newy.com.au – A $200,000 foreshore rehabilitation project at Shingle Splitters Point has been completed through a partnership between Lake Macquarie City Council and Biraban Local Aboriginal Land Council.
Council project staff worked with Aboriginal heritage officers from the land council to rehabilitate more than 150 metres of shoreline at the Balcolyn point, a prominent lakeside stretch with views towards Pulbah Island and Myuna Bay.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the works included installing rock revetment along the foreshore after significant erosion caused by intense storms in May and June 2025.
“We identified Aboriginal heritage items in the vicinity prior to work getting underway, which prompted us to contact Biraban LALC and work closely with them throughout the project,” he said.
“By working closely with their Aboriginal heritage officers, we were able to protect the foreshore while also respecting the area’s cultural significance.
“It’s a great example of how infrastructure projects can be delivered in partnership with traditional custodians of our city.”
Shingle Splitters Point takes its name from the casuarina trees once felled there to make wooden roofing tiles, but ancient Aboriginal shell middens found in the area show it was frequented long before European settlement.
Biraban LALC chief executive Jamie Williams said the organisation provided cultural expertise, took part in site assessments and guided work throughout the project.
“It represents an ongoing connection between people, place and history,” he said.
Mr Williams said the outcome reflected a “positive and respectful” partnership with council.
“The collaborative approach has resulted in a project that not only protects cultural heritage but also strengthens relationships and sets a strong foundation for future work together,” he said.
Similar foreshore stabilisation works are now underway at Pelican, east of the Marine Rescue NSW base.
