July 28 - August 3, 2024: Issue 632

 

Bayview's rejuvenated path + seawall completed

Mayor Sue Heins strolling with Dr. Jenny Rosen of the Bayview Church Point Residents Association along the completed path and seawall works on Tuesday. Photo: Northern Beaches Council

The popular path along the foreshore connecting Bayview and Church Point has received a major boost with the opening on Tuesday July 23rd of a new 200m footpath between Bayview Scout Hall and Bayview Baths after a 5-month construction. 

The previous footpath had been impacted by coastal erosion which had caused it to become uneven in places and difficult to traverse.

People with prams or young ones on bikes will be able to comfortably share the path with people exercising or going for a stroll. 

And an added bonus is the spectacular view out to Pittwater. 

President of the Bayview Church Point Residents Association Peter Blanchard said he is very pleased that the project is completed.

"There is a twinkle in the eye of the Association to see this project come to fruition. This has been a collaboration between the Association, Council and the State Government. We're so pleased we lobbied the Council and the State Member to see this incredible project finished." Mr Blanchard said. 

This $1.35m project was made possible thanks to a $600,000 grant from the NSW State Government’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program, as announced by former Pittwater MP Rob Stokes in June 2022.

Some mangroves needed to be removed to stabilise the bank. Mangrove seedling replanting will be undertaken at the end of construction with the aim, Council has stated, to replant more than were present prior to the works.

In accordance with Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), a draft Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has been undertaken. The draft REF outlines potential impacts and mitigation actions for proposed works. The REF is available to view on the Your Say webpage for this project.

Mayor Sue Heins said; “We are grateful to the NSW Government for their contribution via a grant to assist council make this project possible. 

“The widened path now better protects the embankment it sits on from coastal erosion but also means it is more comfortable for people with prams or young ones on bikes to share the path with people exercising or going to a stroll. 

“The existing seawall has also been upgraded to modern engineering standards which will protect the widened footpath and Pittwater Road from erosion,” Mayor Heins said. 

The seawall, comprised of stepped sandstone blocks and sandstone rock toe protection, will protect the bank and provide tidal habitat for fauna, Council has stated. 

Local Member for Pittwater Rory Amon said the upgrades would help improve green open space along the foreshore.

“I am so pleased to see these footpath upgrades completed with funding secured from the State Government,” Mr Amon said.

“I commend the Bayview Church Point Residents Association for their passion in seeing this upgrade realised. Thanks to their efforts, locals and visitors can better enjoy our spectacular Pittwater foreshore.”

Mayor Heins with members of the Bayview Church Point Residents Association (L-R) Stephen Todd, Peter Blanchard and Dr Jenny Rosen