Geotech works to start at Surfside

The NSW Government has today announced geotechnical work at Surfside in Batemans Bay will be commencing next week.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said this work forms part of an important part of updating and further refining coastal hazard lines at Surfside.

“This will provide the community with next steps towards a coastal management solution for the area which is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to the residents of the northern shore of Batemans Bay including Wharf Road and Surfside,” Mrs Hancock said.

“I understand the scope of geotechnical work is likely to include seismic refraction and ground penetrating radar testing, hand-augered boreholes and lab testing to inform a review of coastal hazard information.

“This is a positive step towards understanding the extent of bedrock and any other erosion resistant subsurface material at Surfside and will provide consultants with the technical insight needed to better tailor management solutions for the coastline in this vulnerable area.”

Member for Bega Andrew Constance has welcomed this announcement saying that the community wants assurance that their homes will be protected.

“In February 2019, I made a promise to the Batemans Bay community that we would provide a coordinated effort to resolve the coastal management issues to ensure homes are safe from coastal impacts”, Mr Constance said.

“Affected landowners want to have confidence the NSW Government is working at all levels to protect them and I back the Minister’s announcement today that this is what we are continuing to do.”

Eurobodalla Shire Council Council advise they are on track to finalise the Eurobodalla Open Coast Coastal Management Program (CMP) by mid-2022 and will continue to keep the community informed throughout the process.

As part of the Coastal Management Program process, ongoing engagement with the community is continuing, with an upcoming meeting between consultants, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment – Energy, Environment and Science (EES) staff and community representatives.

More detailed community engagement is anticipated over the coming months.