'The NSW Government has committed more than $5 million to undertake urgent maintenance works of the Port Macquarie Southern Breakwall' Ms Williams said.

The Breakwall was built over a period of 40 years with construction starting in 1897 and was completed in 1939. The last major maintenance was carried out in 2015 on the head of the breakwall to repair damaged caused by a major weather event.

Subsequent to that, in 2016 Port Macquarie-Hastings Council undertook community consultation on upgrade plans they had developed. The concept plans were designed to maximise the use of the Breakwall which as we know is very popular for visitors and locals.

In 2018, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council voted to write to the then Minister for Lands and Forestry, the Hon Paul Toole reminding him of the significant community consultation undertaken by Council on the Department’s behalf and requested the commencement of this long-overdue priority project.

Now, essential maintenance needs to be carried out again due to rocks having settled and shifted over time, creating voids which compromise the effectiveness and stability of the structure.

At the same time Transport for NSW Maritime are also undertaking enhancement works including widening the shared pathway, improving lighting, improving access as well as installing a fishing platform in line with Council’s Concept Plan.

I will continue to encourage locals to have their say by making a submission until the closing date on July 1st and thank those people who have already taken up this invitation or have attended one of numerous information sessions held over the past weeks. 

'I certainly won’t be supporting any delays in the commencement of the upgrade works but what I will do is use appropriate channels to ensure that the concerns of the local community are taken into account' Ms Williams said. 

This week in Parliament, I have taken the opportunity to meet with the Transport Minister, the Hon David Elliott as well as Senior Managers of Transport for NSW Maritime and they have assured me all issues that I have raised will be carefully considered.

'I certainly expressed concerns raised in relation to the removal of the Norfolk Island pine trees and staff have assured me that during an upcoming site visit we will review the width of the path and consider other design options in consultation with Council to retain as many trees as possible.'  

'In relation to the concerns regarding the impact of any works on the surfing breaks can I assure the surfing fraternity that we are committed to working with you to ensure your fears are allayed.'

Only minimal maintenance work is needed at the head of the breakwall for the current proposed works with only about 400 tonnes of rock being brought in.  

The proposed rock placement does not extend into the adjacent river or into the ocean bed.  The footprint of the head of the break wall will remain unchanged. 

'Transport for NSW Maritime have also assured me that they will conduct further consultation with local surfing groups about the breakwall design in the coming weeks' Ms Williams said.

;I understand a number of Councillors were questioning why a contract was let to acquire the rocks for the project. The signing of a contract for the supply of the rocks is insignificant in relation to the current consultation process.'

Transport for NSW Maritime took this step early because any disruption to the supply of rocks could cause significant delays in the project. 

By securing the rock supply, the aim is to ensure that the breakwall is closed for the shortest duration possible while works are carried out. 

I appreciate and understand fully the importance of the rock art along the breakwall and the community’s strong connection to the artwork.  Unfortunately, the upgrade works will require the rocks to be replaced with new rocks and some rocks will be repurposed as part of the new wall. 

,Prior to any work commencing, we want to encourage anyone with a story about the rocks, or the history of the southern breakwall, to capture and share these using their smart phones to film a 30-second video. We will then create an archive to give back to the community.' Ms Willaims said. 

Around 15,000 tonnes of rock will need to be trucked in to complete the project. While many existing rocks will be repurposed, when finished, this will be a fresh canvas for future rock art.

The memorial plaques on some of the rocks are especially significant and Transport will be arranging for the safe and careful removal of the plaques before upgrade work starts in the first half of 2023. 

The plaques will be stored while arrangements are made for their collection so that they can be handed back to families.