Works to replenish West Beach with more sand have continued in line with the recommendations of the independent Adelaide Beach Management Review.
As announced in the 2024-25 State Budget, the South Australian Government will spend $20.7 million this financial year to restore West Beach with quarry sand while also conducting a dredging trial to recycle sand that drifts north along the coast. The works will combat erosion, protect infrastructure and improve amenities at West Beach and Henley Beach South to support coastal communities and businesses. The State Government has committed to delivering 550,000m3 of sand to West Beach over the next five years.
The beach will be boosted with 200,000m3 of quarry sand over the next 12 months following the review’s findings. The trial will dredge sand from a nearshore zone between Taperoo and North Haven and deliver it south by barge to West Beach, where it will be pumped near the shoreline.
The dredging trial was a key recommendation of the Adelaide Beach Management Review. It is expected to run for eight weeks and be completed by early November 2024.
Work to deliver 15,000m3 of quarry sand to Henley Beach via the Henley Sailing Club has also recommenced after the July school holidays. This work is expected to be completed by the end of August.
Bird spotters will be in place at Henley Beach to help protect hooded plovers and other nesting shorebirds.
What will happen during the trial?
Trucks will access the beach via the Adelaide Sailing Club and deliver the sand between there and an area just north of the West Beach Surf Club. The works will occur between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. This is subject to weather conditions, storms and operational requirements. There will be no work on weekends, public holidays or school holidays.
The public will have access to the beach, but people are advised to take care during the works and comply with safety signage.
Department for Environment and Water (DEW) Coast Manager, David Osborn, said restoring West Beach played an important role in preserving Adelaide’s coastline.
“Adding large volumes of sand at West Beach benefits not only that location but also other locations, including Henley Beach South and Henley. This is because some of the sand will naturally drift north,” Mr Osborn said.
“Delivering this significant amount of sand to West Beach will enhance recent efforts to strengthen the dune system, which plays a vital role in protecting infrastructure. It will also ensure people can enjoy our wonderful coastline.
“Without adding sand, some of our favourite beaches would erode to rock and clay.”
Image: david hutchinson/stock.adobe.com
