Narrabeen Lagoon flood fix options are open for feedback

The draft Narrabeen Lagoon Entrance Management Strategy went on public display on May 6, and council is seeking public feedback on its current practices and processes, to establish the most effective way to manage the lagoon entrance.

Options including a breakwall, ebb-tide channel and low-flow pipes were considered impractical for a range of reasons, and rejected by council.

READ ALSO: 'We never asked for this': How transgender comments hurt my family

Instead it will investigate more frequent sand clearances, but with smaller volumes, in targeted areas.

Intermittent mechanical breakouts will continue if the lagoon entrance closes between major clearances, and in response to forecast high rain and swells.

The draft strategy also recommended reshaping and revegetating Birdwood Park dune to assist with sand stabilisation.

Mobile sand pumping is not economically viable, the strategy states, however, it does recommend reviewing this practice if lower pricing becomes available from a contractor-delivered scheme.

At council's recent meeting, Narrabeen Ward councillor Vincent De Luca criticised the draft strategy exhibition period being extended from 28 to 42 days.

READ ALSO: How the five-year-old rescued the rescuers at an emergency birth

"This matter has been going on for nearly two decades. Our community is desperate that it finally be addressed and that something substantive actually happen," he said.

"This will cause further further delay anxiety in the community because people have suffered great hardship during our floods.

Mayor Michael Regan said the main objective of the draft strategy is to reduce the risk of flooding on the Narrabeen Lagoon floodplain.

"The development of this draft strategy is about making sure we've canvassed all feasible options to reduce that stress, to reduce the risk and to make sure our lagoon management continues to follow best practice," he said.

"Council has been actively managing the entrance to Narrabeen Lagoon to reduce the risk of flooding in the catchment while working on the longer-term management strategy."

The draft strategy is open for public submissions until June 19. Have your say.

READ ALSO: Heroic acts and quick thinking: the sweep brought back from the dead

Northern Beaches Council is offering online, in-person and telephone informations sessions to provide more information and give you an opportunity to ask more questions.

Drop-in sessions at the Narrabeen Coastal Environment Centre

Online information session

Telephone appointments

Have something to say? Send a letter to the editor at: editor@northernbeachesreview.com.au

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: