Millions of heat-stricken Sydneysiders are unable to cool off at their local beach as the construction of a new sea wall is plagued by problems. 

Shark Beach – locally known as Nielsen Park – in Vaucluse in the city’s east has been closed for almost three years, much to the annoyance of locals. 

The popular swim spot was set to re-open in late November but was recently rescheduled to mid-December. 

The beach has been off limits since 2022 when remediation work on the 160metre seawall began after it was damaged by floods in 2016.

‘Opening of the beach remains on track for mid December 2024,’ a NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service spokesperson told the Daily Telegraph. 

The spokesperson said there had been ‘several significant unforeseen delays’ including rain, thousands of tonnes of asbestos, redesigns and contract disputes.

However, recent photos of the beach have revealed the sea wall is nowhere near completion – meaning swimmers may need to wait until 2025 for a dip. 

Woollahra Council deputy mayor Sean Carmichael said locals are frustrated they can’t cool off at the beach under current heatwave conditions. 

Residents are frustrated the beach hasn’t been available as Sydney swelters under a heatwave (pictured, work on the sea wall at Nielsen Beach earlier this year)

The iconic Shark Beach – locally known as Nielsen Park in Vaucluse in Sydney’s eastern suburbs – is now set to open in mid-December (swimmers in Bondi are pictured)

‘There has been tremendous disappointment that the construction is still going on. People would like to use this beach but they can’t,’ he said.  

‘We all understand projects like this can be complicated and complex with unexpected issues arising and ongoing delays. 

‘But it doesn’t seem like the state government is brimming with enthusiasm and wanting to get on top of this issue, which in the scheme of things is not all that huge.’ 

NSW Parks and Wildlife planned to replace the seawall with a new barrier that would be reinforced to withstand the impact of strong wet weather and surf conditions.

But contract disputes, bad weather and the discovery of 3,600 tonnes of asbestos in the old wall have prolonged its construction and the closure of Nielsen Park.

Remediation work at Shark Beach also includes the installation of planter boxes and the planting of mature trees to provide shade along the terrace and seating areas.

In September, NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe told ABC Radio Sydney construction at the popular swim spot had taken too long.

‘I am one of the many swimmers who is waiting eagerly for the completion of these works. This is a project I have inherited and it has taken too long,’ she said.