Email Minister Stokes

Help us get this issue on Minister Stokes' desk.

As the planning minister, Rob Stokes is responsible for exercising environmental planning and assessment functions across NSW as part of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). He also has responsibility for identifying and protecting publicly owned land for use as parks and public spaces and for enhancing and expanding the state’s parks, gardens and open spaces.

As we know, vertical seawalls kill beaches. As a key public space for residents and tourists alike, the beach's protection falls firmly within Minister Stokes responsibilities. As an assessor with the Northern Beaches Branch of Surf Life Saving Australia, and being the elected member for Pittwater as well, we hope that this is also an issue close that will hit (literally) close to home.

Dear Minister,
I am most concerned that the 7 metre-high, vertical concrete seawall erected along Collaroy/Narrabeen Beach will destroy our precious beach.
The science is very clear – vertical seawalls kill beaches.
This development favours private property over public amenity – and had the Northern Beaches Council properly informed the public of its plans, as required, I believe it would not have gone ahead in its current form.
I ask that you ensure Northern Beaches Council undertakes sand nourishment to make amends for the shocking damage already done.
I implore you to intervene to stop this monstrosity becoming the standard treatment for our beautiful coastline across NSW threatened by erosion and sea level rise.
The first two objectives Coastal Management Act 2016 that you revised as Minister are:  
(a) to protect and enhance natural coastal processes and coastal environmental values including natural character, scenic value, biological diversity and ecosystem integrity and resilience, and
(b) to support the social and cultural values of the coastal zone and maintain public access, amenity, use and safety, 
The Act also requires consent authorities to:
Support public participation in coastal management and planning and greater public awareness, education and understanding of coastal processes and management actions.
The building of this seawall FAILS all of the above statutory requirements.
It’s a disaster for the beach-loving public and all who use it.
I respectfully ask that you act now!

I would like to BCC myself