We're conducting a number of stormwater infrastructure upgrades in the Manly area to replace damaged infrastructure as well as improve the stormwater quality discharging to the environment at Manly Beach.

We've identified locations at North Steyne, South Steyne and at Fairy Bower Pool.

The work proposed for each site is slightly different ranging from installation of new Gross Pollutant Traps, replacing stormwater pipe, increasing the size of box culverts and improving aesthetics and functionality of stormwater outlets.

Upgrades at North Steyne and Fairy Bower Ocean Pool are proposed to take place in the new financial year 2020/21.

The stormwater upgrade at South Steyne is in the design phase with the engagement and project timeline yet to be determined.

View the project details for North Steyne Stormwater Improvements.

A culvert is a closed tunnel used to carry water from one area to another.

Living Seawalls, developed by the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, are concrete tiles made using 3D printers that mimic different types of habitat commonly found on natural shorelines.

The tiles are installed onto seawalls, transforming them into ecologically friendly structures. They provide space, moisture, shade and water retention that is needed for survival of marine life.

Species that have been observed on the tiles within a month of being installed include seaweeds, oysters, limpets and marine snails. Filter feeding species such as oysters improve water quality by increasing water filtration.

The proposed culvert replacement will improve the capacity of the existing outlet.

Flood mitigation measures in the catchment, including upgrading the stormwater network above the proposed culvert, will be considered as part of the Manly to Seaforth Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan.

The Study and Plan will undergo initial community consultation in mid-2020 and the Final Report is due for completion in 2021.

The Fairy Bower Ocean Pool will be closed for up to 12 weeks (weather permitting) whilst construction works are being undertaken. During this time the pool will be drained and inaccessible by the public.

We’ll notify the local community of the closure in advance of the work commencing.

The construction works will temporarily restrict public access across a proportion of the Manly to Shelly Beach walkway and Bower Lane.

Pedestrians will be safely directed around the perimeter of the work area minimising disruption by allowing access along the Manly to Shelly Beach walkway and Bower Lane to continue.

There will also be temporary restrictions to access onto the foreshore in the immediate vicinity of the works area. The stepped access onto the foreshore is likely to need closing during working hours on site.

The design is still being finalised so we are unable to say when construction works will begin.

It is anticipated that work will not commence until after the 2020/2021 summer period.

Residents and shop owners will be notified in advance of the work commencing.

Construction works will generally occur Monday to Friday between 7am and 5pm.

We’ve undertaken an environmental assessment of the proposed works, in accordance with statutory guidelines. As a result, any potential impacts have been identified and will be carefully managed through appropriate control measures to be implemented during the proposed works.

These include:

• During construction activities, all care will be taken to avoid impacts to water quality and marine habitats / vegetation.
• Contractors will be made aware of the presence of marine fauna and if any were present at or near the site during the works, works would cease until they have left the area.
• Appropriate containment measures in place around the site to protect the environment against spills.
• All water runoff during the concrete works would be contained and disposed of at an appropriate facility.
• Site to be cleared of any waste and disposed of appropriately.
• Any materials to be stored on site would be appropriately covered to ensure no waste is washed or blown on the foreshore or into the marine environment.

Additionally we’ve worked closely with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science to further mitigate any potential environmental impact, through the addition of seawall tiles.

Overall, the proposed works will have a positive environmental impact on public safety and visual aesthetics.

The works will also reduce the potential for sand erosion by re-directing stormwater to the desired outlet.