Central Coast Council welcomes the confirmation of a Ministerial Authorisation for temporary coastal protection works to be undertaken by property owners at The Entrance North.

Central Coast Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said that this is a significant development for The Entrance North community, allowing property owners to act swiftly to protect their homes.

“Since the declaration of the Reconstruction Area in May, Council has collaborated with the NSW Government and private property owners to develop a scope of work for a temporary emergency coastal protection – which has now received Ministerial approval,” Mayor McKinna said.

“The Ministerial Authorisation means private property owners at The Entrance North can now legally undertake temporary emergency coastal protection works - a crucial step given the escalating erosion risks in the area.

“This authorisation will allow much needed protection for properties at The Entrance North, and importantly also provide time, while owners pursue the design and approval of a permanent solution.

“I acknowledge the deep frustration and immense emotional toll felt by property owners impacted by the escalating threat of coastal erosion. It’s a complicated issue and up until now, there has been a limited pathway available for temporary emergency works.”

Central Coast Council CEO, David Farmer said this has been a complex issue, and Council thanks the NSW Government for their continued collaboration and support.

“This Ministerial Authorisation has been gained following two Extraordinary Meetings of Council in May, called to address the accelerating emergency impacting coastlines across the Central Coast," Mr Farmer said.

“Since then, the state government and Council staff have worked tirelessly with the aim to achieve the authorisation for protection works which will offer further protection for The Entrance North property owners.  However, we now need to continue to work with the NSW Government and property owners to achieve a long-term solution.

“This authorisation and prescribed development consent pathways for a project of this scale can typically take years, and this authorisation provided through the NSW Reconstruction Act, has enabled authorisation in only a matter of weeks."

ENDS