Barunga West Council is planning for a second stage of sand replenishment works, expected to cost around $40,000, in June 2023 if it receives approval from the Coast Protection Board.
In June, sand was carted and spread along a stretch of beach in front of Dalling Street to a depth of up to 0.75m by Port Broughton company Aitchison Earthmoving.
The project involves monitoring sand levels at intervals along Port Broughton beach before works are completed, and regularly afterwards. The data shows the amount of sand retained in the system and where it is likely to build up if more is added over coming years.
Steve Davey, Manager of Assets and Infrastructure, of Barunga West Council said the project was part of a longer-term coastal protection program to gradually build up sand levels for the Barunga West coastline to protect both public and private property from erosion.
“The first stage of sand replenishment works undertaken in June at Port Broughton beach adjacent to Dalling Street is holding up well so far, and Council continues to monitor the levels regularly,” Mr Davey said.
“Given the stability of the sand deposited at Dalling Street to date , it is likely that the next priority stage to be undertaken will be along West Terrace.
“This area of the beach will benefit from small amenity renourishments in low lying areas in front of the seawall, from South Terrace to the Boat Ramp, and around some of the stormwater outlet drains further north of the boat ramp. This will consist of up to 600 cubic meters of sand spread in small amounts and distributed naturally by wave action and tides.”
For many years the Port Broughton foreshore has experienced erosion, due to the impacts of weather, and the effects of man-made infrastructure such as sea walls and a boat ramp.
The first stage of Port Broughton’s nature-based solution to beach erosion received $30,000 from the State Government’s 2021-22 Regional Coast Protection Grant Funding Program. The entire program, expected to be delivered over five years, is forecast to cost up to $150,000, excluding maintenance costs.
Mr Davey said the ultimate aim of the project was for the level of the beach to remain stable at a desired height to provide adequate erosion protection for beachfront properties.