Perrie Croshaw
26 April 2023, 6:00 AM
The seawall and waterside walk at Black Beach, Kiama Harbour, have been
completed, according to the NSW Government.
The $3m Crown Lands project was originally due to be finished in September
2022, but was delayed because additional work was needed to secure the
seawall to the bedrock on the harbour floor.
The project involved construction of a new seawall, an adjacent accessible
footpath and ramp, new street furniture and a seating area, stainless steel
handrails and balustrades, and landscaping.
The nearby boat ramp and trailer parking have been retained and the concrete
wall includes an embedded pattern of a whale based on artwork commissioned
with Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Greg Sullivan, Crown Lands Executive Director of Land and Asset Management,
says the upgraded harbour front will improve the safety, accessibility and
appearance of the Harbour.
“The seawall provides stronger protection against storms to safeguard Black
Beach Reserve and Kiama Harbour Park while connecting people to local
attractions like the rockpool and blowhole,” he says.
Steve Kamper, Minister for Lands and Property, says the upgrade will benefit
boaters, fishers and walkers alike.
“Kiama Harbour is at the heart of the community,” he says. “The accessible
coastal path allows people to walk, ride a bike or push a pram and will support
Kiama’s appeal as a great place to live and holiday.”
The concrete seawall has an embedded pattern of a whale based on artwork that was commissioned with Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council.
A nearby boat ramp and trailer parking area have also been retained.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the harbour area is popular with boaters, fishers and walkers who use adjacent parkland and support local businesses.
“Kiama Harbour is at the heart of the community and these upgrades make it more attractive and resilient to coastal weather, allowing people to get safe and easy access to the foreshore to enjoy its natural beauty all year round,” Mr Kamper said.
“The accessible coastal path allows people to walk, ride a bike or push a pram and will support Kiama’s appeal as a great place to live and holiday.”