Warning of sea wall dangers

The construction of sea walls would be a damaging and expensive response to the threat of coastal erosion, according to environmentalists.

"With the State Government allowing sea walls to be built, we are seeing a knee-jerk short-term response, because in the long term it will be very damaging and expensive," said the Central Coast's Community Environment Network chairman Mr John Asquith.

"It's really important for people to take the time to understand climate change.

"We need people to respond by doing their bit to reduce the carbon they produce," he said.

Greens councillor Terri Latella also warned against sea walls as being difficult to implement and as spoiling beaches.

She said that, while they were theoretically possible, "they have to be very consistent, like the ones in France".

"If you look at them, they're very large, aesthetically unpleasing structures," she said.

Cr. Latella said there needed to be more focus on bringing sand back to the beaches.

NSW Nature Conservation Council executive director Ms Cate Faehrmann was critical that private property owners in high-risk areas could appeal if their application to build their own sea walls was rejected by local council.

"The Premier's decision to override councils and potentially allow property owners to build sea walls is also going to undermine the seaside lifestyles we all treasure," Ms Faehrmann said.

Gabby Greyem, 12 Nov 2009 Interview: John Asquith, CEN Terri Latella, Gosford Council Media release, 20 Oct 2009 Cate Faehrmann, NCC NSW