Remediation works start at Nambucca Heads V-Wall

REMEDIATION works have started at the Nambucca Heads V-Wall to remove sand build up and minimise riverbank erosion.

Nambucca Valley Council General Manager Bede Spannagle said Council was undertaking the works to stabilise this important estuary area, as a contractor to Crown Lands, within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. “Over several years, sand has moved into the Nambucca Heads V-Wall, effectively creating a beach on its ocean-side and causing wave surges to flow up and over the top of the V Wall,” he said.

“Combined with the severe weather events of March and May, this has caused significant erosion on the riverbank-side behind the V-Wall and constant flooding of both the footpaths and carpark.

“Crown Lands has directed work to remove sand from this area and carry out remediation activities to minimise erosion.” Remediation works are being carried out in two stages.

First the sand will be removed using an excavator and then transported to a fill site located directly adjacent to the western footpath.

The sand will fill in areas eroded by wave surges and then be covered by topsoil and turf.

A border of Gabion Baskets (cages filled with rock) will be added.

Sand is being removed to historic levels only, about two metres below the level of the footpath.

Stage 2 will involve the excavator filling 150 large geo-fabric bags with sand.

Then a small bobcat will carry the geo-fabric bags to the adjacent northern bank of the Nambucca River, to lengthen and improve the existing geo-fabric revetment wall.

This will minimise erosion of this beautiful and sensitive strip, frequently accessed by locals and visitors.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the insurance repairs would help restore the popular Crown reserve. “Breakwaters on coastal Crown land like the Nambucca V-Wall are popular areas for both locals and visitors so it is important to keep them maintained and repaired when needed to ensure they are safe and functional and can continue to be used and enjoyed,” he said.

Remediation works are expected to take about four weeks, weather depending.

It will be finished prior to the peak summer holiday period.

Users will still be able to walk or cycle along the footpath to the eastern-most tip of the V-Wall.

Access will be maintained via the road adjacent to the V-Wall Pavilion and the footpath skirting the barbeque area.