Sand pumping works to protect NSW beachfront from winter storms

MidCoast Council’s Sand Transfer System will pump sand to Jimmys Beach to create a sand buffer along the beach to reduce erosion as winter weather events begin. 

MidCoast Council contractors CCB Envico will be running the renourishment program and expect to start pumping from Thursday 20 May.

The Sand Transfer System uses pumps to take sand from a stockpile at Winda Woppa and distributes it to the most vulnerable part of the beachfront.

Jimmys Beach is one of 12 identified coastal erosion hotspots in NSW, with previous sand renourishment programs successfully limiting erosion caused by storms.

Council said the system is not designed to stop the erosion, but to provide a buffer – made of sand – along The Boulevard.

“We have a beach management program in place for Jimmys Beach and it uses a combination of operations for sand replenishment, with trucks and excavators as well as the Sand Transfer System,” explained Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Engineering, Rob Scott. 

“Every year we work to provide sand buffers along the pinch point in preparation for east coast lows that severely impact our beaches in winter.

“Thanks to an extensive dredging operation of the eastern channel of the Myall River last year, we have a great stockpile at Winda Woppa to work with, allowing us to make the most of the sand transfer system for our first major sand transfer campaign since the system was commissioned.

“It’s been a tough 12 months for Jimmys Beach with more storms than usual throughout summer which is usually when the beach has a chance to replenish itself.”

For more information on the Sand Transfer System, click here.

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