Shark Beach remains closed as seawall engineers dropped by government

By ERIN MODARO

Further delays have impacted the construction of a new seawall at one of Sydney’s most loved beaches. A damaged seawall at Shark Beach in Vaucluse was pitted for reconstruction last year, with beach access closed since March.

The NSW Government has dropped a contract with civil engineering firm Delaney Civil after earlier disputes led to a stall in progress on construction. Residents noticed a lack of progress on the construction of the seawall in early December, as the Sydney Morning Herald reported no workers seemed to have been at the site for several weeks.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) announced a new contractor would be brought in to take over the project, which will replace the crumbling seawall and address coastal erosion in the area. The NPWS said to The Guardian that the works had not been progressing fast enough.

Residents were informed of the decision to drop Delaney Civil for a new firm over email.

Previous delays to construction

Shark Beach, with sweeping views and clear blue water, has been a popular destination for walks, swims and picnics for years. The reconstruction of the seawall has caused significant distress to residents already, after the project has been met with many delays.

Droves of bad weather on top of contract disputes led to the reopening of the beach to be pushed back to April, instead of being open to the public over the summer.

Woollahra Mayor Susan Wynne told residents that there was nothing that could be done about the delays.

A beach kiosk and restaurant in Neilson Park have also been closed during construction. Now, the delays will extend the beach’s closure well into 2023. Expected completion of the construction was scheduled for 2023 with no firm date given. No update on the new date has been provided as of yet.