Residents of Vaucluse Waters, a residential building at Diamond Bay designed by Harry Seidler, have raised concerns about the construction of an elevated boardwalk in front of their property. The elevated sections of the Clifftop Walkway offer contractors a view into residents’ bedrooms, prompting calls for the height to be reduced to preserve privacy. Residents were not consulted about the height of the boardwalk, which also generates noise due to the building materials used. The coastal walk is a popular attraction in the area, but residents are concerned about the lack of balance between community access and residential privacy.
Tony Beuk, a resident of Vaucluse Waters, has expressed concerns about the lack of consultation regarding the construction of the elevated boardwalk. He is advocating for a reduction in height to the ground to protect residents’ privacy and amenity. Councilor Alex Nemesh acknowledges the need to balance community access to the coastal walk with the concerns of residents about privacy and noise. The redesign of the boardwalk, which included lowering the height and removing a lookout, was estimated to cost an additional $500,000. However, there are concerns about the legal risks associated with removing safe vantage points for visitors, potentially exposing them to extreme risk scenarios.
Construction of the Clifftop Walkway at Diamond Bay has faced challenges, including landslips and construction cost blowouts driven by material costs and supply chain issues. These challenges have affected many of the council’s construction projects, leading to delays and increased costs. Councilor Nemesh acknowledges that the project may be further delayed until a clear resolution is reached on the final design. The community asset is intended to last for 30-plus years, but ensuring a balance between community access and privacy remains a priority for residents and councilors. The contentious issues surrounding the construction of the elevated boardwalk highlight the importance of adequate consultation and consideration of residents’ concerns.
