Seawall repair work has begun, with Buttrose Earthmovers now on site. Initial activities include installing temporary beach access, starting rock deliveries, and constructing a working platform on the existing seawall. Excavators will use this platform to place large toe rocks and build the lower section of the seawall.

To ensure public safety, a temporary row of rocks has been placed at the southernmost end of Christies Beach, extending to the water’s edge. This serves as a barrier to prevent public access to the active construction site. Signage is also in place, advising beachgoers to avoid approaching or crossing the rocks.

Rocks for the repair work will be stockpiled on this section of the beach, where heavy machinery will also be operating. The temporary barrier has been chosen over fencing due to the high probability of fencing being blown over in strong coastal winds.

For your safety, we ask swimmers and beachgoers to keep a safe distance from the barrier and ongoing construction work when on the beach and in the water.

Once the seawall work is complete (expected towards the middle of 2025), we’ll begin upgrading the path above the seawall as part of the Witton Bluff Base Trail project.

The seawall repairs are necessary to stop the cliffs from eroding. If the seawall isn’t properly maintained, waves could wear down the cliffs and cause serious damage.

Thanks to extra funding from the Federal and State Governments, this work will ensure the seawall stays strong for many years, meaning no further repairs will be needed in this section for a long time. Here’s what the seawall repairs will include:

• Adding large stones (up to 5 tonnes) at the base of the seawall to help hold it in place.
• Placing new, larger armour rocks on top of the seawall. These are bigger than the original rocks to better handle future impacts from climate change.
• Reshape the seawall to make it taller and add a crest at the top. This new shape will help break up waves and reduce how much water splashes over the wall.

Impacts During Construction

During construction, you can expect:

• Around 20 trucks per day delivering large amounts of rock to the site. Since the rocks are big and many are needed.
• Trucks to deliver the first load around 7-7.30am and the last load around 4.30pm daily.
• Traffic controls in place. Stop/go at times causing minor wait times while trucks are reversing.
• Noise from trucks and machinery while the work is happening.
• Adjacent car park to be utilised for trucks to safely access the site.
• A temporary site office set up nearby.
• Some areas closed off to keep the public safe.

The seawall repair is expected to be completed mid-2025.

Learn more by reading our frequently asked questions.

We'll continue to share photos and updates here as the project progresses.