When was the seawall constructed?
The seawall at Belmont Street, Swansea was constructed in in the 1990s. A timber wharf was also constructed in the 90s, along with landscaping of the area. The timber wharf closed to the public in 2019, and was replaced with a new wharf, aluminium gangway and floating pontoon. During the replacement works, movement of the seawall was discovered prompting further investigations and ultimately the closure of the foreshore area.
What is the cost of the project?
We are still going through the detailed design process so exact costs are not yet known; however, we expect the project cost will be in the millions.
What construction method is proposed to repair the seawall?
Rock bag armouring has been selected as the preferred construction method to repair the steepening of the underwater slope. This will involve placing bags of rock along the slope to stabilise the area. The rock bags will be anchored to stabilise and remediate the seawall.
We are still working through the detailed design process; however, before we can complete any works the NSW Government must repair the underwater section of the seawall.
Is the steepening of the underwater slope caused by dredging of the channel?
The steepening of the underwater slope is due to the natural movement of sand through Swansea channel. Sand movement has become more active since the breakwalls were constructed at Swansea Heads and Blacksmiths, and monitoring has shown that the channel is deepening and widening.
Some of the sand deposits upstream of the Swansea Bridge forming sand islands. This is dredged to maintain access through the channel. Based on recent studies, dredging is considered to have a minor impact to the overall sand movement and steepening of underwater slopes in the channel.