Work starts this week to remove old stormwater pipes at Surfside beach. Eurobodalla Council has contracted tree and asbestos specialists to do the work to improve safety and accessibility along the beach.
In February, the pipes were deemed low asbestos risk and the area was cordoned off. Council's director of infrastructure Graham Attenborough said work began on Monday 8 April.
"We now have the necessary NSW Government approvals to send in specialists to remove and dispose of the pipes," Mr Attenborough said.
"We're hoping the weather will be favourable to get the job done before the school holidays – the beach environment can be a hazardous workspace - safety of our crews and the public is priority.
"Crews will be full steam ahead during low tide hours, where excavators will be on the beach and trucks will be in the northern car park and along the road.
"Please keep your distance and avoid the area if you can."
Mr Attenborough said some pipes at the northern end of the beach will remain in place for now.
"We have plans for these pipes which are still being used to manage stormwater; that area will remain cordoned off for the time being," he said.
As for the fallen trees, Mr Attenborough said contractors will remove and mulch select branches and trunks as approved by NSW Environment and Heritage.
"To help reduce erosion and further damage to the bank, root balls and some tree trunks will be left in place as well as certain sections of pipes which will be covered in concrete," he said.
