Newsletter of the Winda Woppa Association Inc June 2018 NeWinda Woppa s Jimmy’s Beach update

You will be aware that over the weekend supporting the Boulevarde from number Thus, we were disappointed that a of 3 and 4 June we had another weather 53 The Boulevarde to the intersection of spokeswoman for MCC in an article in the event that saw the erosion on Jimmy’s The Boulevarde and Guya Street, effectively Newcastle Herald dated 4 June and timed Beach exacerbated. We hope our ensuring the entire area known as the 5:00pm implies the sand transfer system communication in this regard was timely, “pinch point” is protected. (Please see the to be other than a temporary solution. appropriate and informative. We also article entitled “Work to Underpin The She was quoted as saying: hope this article will bring you up to date. Boulevarde” on page 2). “This option will provide a long-term and The damage to Jimmy’s Beach can be seen There is no further money yet been made more gradual supply of sand to Jimmy’s in the photograph below – exposure of Beach, reducing the need to rely on the geotechnical bags and the structure available for dredging the Myall. (Please trucking in sand in response to emergency underpinning The Boulevarde across see the article entitled “Silting of The Myall” storm events,” she said. most of the pinch point with some under- on page 4 for more detail). Without further cutting of the structure and significant funds there will be no sand added to We were also disappointed to learn that damage to the road outside number the Winda Woppa stockpile and with the the schedule for trucking sand to the 55 The Boulevarde, which is where the ongoing wind erosion of the stockpile it can beach starts on 18 June, again weather geotechnical supporting structure stops be expected to last less than four years, permitting. This start date is because short. The damage will require rebuilding perhaps only two, weather dependent. Council has only one pre-approved the road support and surface. That means we currently have less than provider/contractor with all the necessary Since the existing geotechnical structure is four years of a solution that treats the environmental approvals to carry out the behaving like a sea wall we have suggested symptoms and not the cause. It is certainly work and that contractor had all their to Council that this is a perfect opportunity not the 20 year solution claimed by some assets committed to other jobs prior to to continue the geotechnical structure Council stakeholders. that date.

Our priorities are: 1. Addressing any issues with the roads or the beach that endanger our properties; 2. Ensuring that sand transfer occurs whenever the “trigger point” is exceeded. Note: Council’s stated trigger point was exceeded last year and nothing has been done; 3. Expediting, where possible, any actions that would put the sand transfer system in place; 4. Searching for a permanent solution that treats the cause rather than the symptoms; and 5. Anything else thought by the members to be important.

The Winda Woppa Association is an Incorporation of like-minded property owners, friends and associates of Winda Woppa, the isthmus of land between Jimmy’s Beach on the northern side of Port Stephens and the . 2

The recent weather event received considerable press coverage, including both Prime TV and NBN TV, The Newcastle Herald, ABC Radio Mid Coast and 2NUR.

Jimmy’s Beach Update continued projects). This person is an environmental interview went live and lasted for almost engineer who has access to other Council fifteen minutes. We have contacted Council with regard engineers such as civil and water for to their risk management practices with As a result of the coverage the Association advice. The Project Manager is presently a view to review and removal of “single has extended its ability to engage with the finalising the detailed plan in liaison with points of failure” such as a single provider. press and thus place pressure on various the contractor. Once milestones are set levels of Government, which we willingly The currently planned sand transfer they will advise WWA. will do given the opportunity. by truck is expected to take four days, From the preliminary work program, weather permitting, and will move 5,000 grounds works to undertake construction Work to underpin the road cubic metres of sand to predominantly to the access track are planned for later the pinch point. Any sand not required to from 53 The Boulevarde to this month. Works to build the pump protect the pinch point will be used along Guya Street station are planned for late August (note the remainder of the beach to extend The apparent success of the geotechnical these dates are subject to change, and are “the trigger point”, the supposed limit that support of most of the Boulevarde at the only an indication of intended works). will automatically trigger further sand pinch point has highlighted what happens transfers. Due to a 50/50 contribution of The impediments to progress the work at the pinch point when there is no such funds by the State Office of Environment appear to be finalisation of the detailed protection. Part of the road has been lost and Heritage, Council has sufficient funds project work program and weather. outside Number 55. to move 10,000 cubic metres in total Since that part of the road must now be (at $12m3), the remaining 5,000 cubic As more details become available we will repaired we suggested to Council that metres will be held in reserve should we pass them on to you. this was the perfect time to extend the experience further erosive weather events. geotechnical protection from the existing Council will carry out surveys both pre and Recent beach and road location to the corner of Guya, thus post trucking to help with further planning. damage press coverage covering the whole of the pinch point. The recent weather event and the Again, we were disappointed that the Council’s response was, as always, no resultant damage coincided with the loss Council officers could not advise how long funding is available. of containers from a container ship off our the 10,000 cubic metres would last because coast. This focussed the press on our little After the sub-strata is laid the crew that they were not aware of at least two reports, piece of paradise and both Patricia and patches the surface on The Boulevarde on which their Coastal Zone Management Ken became targets for interview by the could then go on and resurface Guya Plan was based, that estimate the total per press. In short, we received considerable Street, but this is not part of Council’s plan. annum erosion at 20,000 cubic metres, press coverage, including both Prime TV Unfortunately, we see this again as a silly meaning the we can expect only six and NBN TV, The Newcastle Herald, ABC waste of opportunity and resource and will months coverage at best. Radio Mid Coast and 2NUR. The ABC Radio continue to pressure Council for both. When asked what are the impediments to the plan going ahead we were advised contractor availability and weather. Council Links to some of the extensive news coverage can be found at: has obtained all other necessary permits and funding. The Newcastle Herald: Ocean erosion at Stockton and Jimmys Beach The Sand Transfer System The Newcastle Herald: Residents and Mid Coast council at odds over Jimmys Beach erosion solution We understand Council has awarded the contract to construct and commission 2NUR FM: Jimmys Beach falls further into the ocean the Sand Transfer System to CCB Envico. Whilst, Council has been unprepared to NBNNEWS.COM.AU: Residents want erosion solution advise a timetable for completion, they News of the area: Beach awash have advised: News of the area: Council To Truck Sand Onto Jimmy’s Beach • Council has appointed a Project Manager to run the STS project (and other large

Winda Woppa News June 2018 3

Road surface of Guya Street After one of our committee members had We responded that we would choose to a bicycle accident in Guya Street due to its work with Council to set priorities and poor condition we again sought to impress asked them to consider that it was a cycling upon Council the need to accelerate their accident brought about by an almost total maintenance program or to change the lack of surface on the road and thus bring priority so that repairs could be performed the repair forward. We assured them it would be futile to “pothole patch” the road this year rather than in 2020/21 when their because it was just one pothole. plan allows. Council has now updated its records on Council responded that they assessed the Guya Street, listed the condition as very condition of all roads each two years and poor, committed to routine maintenance given the low budget availability (shortfall works in the next few weeks and also actually) and the low traffic levels on committed to a review of funding when Guya they did not feel any modification of the recent State Government funding priority was warranted. They wanted to announcements have actually been “pothole patch” for the next two years. confirmed.

Memberships and fees $25 for a Family Hopefully you are cognisant of the due We are investigating sources of potential This entitles two adults who have an interest date for payment of membership fees funding (Federal and State Governments, in a Winda Woppa property each a vote at which is 30 June and are rushing to send Corporate, Crowd Funding etc) but we the AGM but, of course, this membership the Association a direct debit. don’t want to risk just a single solution and covers the whole family. are appealing to members to help us build Now that we are gaining influence and a little nest egg in any way they can. So, $15 for an Individual momentum with the stakeholding bodies please consider a donation when you pay This membership covers just one person (Government, the community, press etc) your membership fees. who has an interest in a Winda Woppa we will soon (within the next two years) property and allows them a vote at the AGM. require some funding to help us find a Another way in which we can get more permanent solution to erosion etc. This funding is through a larger membership $20 for a Supporter funding could be substantial. base so we have included with this This membership is for people who want newsletter an electronic copy of a flyer Unfortunately, the membership fees to support what WWA does but who do not about the Association and a membership we receive, less the expenses of the have an interest in a Winda Woppa property. application form in the hope that you To these people we say “Thanks, that is just Association leave us with a little over will pass it on to all your friends and fantastic of you to help us”. $300 surplus each year, not enough neighbours and convince them to help us. to set up a “fighting fund”.

WWA Facebook group Many of you may not be aware that we Many Winda Woppa owners are unable to Of course all the usual etiquette applies formed a Facebook group for residents of spend much time up here so the Facebook regarding polite and inoffensive discussion Winda Woppa some time ago. We haven’t Group is a great way to : but we are not anticipating any problems actively promoted the group but would • Ask questions, share news and /or in that area. Committee member Carolyn now really urge you to join so that we can photos, real estate news, sales etc.; Dufton, the administrator of the page, will all easily participate in informal discussion. • post items for sale; keep an eye out for anything untowards. • advertise lost and found dogs etc.; and The Facebook page belongs to us all! • generally enter into the Winda Woppa So please contribute freely. Every comment community spirit. will be appreciated. Despite any reservations about Facebook To join the group go to www.facebook. as a form of social media, we would com/groups/1708521389368872/ and urge you to join up to our private group. press the button Join. Your request We need more participants to make it a will come to Carolyn for approval and worthwhile group. Any member can post verification. Thanks so much members. comments.

Winda Woppa News June 2018 4

The viewing platform We reported to you and to Council over lagoon area have now taken to pulling up lagoon after the sand transfer system is a year ago that the Viewing Platform, the wooden planking and burning it for installed and operating. However, by then built by the Winda Woppa Association and firewood, the result being it will now cost and at the current rate of consumption we now maintained by Council, overlooking a lot more, in our estimation, to repair the think we can expect all the planking to have the lagoon had become derelict, the platform. been stolen and burned. supporting piles had become unsafe. The committee has discussed the repair We have reported the theft of the planking Council took over nine months to get a cost of the platform and decided that if Council to Council and should they do nothing or estimate of repair at $11,600. does nothing we will look at it again as part take limited action, we will refer it to the Sadly, some people who frequent the of the remediation of the track past the police.

The Viewing Platform as it was and (right) the sorry state it presents now.

The silting of the Myall

Below is a letter emailed from Gordon We would like to state that these views to sand erosion which would negate Grainger to all levels of Government are not necessarily shared by the its need. The rehabilitation of the and the bureaucracy. It is published Winda Woppa Association. Whilst we Winda Woppa peninsula as an unspoilt here so that you can see what other acknowledge that a sand stockpile is environmental asset and a natural organisations are fighting related to necessary for the planned Sand Transfer amenity for the quiet enjoyment of all is our issues. System, our goal is a permanent solution our long-term objective.

From Gordon Grainger, Spokesperson, There is a solution We are faced with 2 objections Myall River Action Group, to all of you Please view the following video: COST: Extra time taken would not be high who are in responsible positions and who https://vimeo.com/273916099?ref=fb- and with supporting co-operation from represent your constituents and land share&1 both Council and State Govt those costs owners who are the residents, visitors and should be met. This shows the recent opening of sand users of the world renowned Myall River and adjoining lakes which are dependent blocked Smiths Lakes which is within BUREAUCRATIC APPROVALS: We are on a healthy river system. Mid Coast Council Shire and the use of informed that approvals will need to heavy equipment used to carry out the be obtained from the myriad of Govt. The natural, eastern entrance (known work. Such equipment could and should Agencies. Costly, time consuming (over locally as the “Short Cut”) to the river has be used to remove a sand spit which six months) and totally unnecessary. almost closed due sand migration and the has formed across The Myall entrance. This sand is primarily the result of wind- river is now subject to a return of reduced That spit could be removed in a relatively blown from the stockpile. That stockpile clarity, low salinity and poor appearance. short time and the volume of flow from is the result of dredged sand only two It may also result in the closure of a recent rains would assist in widening the years ago when ALL approvals had been resurgence of oyster farms and an adverse entrance. This action will provide a respite achieved – there is no difference! impact on tourism. which could last until the next dredging Mid Coast Council is committed to a sand program and the suggestion has met with The question needs to be asked as to transfer system, which will ensure future merit within Council particularly as Council why this nonsense is allowed to exist and dredging of the entrance, however that is are scheduled to remove sand from the is it fostered under our political masters? unlikely to be undertaken for at least three vicinity, used in the restoration of Jimmy’s If not, this is their chance to correct an years. Beach and expected to begin next week. obvious anomaly.

Winda Woppa Association Inc. Email: [email protected] PO Box 1 Hawks Nest Web: www.windawoppa.asn.au NSW 2324 Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/1708521389368872/