Work has begun on restoring beach access ways and improving public safety at Suffolk Park Beach, with New Brighton Beach, South Golden Beach, Belongil Beach and Brunswick Heads Beach next on the schedule, ahead of the summer holidays.

The beach access ways are being restored because they were damaged during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred earlier this year.

Jim Roberts, Council’s Coordinator Open Spaces, said that people need to be aware of heavy machinery, stay away from work sites and pay attention to closed beach access ways.

“While it’s great news that we can get these beach access ways restored ahead of the summer holidays, we need people to stay well away from heavy machinery on the beach while this work takes place,” Mr Roberts said.

“If you come to a closed beach access way, it is there for a reason, please do not ignore the signs, as we are actively working on the beach access ways. We will open the access ways as soon as possible, after work has been completed. You can use other open access ways in the meantime. Work will progress up the beaches, so there will still be other access points open at all times.

“Most of these beaches are also dog off-lead areas, so it would be appreciated if dogs can be kept on lead if you see machinery on the beach, or taken to another off-lead area temporarily, while we get this important work done,” he said.

Planned schedule of work (weather permitting)

The planned work schedule is as follows:

• Completed - Suffolk Park Beach entrances. 
• From today (Monday 17 November) until Friday 28 November – New Brighton Beach and South Golden Beach entrances, starting at the North Head Road beach access point and moving north to the last beach access point at South Golden Beach.
• From Monday 1 December until Friday 12 December - Brunswick Heads Beach beach access point near the Surf Club.
• From early December until Friday, 19 December – Belongil Beach starting at the Childe Street (old jetty) beach access point. Works will also include the Border Street, Don Street and North Beach access points.

“This schedule may change depending on the weather, so we appreciate everyone’s cooperation in staying well away from machinery if they see it on the beach,” Mr Roberts added.

Beach restoration work is funded by NSW Government.  

Work involves:

• Rebuilding beach access ways including the replacement of wooden chain ladders.
• Removing debris and vegetation where required.
• Minor sand relocation and reprofiling to stabilise steep dunes and improve public safety. (New Brighton Beach only).

Further works are due to happen at New Brighton Beach next year. This is waiting on further funding. More information can be found on Council’s website.