newy.com.au – The fenced-off Swansea seawall at Belmont Street is set to be repaired and reopened, with the NSW Government confirming $7.5 million for urgent works on the damaged foreshore structure.
The State Government has committed the funding, with Transport for NSW to work directly with Lake Macquarie City Council to progress the repairs. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026.
The seawall has been closed to the public since 2021 after serious cracking and slope issues made the area unsafe. Assessments have warned that leaving the damage unaddressed would increase the risk to the foreshore, the shared path and nearby road infrastructure.
The investment will support repairs to a 100-metre section of the seawall, help stop erosion from worsening and protect nearby roads, housing and foreshore infrastructure. It is also intended to restore public access to the nearby shared path.
Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said the funding was an important outcome for the local community.
“This is a fantastic result for the Swansea community. The seawall has been closed for too long. Locals have been patient, but they are right to want it fixed,” Ms Catley said.
“The foreshore is a much-loved part of our community, and this $7.5 million investment is an important step toward protecting it for the future.
“I have fought hard for this funding because Swansea deserves better than fences, warning signs and delays.”
Ms Catley said the repair work was needed to prevent broader impacts beyond the damaged section.
“The advice is clear: the risk here is bigger than one section of the seawall. If it is left as is, it will put pressure on the foreshore, the pathways and the roads. That is why the Minns Government is stepping in to get this moving.”
Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the works would help avoid further deterioration and higher repair costs.
“Without this work, the damage to the seawall would continue to get worse, and the cost and complexity of repairs would only increase,” Ms Aitchison said.
“That’s why the Minns Labor Government is delivering $7.5 million to get these urgent repair works moving.
“I’d like to thank Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley for her strong advocacy on this issue.
“This funding is an important step in ensuring we can reopen this asset for the community to enjoy once again.”
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the council welcomed the investment and would support Transport for NSW in delivering the project.
“This section of foreshore has been closed for too long, and we know how important it is to locals,” Cr Shultz said.
“We look forward to supporting Transport for NSW in their delivery and getting these important repairs moving.”
