Three-year Patonga stabilisation project is completed
A row of 50 homes on the other side of Patonga Creek has been protected from the danger of falling rocks with the completion of a three-year project to stabilise the steep slope behind them.
The $1 million project on a Crown reserve started after torrential rain in February 2020 dislodged large rocks which crashed into the rear of two properties, damaging water tanks, the back of a house and a shed.
The project involved geotechnical studies and tree removal, as well as securing parts of a cliff and boulders with steel rock bolts, breaking up unstable boulders, and covering rocks on steep slopes with mesh netting.
A 170 metre fence was installed to stop any falling rocks.
Crown Lands will monitor the site periodically for any changes to conditions.
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch said: "Materials had to be brought in by boat.
"A helicopter was used to remove dangerous trees on slopes and workers had to use abseiling gear in difficult to access areas with dense bush.
"The affected residents at Patonga can resume using all parts of their properties knowing they are safe from tumbling rocks."
SOURCE:
Media release, 16 May 2023
Bess Graham, Office of the Premier