Banks of Fairy Lagoon now creating 'a risk'
Storm-damaged edges of a popular coastal gathering spot are being monitored
Regular picnickers at Stuart Park’s popular Fairy Lagoon will have noticed things are changing.
Due to storms created by low-pressure systems over the past two years, between five and 10 metres of parkland has been eroded, exposing old stormwater infrastructure and historic protective brick walls.
With summer fast approaching, there’s less space available for picnic rugs and portable shade structures in one of our city’s most popular parklands.
A Wollongong City Council spokesperson confirmed “bank erosion at Fairy Lagoon has been identified as a risk through the Coastal Management Program, with work under way since June 2022 to inform management options and community feedback expected later in 2026".
At this time, council hasn’t decided what action might be needed to prevent the loss of more of the parkland.
“Watercourses like that at Fairy Lagoon are dynamic, natural environments that can shift due to tides, waves and catchment run-off,” the council spokesperson said.
“Any longer-term actions at Fairy Lagoon will need to take into account mapped coastal wetland and key fish habitat, cultural sensitivities and require a collaborative approach with the NSW Government as parts of the waterway are Crown Land.
“At this time, council continues to monitor the conditions of the banks on both sides of Fairy Lagoon. Trees on the northern side of the lagoon are within Puckey’s Estate, which is an annexe of the Wollongong Botanic Garden.
“While there have been some changes to the ground around trees on both sides of the lagoon, the trees on the embankments are monitored closely by the council and are currently considered to be in good health,” the council spokesperson added.
At this time, historic pine trees near the former Lagoon Restaurant are under no immediate threat.
