Homes protected from threat of falling rocks

A row of houses on the Central Coast has been protected from the danger of falling rocks after the NSW Government invested about $1 million to stabilise a steep slope and secure large rocks.

The three-year Crown Lands project has now been completed to ensure the safety of 50 homes at Patonga south of Woy Woy.

Crown Lands managed the project on a Crown reserve after torrential rain in February 2020 dislodged large rocks that fell down a steep slope and into the rear of two properties, damaging water tanks, the back of a house and a shed.

The restoration project involved geotechnical studies to assess slope stability, removal of dangerous trees, securing parts of a cliff and boulders with steel rock bolts, breaking up unstable boulders, covering rocks on steep slopes with mesh netting, and installing 170 metres of rock-catch fencing to stop any falling rocks.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said materials for the complex project 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 project was impressive given the site on the western foreshore of Patonga Creek is only accessible by water or air and the very steep terrain made it difficult to access with equipment,” Mr Kamper said.

“Public safety was the priority as well as securing the future of these homes so it’s great to see the successful completion of this difficult project.”

The major investment to secure the unstable escarpment means the affected residents at Patonga can resume using all parts of their properties knowing they are safe from tumbling rocks.

Crown Lands will monitor the site periodically for any changes to conditions.