Vehicular access at the popular Manning Point location has been an on and off affair in past years, with the area suffering extensive erosion and rendering the access point hazardous.

Now with a gradient of up to two metres in places, the current repair work is likely to be the last.

“Erosion has been severe and ongoing, and we’re now working with an almost sheer drop to the beach,” MidCoast Council’s community spaces recreation and trades manager Daniel Aldridge said. 

The restored access provides short term relief only, and when nature takes a further toll, there will be no more opportunity for us to restore access.”

Environmental considerations around dune height and vegetation are a determining factor for what work can conducted in the area.

The option of moving the current location of the ramp has also been explored, with no alternative sites being considered feasible due to the extent of the erosion along the coastline.

The current reopening has been made possible through the efforts of Vince Clancy and the local Manning Point community, who have provided materials and worked alongside the Council team to repair the access ramp.

“It’s been a collaborative effort to get the ramp open for the busy summer season, and a positive result for the community for as long as nature allows,” Mr Aldridge added.

A MidCoast beach access vehicle permit is required to drive on beaches in the MidCoast region.

To find out more, stay updated, and locate a beach access point, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/beachpermit.