Stalled works on the new seawall and path at Kiama Harbour have raised the curiosity of many, given the project was due for completion in September.

In response to a query from The Bugle, a spokesperson for the Department of Planning & Environment says, “The Department is in discussion with the project contractor to reach agreement on additional work that is required for the seawall project.

“Agreement needs to be reached on extra work needed to secure the seawall to bedrock on the harbour floor.

“Work will resume as soon an agreement is reached.”

When work started at the end of May, it was expected to be completed in about four months, depending on the weather.

The overall design and look of the $2.1 million Crown Lands’ upgrade remains the same, with the much higher seawall retaining walls, new street furniture and a seating area, a new accessible ramp, stainless steel handrails and balustrades, and landscaping. The boat ramp and trailer parking area will be retained.

The scale of the Crown Lands’ project took many by surprise when it was announced, as no public consultation was involved.

Council’s former Municipal Engineer, Noel Edgell, is critical of the project saying there is a lot of unnecessary work being undertaken.

The retaining wall before the work commenced

“In my opinion, given my background, all that was really needed was the wall to be replaced and to add a safety rail on top,” Noel says.

“The boating fraternity has also been calling out for a long time for an extra boat ramp.

“They could have extended the boat ramp, left most of the path and just renewed the wall for 25 per cent of the cost.”