3 months ago
20
A cliff at a popular eastern Sydney beach has collapsed, causing part of the beach to close and sparking concerns from residents worried about safety.
A section of sandstone about 20 metres long and six metres deep toppled onto a stormwater drain and part of Bronte Beach at close to noon on Friday.
Large rocks have fallen onto the stormwater pipe.Credit: Louise Kennerley
Antony Neeson, who was surfing when the rockfall occurred, said the cliff collapsed on the north side of Bronte Beach.
No one was injured, but Neeson said if it had been sunny and dry day, people would have been injured walking along the top of the cliff or sitting on the concrete drain.
“It’s very lucky no one was walking. But can you imagine if this were a sunny springtime Saturday afternoon, it would have been just horrific,” the Bronte resident said.
“The authorities ... probably need to have a good look at some of the overhangs in the area, because I don’t think I’m going to be walking along this drain again. It’s just too lethal.
Surfer Anthony Neeson at Bronte.Credit: Louise Kennerley
“Every other day, I’m down here in the afternoon walking my little Pomeranian.”
Waverley Council has blocked off a small portion of the beach and surrounding walkways, but no homes were damaged.
Another witness of the cliff collapse, who asked not to be identified, said he felt the ground shake and heard a loud crash, which he thought was from a nearby construction site.
The council said it’s investigating whether heavy rainfall contributed to the collapse.
“Assessments are ongoing, but it appears sustained heavy rainfall may have contributed to the section of the cliff slipping, beneath which a stormwater drain – or culvert – ran,” the council said in a statement.
“The culvert and a safety rail were badly damaged during the slip. A geotechnical assessment will be conducted to ensure the stability of the cliff area and to determine whether the exclusion zone needs to be extended.”
Another local, Ben Robinson, said he had recently walked over the stormwater pipe.
“Two days ago, I was walking down the stairs that are now smashed. It’s crazy,” he said.
“I go twice a week, and it’s a small part of my walk ... On a hot summer’s day, people would be sitting there, it could’ve happened in summer.”
The beach is closed due to dangerous surf conditions.
More to follow
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