Collaroy residents to chip in for wall

Residents of Collaroy whose homes were damaged by king tides have agreed between themselves to pay in part for a sea wall.

Source: AAP

A man whose million-dollar beachfront property on Sydney's northern beaches was damaged by king tides says he and his neighbours are happy to chip in for the construction of a sea wall.

Collaroy resident Tony Cagorski lost more than 10 metres of his yard during the weekend's wild weather, undermining the foundations of his home.

However, he told reporters on Wednesday that the damage was not as bad as first feared.

"We were expecting the worst when we came back in today," Mr Cagorski said.

"The engineer said the house is sound, there's only minor damage at the back.

"We've got a 99 per cent chance of rebuilding here and fixing it up."

Mr Cagorski said he and his neighbours on Pittwater Road had agreed in principle to help Northern Beaches Council pay for a sea wall in front of their properties.

He said the council agreed to create a system in which those who cannot pay the estimated $120,000 cost will be able to pay back the money in instalments.

"Why wouldn't I?" Mr Cagorski said when asked if he'd be happy to chip in for the wall.

"I love living here, I have such a strong connection to this place."

Council general manager Mark Ferguson, who met with up to 40 affected residents on Tuesday, said the council was happy to work alongside the state government and residents to build a sea wall, but couldn't foot the entire bill.

SES crews and hundreds of volunteers worked into the night piling thousands of sandbags to fortify the dozen or so homes and two apartment blocks that are on the verge of sliding into the sea.

Boulders are being brought in on Wednesday to strengthen sea defences.

In the meantime, residents have been placed in emergency accommodation and only been allowed back into their homes to collect belongings.

Mr Ferguson said owners would be issued with emergency orders in the coming days, advising them what repair work would be required on their homes.

The orders would enable property owners to circumvent the need to lodge development applications to have their properties repaired.

The council's willingness to build a sea wall to prevent future damage is at odds with its previous refusal to erect one.

Community pressure and a 3000-strong rally halted construction plans for a 1.1 kilometre wall in 2002.

Mr Ferguson said a 2014 Coastal Zone Management Plan had since identified the need for a sea wall.

"It's something the council would like to work with state government on, and the property owners," he said.

"It's a complex issue in terms of where they go and what impact it has on the environment."

NSW Premier Mike Baird also voiced his support for a joint response.

"There is a benefit that comes to private land so it is the right thing to do to ask for a contribution," Mr Baird said on Wednesday.

"It is also right to look at using public funds as part of that process but we need to get down to a position where we negotiate where that mix is."