How do you want to access Budgewoi Beach?

Council is planning to build new stairs and a boardwalk for beach access at Weemala Street, Budgewoi.

Existing beach access was originally built by the Budgewoi Beach Dunecare Group but over time, the timber stairs have deteriorated and need to be replaced.

Council is proposing to remove the failing structure and is considering replacing it with new stairs and a viewing platform that provides safer access while protecting the surrounding environmentally sensitive dune area.

Current beach access

Yes. Each option has different construction and maintenance costs.

While community feedback is an important part of the decision-making process, the final outcome will also consider available funding, long-term maintenance requirements and environmental impacts.

The site is an environmentally sensitive dune area. Council will carry out environmental assessments and apply mitigation measures during design and construction.

Any vegetation disturbed during construction will be rehabilitated, including replacement planting where required.

Design options

Selecting the most appropriate beach access is complex due to the constantly changing nature of the coastal environment.

Council has carefully balanced functionality with long‑term coastal risks and potential future dune profile changes. The prepared concept designs focus on providing safe, practical access while allowing for adaptation should dune erosion occur over time.

The 4 design options we are seeking feedback on are:

  • Fibre reinforced polymer frame and tread

    Replace the stairs with a Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) frame and tread.

    FRP is a long-lasting durable material that requires minimal ongoing maintenance. It may have a greater impact on the surrounding environment during the construction phase but would deliver a more premium community asset.

  • Timber frame and fibre reinforced polymer tread

    Replace the stairs with a timber frame and FRP tread. The timber frame will blend into the existing environment and the FRP will be used as the walking surface where there is more wear and tear.

    A timber frame will be more easily modified should significant beach erosion occur. It may have a greater impact on the surrounding environment during the construction phase but would deliver a more premium community asset.

  • Natural walkway

    Remove the failing stairs and restore the access as a natural walkway.

    This will reduce the cost and environmental impact of building a permanent structure, but may be less accessible for some members of the community who may instead need to use the 300m wetland boardwalk to get from Weemala Street to the Ocean Street beach access.

  • Restore to natural dune environment

    Remove the failing stairs and restore the beach access to a natural dune environment with no formal access. People can use the 300m wetland boardwalk to get from Weemala Street to the Ocean Street Beach Access.

Share your feedback

To share your feedback on the Budgewoi beach access design options, complete the survey below.

You can also share your feedback by writing to Council:

When providing feedback to Council your attention is drawn to the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 which allows for possible access to certain public and personal documentation. View our privacy statement.

If you require further information, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre. Any written feedback provided may also be made publicly available as (de-identified) verbatim comments in the reporting process.