Concerns raised over the deteriorating and potentially dangerous state of Wollongong Harbour's northern breakwater have been brushed off by the NSW Government.

Neighbourhood Forum 5, which represents the community in central Wollongong and its neighbouring suburbs, raised its concerns with local state member Paul Scully. The forum said the area was badly in need of an upgrade and a hazard for people accessing the little lighthouse and a popular fishing location at the end of the breakwater. NF5 also raised concerns about increased vandalism in the area.

An inspection of the breakwater this weekend by The Illawarra Flame confirmed those concerns, with the surface of much of the breakwater badly broken, with dangerous gaps and trip hazards evident. A large section of the rusting safety fence had fallen towards the water and sections of the walkway that had been patched up previously were also failing.

About 100 people were fishing on the breakwater during our visit on Saturday afternoon. One said he'd tripped and fallen while walking to his favourite fishing spot a few weeks ago in the pre-dawn light. There is no safety or security lighting on the breakwater.

Despite the concerns raised and the clear evidence of the worsening condition of the breakwater, Mr Scully passed on to NF5 a response to his representations from the then Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, who has since resigned from her position on February 4 this year.

Ms Haylen advised that "rock pavement surfaces are common and deemed a suitable material for maritime coastal infrastructure, used along many coastal breakwaters in NSW, as is the case for the North Wollongong breakwater. Coastal breakwaters consist of rock material which vary in size and shapes, compacted but exposed to weathering and ocean overtopping. This causes uneven surfaces over time and material to dislodge.

"Transport for NSW is of the opinion that maintenance or upgrades involving complete removal of the rock medium at this location would not be achievable due to the exposed nature of the breakwater and costs associated with ongoing maintenance. Wollongong breakwater will be routinely maintained to a standard which will include replacing similar rock medium on to the walkway.

"Transport for NSW is also currently investigating additional security measures for the area to deter further vandalism and ensure the safety of the harbour and associated assets."