Remediation works on Crown land

During the 2022-23 financial year, Crown Lands checked the condition of sites they manage directly. Sixty of these sites were found to be in poor or very poor condition.

This project aims to open opportunities for future community use of Crown land. By clearing these sites, we can create spaces that can be repurposed for various community projects, potentially boosting local economies and creating green spaces that help both the environment and the community.

Summary

• Location: Various sites across NSW, including Awaba, Bunnan, Coonabarabran, Salisbury, Maryvale, Windeyer, and Gunnedah.
• Project investment: $830,000 excl. GST
• Dates: Late 2024 to June 2025
• Times of work: Weekdays 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Traffic and pedestrian changes
• Noise levels: High at times

What we will be doing

From late 2024 you may notice us:

• Conducting environmental and risk material inspections and surveys
• Safely disconnecting and capping all services connected to the structures
• Demolishing and removing unsafe structures, improving the streetscape, and making areas safer and more pleasing to look at
• After demolition, levelling the sites and adding 10mm topsoil/fill to support natural regrowth.

Individual site information:

• Site: 2 Adelaide Street, Awaba
  • Action: We will remove all unsafe and rundown structures, including the access ramp and railings, the covered concrete area, retaining walls, footpaths, and concrete stairs.
• Site: 12 High Street, Bunnan
  • Action: We will remove all unsafe and rundown structures, including all footings and slabs, outdoor undercover area, water tank and water tank stand, septic tank, and all other structures/items found on site.
• Site: 1 Dawson Street, Coonabarabran
  • Action: We will remove the concrete block structure located at the rear of the property, ensuring the site is cleared and safe.
• Site: 2237 Salisbury Road, Salisbury
  • Action: We will remove the existing main structure, 5 outbuildings, and associated structures. This includes concrete slabs, water tanks, and footpaths. We will also remove timber fencing at the front and right of the property.
• Site: 79 Twiggs Road, Maryvale
  • Action: We will remove all unsafe and rundown structures, including the concrete footpath. The works do not include the Rural Fire Service (RFS) building, storage shed, tank at the rear of the site, or the reserve fencing.
• Site: 136 Clarkes Creek Road, Windeyer
  • Action: We will remove all unsafe and rundown structures, including water tanks and stands.
• Site: 117 – 133 Hunts Road, Gunnedah
  • Action: We will remove all unsafe and rundown structures, including tank bases and slabs.
• Site: Lot 7315 - DP 1154181, Hargraves
  • Action: Demolish and dispose of existing structures, concrete slabs, piers, footings and miscellaneous building waste.
• Site: 1062 Oxford Falls Road, Oxford Falls
  • Action: Demolish and dispose of existing structures, concrete slabs, piers, footings, and miscellaneous building waste.

What you can expect

• Opportunities for future community use of Crown land
• Prevention of illegal access and occupation of the sites
• Creation of green spaces that help both the environment and the community.

Keeping up to date with our work

We will update this page as the project progresses.

To speak to an officer

Visit the Contact us page and quote "9 Crown land sites demolition and rehabilitation".

Summary

• Location: Crown Reserve off Crawford Street at Bulahdelah
• Project investment: $385,000
• Dates: Between May – July 2025
• Times of work: Weekdays 7 am to 5 pm, Saturdays 8 am to 1 pm
• Noise levels: Medium

What we will be doing

• Removing contaminated soil from the site to prevent future impacts on and off the site and to protect the natural environment.
• Removing redundant infrastructure, including parts of the asphalt surface, the damaged wharf, disused fuel storage tank and fuel shed, underground fuel lines, fuel dispenser, and winch storage shed.
• Restoring the site by planting vegetation to ensure bank stabilisation and make it safe for future use, consistent with the RU5 – Village zone, such as recreation, tourist or commercial development.

When we will be working

Work will take place during standard construction hours, 7 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday, and some Saturdays between 8 am and 1 pm.

What you can expect

• Surrounding roads may be temporarily impacted as larger equipment enters and exits the site, but traffic control will be implemented where required in accordance with an approved traffic management plan.
• The project aims to minimise the impact of works to the local community, including keeping noise, dust and vibration to a minimum.
• The health and safety of the community is our priority. All construction activities are in accordance with the approved construction management plans.

We thank you for your patience and cooperation while we complete this important work.

Keeping up to date with our work

We will update this page as the project progresses.

To speak to an officer

Phone 1300 886 235 or email [email protected]

Summary

• Location: Old Ferry Road, Illawong
• Dates: mid-2024 to early 2026
• Times of work: Weekdays 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Traffic and pedestrian changes: Will remain closed until remediation completed.

What we will be doing

From mid-2024 you may notice:

• Demolition (completed)
  • We have completed the demolition of 5 unsafe structures from Crown land, including clearing hazardous materials, old vehicles and overgrown weeds.
• Rehabilitation (mid-2025 to early 2026):
  • Comprehensive site recovery to make the area safe and ready for everyone to enjoy.

What you can expect

• Access to the area will be impacted until hazardous materials, including asbestos, have been removed. Please do not enter the site.
• Long-term plan is for the community to benefit from a revitalised Georges River foreshore to enjoy a more scenic and functional riverfront, ideal for relaxation and activities. The remediation works will also improve the condition of Georges River National Park.

Keeping up to date with our work

We will update this page as the project progresses.

To speak to an officer

Visit the contact us page and quote "Illawong Cottages Removal" for any inquiries or further information.

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Summary

• Location: Moonee Beach
• Project investment: $125,000 excluding GST
• Dates: April 2024 to June 2025

What we will be doing

• We have submitted a Development Application (DA) to Coffs Harbour Council to demolish the Moonee Beach Pedestrian Bridge. The bridge is old and unsafe because its piers are eroded and damaged by worms. Engineers have checked it and said it can't be repaired.
• We are working with the Local Aboriginal Land Council, NSW Aboriginal Land Council, and Coffs Harbour City Council to make sure the area is safe and to plan for future pedestrian access. Most of the bridge is over Crown waterway, with small parts managed by Crown reserve and the nearby National Park.
• We are also discussing plans for a new pedestrian bridge, but this will depend on funding and development consent.

What you can expect

• No walking or climbing on the bridge. The existing bridge will remain closed for the safety of the community.
• No crossing the sand bar at Moonee Creek and Sugar Mill Creek as it is dangerous and there is risk of oyster cuts and potential drowning. The area also has Aboriginal middens, ancient shell deposits, that hold great value to the local Indigenous community which could be impacted by indiscriminate crossing of the waterway.
• Use of the alternate route to the reserve including the Rutile Trail, Sapphire Beach to access Green Bluff and Moonee Beach Nature Reserve.

Keeping up to date with our work

We will update this page as the project progresses.

To speak to an officer:

Visit the contact us page and refer your enquiry to the Moonee Beach Pedestrian Bridge project.

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The Wee Jasper Dip Caves include 5 parallel and interconnected caves with multiple entrances. The main walk-in entrance is geologically unstable, and tests have confirmed the presence of asbestos contamination.

Geological instability of the main entrance increases the risk of rock fall and landslips which could result in injury or death. Breathing asbestos fibres increases the risk of serious diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

Keep yourself safe and do not use the main entrance leading into the Dip Caves.

Summary

• Location: Wee Jasper Reserves, Wee Jasper
• Dates: ongoing
• Pedestrian changes: no entry to the site as there are safety risks

What we will be doing

• Assessing options that could safely permit the reopening of the main entrance to the Dip Caves for a range of users and interest groups.
• Engaging with the community, stakeholders, and interest groups to support decision-making.
• Considering remedial strategies that are sensitive to the requirements of the vulnerable Bent-winged Bat population and address public safety needs.
• Undertaking further studies to inform any proposed works to stabilise the main entrance and / or remove contamination.
• Implementing remedial works as required.

What you can expect

• Temporary fencing has been installed to restrict access to this site. The main walk-in entrance to the Dip Caves remains closed.
• Temporary fencing at other entrances is to prevent accidental falls into the caves. These access points are not currently closed to the public.
• Fencing measures will remain in place until further investigations can be completed. This is for the safety of our crew, users, and pedestrians.

Keeping up to date with our work

We will update this page as the project progresses.

To speak to an officer

Visit the contact us page and refer your enquiry to the Wee Jasper Dip Caves remediation project.

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