Gavin Smith, of Nelson Bay, and Fingal Bay's Rod Schramm say the hazard was a major safety concern.

"This is a tragedy waiting to happen," Mr Smith said.

"I'm not here to bash [Port Stephens] council, I know they are busy, but having this heavy concrete slab sitting precariously over sand that has been washed away needs urgent attention.

"The hazard tape and barriers are a short term deterrent but they only protect passers-by from the road end; they won't stop children playing at the beach end," Mr Smith said.

Mr Schramm said that the sand was washed away during the April 21 storm; while the beaches were not a major drawcard during winter, the area attracts families during the school holidays.

"It seems to be a small job, filling the exposed area with a truckload of sand."

The council's public domain and services manager Peter Matwijow said that key work - including the rehabilitation of footpaths, kerbs and gutters, cycleways and beach access points - were still under way.

"The council is seeking approvals from the NSW Marine Parks Authority for any works to foreshore and beach access points," he said.

"Nearly three months after the natural disaster devastated countless homes, property and public areas, council is continuing its risk-based approach to the rectification of its public access areas with its number one priority to make safe the public domain.

"The council has cleared in excess of 4000 sites, with clearing and cleaning of fallen trees debris from road reserves, parks and sports fields, footpaths and cycleways.

"It will take a lot longer than three months to undertake all [of] the necessary works," he said.