Council will fund construction of the project under its tidal pool renewal program.

Materials used for construction include timber walers (painted white) around the pool circumference, the use of HDPE sleeved steel piles and high strength shark netting. These will provide long-term durability for the sub-structure and maintain the heritage aesthetic of the pool. The use of more durable materials will result in less maintenance and therefore create less disturbance to the marine environment in the longer term.

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is currently being undertaken and will be made public once it is determined. The REF will include a technical assessment of factors including environment and heritage. Heritage requirements will be further analysed and approved by Council’s heritage officers.

The work will be carried out under strict environmental controls and in accordance with the conditions set by the state agencies.

Council has prepared a seahorse relocation plan in consultation with the Fisheries Department. Both a heritage impact study and aquatic ecology study of the works area have been undertaken.

These studies and plans will inform a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) that will be considered by Council staff prior to the works being approved. Appropriate mitigation measures outlined in the REF and Fisheries Permit will be applied during the construction phase to minimise environmental impacts

The current wharf, pool and groyne are too low. On higher tides the entire structure is underwater presenting a boating hazard and other safety issues. The proposal is to raise the wharf deck and pool walls 600mm so they remain out of the water. The groyne is proposed to be raised 200mm.

The wharf is designed to cater for the same size of watercraft as existing. In conjunction with TfNSW the wharf head and tidal steps have been improved to provide a better experience using the facility.

The wharf and pool are being replaced with a like for like structure so we do not anticipate there being any impact to sand loss.

We recognise that there are some community concerns about sand loss to Paradise Beach but, this is outside the scope of the renewal.

For any queries relating to sand loss at Paradise Beach, please direct them to Council via email or letter addressed to the CEO.

Living sea wall tiles are a scientific innovation driven by researchers at the Sydney Institute for Marine Science (SIMS) located at Chowder Bay in Sydney. The living sea wall tiles have been shown to significantly increase ecological biodiversity of artificial structures in the marine environment. Council has installed a number of these panels on marine structures in recent years as part of Council’s commitment to sustainability and the environment.

You can find more information on this research project at: https://sims.org.au/research/flagship-projects

Construction will approximately three months, between June and October 2024, subject to weather conditions. The work must occur outside the seahorse breeding season. Seahorses will be relocated to a nearby location as approved by the NSW Fisheries Department.