UP to half the painted rocks on Port Macquarie's breakwall will be moved in a $275,000 repair job.
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The state government's Crown Lands Division plans to start work today to repair the Hastings River southern breakwall.
Between one third and a half of the painted crest rocks will be replaced with new crest rock as a result of the repairs.
Any sections where the rock wall face or toe requires extra rock may be knocked down.
A Crown Lands spokeswoman said storm damage over the past few years had degraded the structure to the point that repairs were required to stabilise the breakwater and to enhance public safety.
About 2800 tonnes of rock will be placed at the head of the breakwater and along sections of the wall.
"There are some gaps in the crest containment rock, particularly near the head of the structure that need to be filled as well as several slumped sections of the face along the training wall," the spokeswoman said.
The repairs will involve relocation of existing rocks down the face of the breakwall including many of the painted rocks along the edge of the crest.
"It is not practical to retain these rocks in their current positions or remove and reinstate them," the spokeswoman said.
"Crown Lands recognise that the painted rocks are important to the community and have consulted with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council."
The painted rocks read like a guest book of Port Macquarie where people declare their love, record holiday memories, mark special occasions and leave tributes in memory of loved ones.
There will be some access restrictions along the breakwall and training wall path, as well as the surrounding car park and grassed area, during the work.
The skate park will remain accessible. The works are scheduled to begin today and are expected to take up to three weeks to complete, subject to suitable weather.
