The riverbank at Kempsey's Riverside Park will soon have more protection against flood events, with works beginning on the construction of a sheet pile wall to protect the bank against further erosion.
Riverside Park is a popular and valuable public resource that hosts a variety of popular community events. The area offers numerous amenities, including playgrounds, barbecue and picnic facilities, jetties, a boat ramp, pathways, and event spaces. The area is a cherished social gathering space for the local community, and has been subjected to recurrent flooding, jeopardising the safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of the area.
The Riverside Precinct Foreshore Stabilisation project also aims to protect critical assets like the Kempsey Traffic Bridge and the CBD flood levee, ensuring that these vital components remain intact. In addition, the project will protect assets in the Riverside Precinct, improve ease of flood recovery, and provide a more functional space for the community.
The sheet pile wall is an arrangement of interlocking steel sheets and anchor system running parallel to the riverbank, with a concrete capping beam, buried within the bank.
The project also includes the replacement of the wharf and an extension of the existing footpath, creating a riverside promenade for all to enjoy. This first step will stabilise the foreshore and preserve valuable recreational land.
The project will take most of the year, and during that time there will be some interruptions to pedestrian movements, and access to both wharves and the northern boat ramp. Traffic control and signs will be in place to direct users of the area, and Council asks park users to please follow directions.
As the area transforms, the community will benefit from a more resilient and accessible riverside, offering enhanced spaces for leisure and social activities. The improvements will boost local pride and ensure that Riverside Park remains a vibrant gathering spot for future generations to enjoy.
For up-to-date information on the progress of the project, go to our website: ksc.pub/Riverbank-project
