The funding, awarded under the Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program (CERMP), will enable Council to undertake a range of nature-based coastal protection measures.
The measures will target areas from Port Broughton Beach South to the northern extent of the beach adjacent John Lewis Drive, and will include sand replenishment works and re-vegetation.
Barunga West Council was one of six successful grant applicants from South Australia for the 2022-23 funding round, announced this month by Emergency Management Minister Murray Watt. The $50 million national CERMP, funded by the Emergency Response Fund, supports projects that reduce the impact of disasters on coastal communities.
The $359,000 will enable Council to build on sand replenishment works to date and for ratepayers it will mean work can immediately start to build up the profile of the beach around the jetty and foreshore area over the next 12 months.
Maree Wauchope, CEO, of Barunga West Council welcomed the financial support from the Australian Government and its faith in Council to deliver on time and on budget.
“This successful grant application is a big tick of confidence in Council that our staff has competently assessed and planned a method of coastal protection which will be of benefit to the whole community without a large financial impost on ratepayers,” Ms Wauchope said.
“It will involve bringing in locally sourced sand to build up the profile of the beach by approximately 50 to 75 centimetres along the coastline every 12 months for three years.
“Once the sand is settled and reaching a stable height, we will re-vegetate some areas with endemic plants to hold the sand in place and encourage continual stability of the coastline.”
Ms Wauchope said Port Broughton’s unique coastline was a major tourism attraction and its long-term protection was a priority for Council and its community.
“The coastline attracts thousands of walkers and recreational fishers, and is also a major driver for residential development growth in our district,” Ms Wauchope said.
Barunga West Council is planning sand replenishment works around the jetty and foreshore next year once the Easter holidays are over.