PORT Macquarie’s Breakwall received a lashing from recent storms which have taken their toll.
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The constant pounding from heavy surf has weakened areas and caused some of the massive boulders holding it together to fall away.
One section, across from the skatepark, has left a dangerous three-metre gap where a supporting boulder has fallen into the water.
It leaves a hazardous, sharp, rocky plunge into the Hastings River if a pedestrian gets too close.
When Port News contacted the Department of Lands about the issue they replied in an email.
The report said there was substantial damage to the outer armour on the breakwall.
It also said the Soil Conservation Service has begun a comprehensive assessment of the damage and investigation of the scope of repairs.
“Hastings Council was quick to erect barricades to control public access to any damaged sections of the breakwater,” it said.
Port News found only three witches hats at the scene and pedestrians in the area were shocked by the lack of safety barriers.
One elderly couple who did not want to be named said the witches hats were a joke.
“We’ve sat here for a bit and watched the skaters move the witches hat over onto the skatepark and so nothing is there to warn people,” they said.
Visitors to our area David and Hind Abood said the hole along the footpath was “very dangerous”.
“If you’re not paying full attention to where you’re going it would be easy to accidentally slip down there,” Mr Abood said.
“What if we were walking along here and the wheel of our pram fell down there.
“And we’ve seen kids running along here that could just as easily fall.
“It should be fixed straight away or at least a fence or barricade put up.”
The report from Crown Lands read further;
“Crown Lands is currently compiling damage estimates right along the NSW coast and repairs will be prioritised and carried out as soon as possible,” it said.
“In some cases the damage is minimal and will be fixed using regular local resources, but at other locations damage is considerable and will require the use of specialist contractors.”
In further correspondence a Department of Lands spokesman said Crown Lands was looking into a possible interim measure until the section of wall in repaired.