Looking back at Seal Rocks from the sea.

Why are we doing this?

MidCoast Council has received a geotechnical hazard study which has identified that sections of Seal Rocks Road and Kinka Road are at risk of coastal erosion and sea level rise by 2060.

Our consultants, Coffey Services Australia, are now undertaking investigations to develop options to ensure continued road access for the village.

The exposure of the Seal Rocks Road and nearby parking infrastructure to coastal hazards and increasing pressure from visitors means that there are concerns for the stability of the road.

As there is only one road route in and out of Seal Rocks, a future failure could possibly isolate the town and cause hardship for residents during weather events or other disasters.

It’s vital that we maintain a secure future road access to the Seal Rocks village.

Of high concern is that the coastal hazards and the improper use of the road infrastructure lead to degradation of the road, increased erosion and reduced slope stability.

What did the hazard study find?

The study assessed the road’s subsurface and also considered sea level rise and climate change projections. The main findings of the study are:

  • Coastal hazard probability lines

    Confirmation of the coastal hazard probability lines, with some variations, in the Great Lakes Coastal Zone Management Plan.

  • Rock under the sand

    We now know in some places there is rock under the sand – the previous reports had assumed there was sand only. The depth of rock varies across the site. This knowledge provides more certainty around which parts of the road are at risk of being eroded.

  • Coastal erosion and sea level rise

    The study shows there is high probability that sections of Seal Rocks Road and Kinka Road will be impacted by coastal erosion and sea level rise by 2060.

What will happen next

Consultants Coffey Services Australia are preparing options to ensure road access for the village.

  • These options will be developed together with landowners, which include NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Forster Aboriginal Land Council and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and the Environment.
  • More studies will be undertaken to ensure the best options are chosen. Biodiversity and conservation studies, Aboriginal heritage and land surveys will provide more knowledge.
  • Council will work with the other stakeholders to assess Coffey’s recommendations and choose the most viable options for ensuring road access to Seal Rocks.
  • These options will be presented to the community for their feedback.
  • Once a preferred option is chosen, the road realignment will be included in the Open Coast Coastal Management Program for progression to the NSW Government for parliamentary approval.

We are committed to keeping the community informed of this project and the findings of the studies.

This is expected to take place over the next two or three years. We will update this page as the project progresses, so register for updates to stay informed.