The 'Save our Breakwall group' in Port Macquarie has released a self-funded investigative report into the project.

In the report, coastal engineer Angus Gordon suggested only some modest, targeted repair work was needed, but not a major reconstruction.

Campaigners against New South Wales Government plans to upgrade a breakwall next to an iconic surf break on the mid north coast say aspects of the project are illegal and unnecessary.

"The KY findings are that the breakwall does need some targeted repair work, but in fact it's in pretty reasonable condition given its age. It's over 130 years old," Mr Gordon said.

The campaign against the work is being led by the town's three-time former world bodyboard champion Damian King.

Mr King said many in the community were questioning the need for a major upgrade, which would involve the removal of mature trees and plans to replace or repurpose some of the iconic memorial breakwall rocks.

There are also fears Town Beach's unique surf break, next to the breakwall, would be impacted. 

"We think we have probably the most iconic and recognised breakwall in the world. It's something everyone gets drawn to," Mr King said.

"It has 139 memorial rocks, beautiful Norfolk pines, 29 trees, it has the surf break."

Mr Gordon said the breakwall was inspected in detail 30 years ago and those inspection reports showed that although it had deteriorated a small amount it was nowhere near something that should be a concern.

"When you look at that [historical information] you can get a much better understanding of how the breakwall behaves and what condition it is in," he said.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said, however, that there was a need for major repair work to the southern breakwall.

"The two engineering reports we have commissioned, by Manly Hydraulics and Royal Haskoning DHV, both confirm the need to repair the Southern Breakwall," the spokesperson said.

"The rock has settled and shifted over time creating voids which compromise its effectiveness."

Development application questions:

Mr King said the independent assessment process had also highlighted that a Development Application (DA) was required for the planned major upgrade and there was not one currently in place.

"One of the biggest things we found during the process was that under the NSW Coastal Management Act and the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) this project is required to have a Development Application," Mr King said.

"You are allowed to repair and maintain existing structures like the breakwall, but you aren't allowed to reconstruct or upgrade — which is what's proposed."

Mr King said moving forward with full reconstruction would be "illegal".

However, Transport for NSW said a DA was not required.

"A clause of the SEPP provides that development for the purposes of 'navigation and emergency response facilities' carried out by or on behalf of a public authority is permitted without consent on any land," the spokesperson said.

"The breakwater upgrade has been assessed appropriately under ... the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act. A Part 4 Development consent from council is not required."

The Port Macquarie Hastings Council said it was a matter for Transport for NSW as the project owner.

Mr King said the Save our Breakwall group would not shy away from taking potential action in the Land and Environment Court.

Original Story By | Emma Siossian