Save Public Access to Port Kembla Foreshore

On 1 November 2008 security gates are to be erected outside the Sewerage Treatment Plant on Port Kembla Road, locking out all non-business related traffic to the northern Port Kembla harbour foreshore area.

This will come at a huge expense to the local community affecting access to the surf break known as "Oilies", as well as to the broader recreational amenity enjoyed by fisherman, swimmers, walkers, photographers, dog walkers, and cyclists for over 30 years.

Thousands of regular users will be displaced. An IRIS survey conducted on behalf of the Port Kembla Coal Terminal found that on an average summer weekend there are 165 vehicle trips per day to the foreshore in this area.

This closure is contrary to the State Government Policy of maintaining community access to foreshore areas. An ever growing Illawarra population, due to urban consolidation as well as promotion of the area as a tourism and day trip destination, the community needs access to more foreshore area for recreation, not less.

The proposed closure is based on dubious security grounds and has involved no public consultation. Whilst there is recognition of the Ports need for security and the important role that the Port plays in economic terms for the Illawarra and the broader national economy, opportunities exist to secure the facility whilst still permitting community access to the foreshore area.

It is incumbent upon industry to be good neighbours, sensitive to the needs of the community. A simple long term solution exists to ensure the foreshore area is retained in public ownership with free access to all.