A HOUSE in Huskisson won’t collapse into a huge hole in the ground, according to Shoalhaven City Council.
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Fears were raised about a possible landslide at the stalled Beach Street construction site and a neighbouring house being sucked into a muddy hole.
There has been no work for months and local residents, Cr Jemma Tribe and the Huskisson Woollamia Community Voice (HWCV) were all worried the hole would grow bigger because of erosion.
They were also concerned about the section along Winnima Lane where there is a noticeable crack in the ground.
The owner of the adjoining property contacted HWCV and Cr Tribe went looking for answers.
“It’s becoming a growing concern and not just for the neighbour but also for the residents who regularly walk past and want to know what is happening,” Cr Tribe said.
Garry Kelson from HWCV began agitating on behalf of a local resident almost 12 months ago.
He said there was potential for more erosion and a landside as he pointed to a jagged crack in the ground in Winnima Lane.
Council approved the development application for a four-storey apartment block but a private company has since taken over the certification role.
Mr Kelson said council had a duty of care and he wanted a solution and answers.
Council’s Building Section manager Bob Goldspring and development manager Robert Russell met Mr Kelson and Cr Tribe on site last week.
The two staff members told them council recently had a specialist technician look at the site and the initial finding was the problem was not serious.
“There is no danger of collapse,” Mr Goldspring said.
The specialist is preparing a detailed report.
Council is also negotiating with the property owner to get on site to carry out further testing.
“There is no major problem here but it does need to be monitored,” Mr Goldspring said.
Cr Tribe said she was pleased with the response and added council was doing everything in its power to fix the situation.
The owners of the Beach Street development were forced to find another builder after they parted ways with the company that started the work.
The owners hope to have a new builder within days.