The fate of beachfront Sydney homes damaged in last weekend's king tides is no clearer as homeowners anxiously wait for new information from council.
Northern Beaches Council says engineers are monitoring the situation on Pittwater Road in Collaroy, where up to a dozen homes and two apartment blocks teeter on the eroded coastline.
Thousands of sandbags were piled up to fortify the properties this week, with residents placed in emergency accommodation until the damage can be fully assessed.
The residents have been permitted to return to their homes, with an escort, to collect personal items.
"The preliminary advice from the engineers is hopeful that none of the houses will need to be demolished," council general manager Mark Ferguson said on Friday.
"This will be a long process and it is too early to estimate the total cost of the damage."
Mr Ferguson warned long-weekend beach-goers to take care when visiting the area by checking for debris and obeying signs.
Collaroy and South Narrabeen beaches remain closed, while Manly Beach has been reopened.
A number of ocean pools have also been closed.
"Safety for residents and visitors to our area is our first priority and while we want everyone to enjoy their visit to the Northern Beaches we urge urge everyone to make safe choices," Mr Ferguson said.
Mr Ferguson, who met with up to 40 affected residents on Tuesday, said on Wednesday that the council was happy to work alongside the state government and residents to build a sea wall in the area, but couldn't foot the entire bill.
Community pressure and a 3000-strong rally had previously halted construction plans for a 1.1 kilometre wall in 2002.
The council's 2014 Coastal Zone Management Plan had since identified the need for a sea wall.
Elsewhere, the Insurance Council of Australia declared on Friday that flood-affected residents in Picton are free to remove wet or mud-damaged carpet from their homes.
They said removing damaged carpet will not void a possible insurance claim.
"Flood-affected policyholders may remove and discard any water or mud-damaged goods that pose a health risk, such as saturated carpets and soft furnishings, but should take photos and keep samples of materials and fabrics to show the assessor," said an ICA spokesman.
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