The 50-year-old picnic shelter at Little Bay in the Arakoon National Park is receiving new facilities after a safety assessment found concrete cancer had crumbled parts of the roof.
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The large picnic shelter shed at the northern end of Little Bay picnic area was demolished in May, a toilet block near the large picnic shelter shed was removed in June, and the smaller picnic shelter was removed at Little Bay in August.
"The large picnic shelter and toilet block were removed after the structures succumbed to concrete cancer caused by continuous exposure to the harsh coastal environment. Both structures were deemed unsafe to use," a (DPIE) Department of Planning, Industry and Environment spokesperson said.
"The small picnic shelter was removed after a vehicle crashed into it and damaged the wall of the structure, making it structurally unsound."
Several repairs have been made to the concrete roof of the shelter in recent years. However, continuous exposure to the elements took its toll; it is expected that the construction will be ongoing until at least 2020.
"The large picnic shelter shed has already been replaced and was re-opened to the public in August of this year," the DPIE spokesperson said.
"The NSW Government has allocated $6.7 million to the Macleay Coast Destination project over the next five years to improve the visitor experience at the popular Trial Bay and Little Bay precincts.
- Department of Planning, Industry and Environment spokesperson
"Planning is underway to replace the toilet block and smaller picnic shelter; it is expected that the smaller picnic shelter will be replaced before Christmas and construction of a new toilet block is planned for early 2020.
"Locals are still able to use the area, alternative toilet and visitor facilities are available at Trial Bay."
Little Bay won't be the last area to receive an upgrade to its facilities, with five years of improvements planned for the area.
"The NSW Government has allocated $6.7 million to the Macleay Coast Destination project over the next five years to improve the visitor experience at the popular Trial Bay and Little Bay precincts," the DPIE spokesperson said.
"The project will be delivered in stages and will include enhanced facilities and improved family-friendly walking and bike paths connecting Little Bay to Trial Bay.
"To register your interest, get updates and have your say in the Macleay Coast Destination project, visit: http://bit.ly/2WYL1wz."
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