The Federal and New South Wales Government’s Community Local Infrastructure Recovery program will provide $2,443,750 to help Central Coast Council to improve access to Soldiers Beach and Jenny Dixon Beach.
The works will replace or repair vehicle and pedestrian accesses that were damaged during severe storms in 2021 and 2022, including:
- Extension of the stairs in front of the Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club
- Replacement of the northern stairs at Soldiers Beach
- Replacement of the concrete vehicle access ramp at Soldiers Beach
- Repair of the Jenny Dixon Beach stairs
Council Director of Environment and Planning, Alice Howe, said that Council is aiming to complete these projects in 2023, 2024 and early 2025, as the delivery of these projects is being staged.
“The construction work is dependent on the complexity of the engineering design, the outcome of the environmental and heritage assessments, as well as weather and ocean conditions,” Dr Howe said.
“I am pleased to advise that the project is progressing well, with Council already awarding the design tender for the replacement of the SLSC Vehicle Access Ramp and the replacement of the Northern Stair to Royal HaskoningDHV.
“Geotechnical ground testing has also commenced at Soldiers Beach to confirm ground conditions to inform the engineering designs.”
Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said we are pleased to have received a Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Program grant from the Federal and New South Wales Governments.
“Our beaches are valuable assets that benefit the lifestyle and health of Central Coast residents and visitors. We look forward to project completion,” Mr Hart said.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the New South Wales Government was pleased to be providing funding towards these much-needed access upgrades.
“We have some of the best beaches in New South Wales right here on the Central Coast, so it is important that beach goers have access to these valuable assets,” Mr Crouch said.
“I look forward to working with Central Coast Council in seeing the delivery of these projects.”
While Council has recently undertaken temporary works to ensure Soldiers Beach is accessible, Jenny Dixon Beach access remains closed until further notice.
Council barricades and warning signs remain erected at Jenny Dixon Beach for community safety.
