Ms Barnes said limited access to some assets was making an initial estimate difficult and a full estimate will not be known until the assessment work is completed.

“Staff are currently focused on getting assets operational and doing this work,” she said. “This initial assessment enables us to apply for disaster funding from the NSW government and this process is already taking place.

“Beach goers should be cautious of major erosion which has left large sandbanks on many beaches which can be very dangerous to children.”

Following severe damage to the region’s beaches caused by the weekend’s extratropical cyclone, known locally as an east coast low, Ms Barnes warned of hidden dangers.

“The presence of sea foam in many areas can mask hidden debris and changed conditions, and there will still be strong currents around river mouths, so please be careful,” she said.

With the Queen’s Birthday long weekend fast approaching, Tathra Wharf Museum president Allen Collins was hoping to open for visitors despite the damage to the structure over the weekend, however following an inspection by civil engineers on Thursday morning he has been told it is not possible as it was declared unfit for occupation or use.

“I’m very upset and disappointed but they can’t afford to take a risk due to litigation of course,” Mr Collins said.

An email from council’s property services coordinator Michelle Preo to Mr Collins states the repair works will take “at least four weeks” with The Wharf Locavore cafe also closed.

“I understand at this stage the road will also remain closed until the works are complete to deter people from trying to access the wharf,” Ms Preo said.

Council will meet with Crown Lands on Friday, June 10 to discuss the works necessary.

While the damaged wharf has been a focus of locals upset at its obvious damage and concerned for its future, the council has other priorities, Ms Barnes said.

“Yes the wharf is iconic, it’s important,” she said. “But we have roads to people’s homes, bridges that carry school buses and critical infrastructure we are getting back in operation as best we can.”