Rodney Stevens Part of the popular Iluka Bayside Walk has been closed due to erosion undermining the concrete path between the Bay and Sedgers Reef Hotel, and locals fear it will remain this way for months due to inaction from Council. The CV Independent has contacted by several Iluka residents who regularly use the popular walk who have said a section of the path had been cordoned off with star pickets and orange tape for the past two years. “The recent high tides following the cyclone have undermined some sections of the cement pathway and as a result the council have closed off half the walk altogether,” long term Iluka resident Col Hennessy said. “Many locals are devastated by this as it will take months probably before it is fixed.” Mr Hennessy said due to the condition of the path a popular regular walking group he coordinates has had to cancel their plans temporarily. “I have coordinated the Heart Foundation walking group for many years,” he said. “We need a safe and preferably flat pathway and are disappointed there has been a gradual decline. “Representation to local councillors at the ratepayer’s association have not had any impact up to now.” Mr Hennessy claimed the erosion has been an ongoing issue along the walkway. “The erosion is nothing new and has been ignored for ages with just more orange safety fencing put up as a visual pollution on what should be a lovely calming walkway,” he said. A Clarence Valley Council spokesperson said elevated water levels from tidal inundation in combination with large wind waves generated from strong southerly winds has resulted in foreshore erosion undermining several sections of the Iluka Bay path. “Erosion has also outflanked and undermined several sections of existing rock revetment along the foreshore threatening the footpath,” the spokesperson said. “Due to the damage, sections of the footpath have been closed to the public for safety reasons.” The spokesperson said Council has begun the process to get the path repaired safely so it can be reopened. “Council will engage an engineer to assess the path and provide recommendations for repair. “The length of repair and cost to be determined after qualified assessment is carried out by a suitable professional.” Concerns from the public about completion of the stairs from Sedgers Reef Hotel to the public wharf will soon be rectified. “The stairs from Sedgers Reef Hotel to the beach are currently in the manufacturing stage and will be put in place in the coming weeks,” the spokesperson said. Funding will need to be found by Council to repair the Iluka Bayside path. “Council will need to determine the scope of works required and associated costs and then consider potential funding sources, but we are not aware of suitable grant funding available for repair of existing footpaths,” the spokesperson said.