THE State Government has confirmed that Port Macquarie’s iconic Southern Breakwall will not be ripped up and rebuilt, ending one of the most divisive public debates in the town’s recent history.
The community-led Save Our Breakwall group says it has been vindicated by a Transport for NSW (TfNSW) backflip to commit only to repairs and maintenance, rather than rebuild 600m of the breakwall.
“Basically, we were right all along,” said Damian King, the three-time world bodyboarding champion who spearheaded the campaign against reconstruction.
“It’s a huge win. It’s an iconic breakwall and we can keep it special as it is,” he told News Of The Area.
“[They] should apologise for using urgent maintenance and safety to scare the community.”
The proposed replacement, which included widening the pathway and installing lights and fishing platforms, would have meant the removal of mature pine trees and the world-famous painted rocks.
There were also fears it would negatively alter the adjacent world-class surf break.
The Save Our Breakwall group organised public protests and funded an independent report by highly-respected engineer Angus Gordon, which concluded that targeted repairs were needed – not a major reconstruction.
TfNSW’s announcement this week now concurs with that report.
“While earlier assessments suggested major works were required, the most recent comprehensive engineering report confirms the structure is largely stable, with only two small sections needing targeted attention,” it said in a statement. “On the basis of this updated expert advice, the Government will proceed with a “maintain and make safe” approach, including clear warning signage, regular monitoring, and planning for a long-term solution through a Review of Environmental Factors.
“This ensures public safety, protects the local environment, and delivers the best outcome for the community.”
However, recent rock collapses on both the northern and southern breakwalls have prompted calls for those repairs to be undertaken urgently.
Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said the latest damage highlights the growing safety risks and reinforces the need for immediate progress.
“The structure continues to deteriorate, and every delay increases the risk to the public,” he said.
“The [Southern] Breakwall, which was completed in 1939, has become a much loved scenic walkway attracting thousands of users each day, and is in fact the second most popular walkway on the Mid North Coast.
“I want to see it retained as the icon it has become, with all of the colourful artworks.
“My primary concern is, and always will be, the safety of the public.”
Mr Dwyer said he understands that TfNSW is currently reviewing the next steps for the upgrade, with decisions to be informed by recent technical assessments.
“These assessments are essential to ensuring that the works are properly planned, appropriately resourced, and capable of delivering long-term safety for everyone who uses the Breakwall.
“Whatever works are necessary, whether immediate repairs, structural upgrades, or broader safety improvement, must be treated as urgent.”
The proposed reconstruction of the breakwall also contributed to the division between Councillors in the last term of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
Councillor Nik Lipovac, who supported the redevelopment, said he is disappointed by the TfNSW decision.
He noted that the breakwall became a “hugely politicised” issue during the 2023 State Election with the ongoing controversy making it difficult to attract tenders.
“Congratulations to all those who spread misinformation about the legitimacy of the project, and continue to do so, because without the upgrade, you don’t get the proposed wider path and new seating that we so desperately need for an ever-increasing number of users,” he shared on social media.
“The Breakwall was not going to be destroyed, it was being improved upon, made better and stronger.
“It’s well and truly past its use by date.
“The money was on the table and now it appears TfNSW are going to deny us the funding they promised.”
Current Mayor Adam Roberts, who opposed the reconstruction alongside his predecessor Peta Pinson, welcomed the decision.
“It means the long-running discussion over whether a full replacement of the Southern Breakwall was necessary or indeed needed has now been put to bed.
“I have recently spoken with…Robert Dwyer, and offered to assist and support his office or the NSW Government if there is a desire to progress a new project that would see the widening of the breakwall footpath, which would cater for the growing volume of users of this key coastal walkway.”
By Sue STEPHENSON
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