South West Rocks resident seeks breakwall for safer passage to ocean

The experienced boater claims the current breakwall is too short and a longer one would create a safer passage from the river mouth to the ocean than the current alternative. 

“We need an extension on the northern side to prevent rough currents from causing boats trouble as they attempt to leave the river mouth,” Mr Blundell said.

A tragedy occurred on the Macleay River bar in February 2016, when a fisherman died after his boat overturned after encountering a racing runout tide that combined to create severe conditions on the bar.

In another incident, two people were rescued after their boat capsized on the sand bar when attempting to exit the mouth of the Macleay River in March 2017.

Mr Blundell claims these incidents and the safety concerns surrounding them have deterred fisherman and other boat users from visiting South West Rocks, as they don’t have a safe passage to the ocean.

The Charlestown Anglers, which is a fishing club based in Lake Macquarie, cancelled their annual fishing trip to South West Rocks in 2016 because they found the current condition of the Macleay River bar too dangerous. 

At the time, the secretary of the club Jason Skinner said the club would not be returning until something was done to address the issue.

Mr Blundell is adamant an extension on the breakwall will create a safer environment and would increase tourism to South West Rocks.

“South West Rocks was a destination for fishing clubs,” Mr Blundell said.

“But now the area has turned dangerous.

“I am an experienced boater and I have been swamped there myself.”

Mr Blundell believes there is no time to waste.

“This breakwall needs to have been done yesterday, we needed this years ago,” he said.

Mr Blundell has vowed to continue his crusade and has plans to talk to the chamber of commerce and Crown Lands.  

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