide a bank guarantee to fund beach restoration or maintenance of coastal protection works if damaged by storms. Additionally, the council will bear the costs of any increased erosion caused by the construction.
A spokeswoman for the Northern Beaches Council stated that the council would now “consider the next steps” for the project, including funding and development timelines. She highlighted the importance of the Newport Surf Life Saving Club as both a community asset and a vital facility for saving lives.
Read: A Slice of Paradise Paved Over: The Demise of Newport Lagoon
The project marks a significant step in balancing community safety, heritage preservation, and environmental concerns as coastal communities grapple with the growing threats posed by climate change.
Published 31-December-2024
