The City of Port Phillip, in collaboration with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), is undertaking a comprehensive beach renourishment project at Middle Park Beach, strategically located between Mills and Langridge streets.
Project Overview
Location
Middle Park Beach, between Mills and Langridge streets.
Funding
The project is funded by DEECA through a Deed of Grant.
Purpose of Renourishment
Why Renourish Middle Park Beach?
Middle Park Beach, like many other beaches in the City of Port Phillip, is artificially created and requires periodic sand replenishment to combat erosion. Climate change has accelerated erosion rates, making regular renourishment essential. Previous renourishment efforts were completed in 2020, 2016, and between 2008 and 2010, expanding the beach to a width of 35 meters at high tide.
Proactive Beach Maintenance
Although current beach conditions are stable, the council aims to proactively reinforce the beach to mitigate the impact of potential severe storms, which could significantly reduce the beach’s width. Once completed, the renourishment will help protect the beach from adverse weather events.
Impact and Timeline
Project Timeline
Renourishment work is scheduled to commence in March 2026, targeting completion by May 2026, ahead of the summer peak season, weather permitting. Conducting the work during the cooler months is intended to minimize public safety risks.
Construction Impact
During the construction period, sections of the beach will be closed in stages to minimize public disruption. Appropriate fencing and barriers will be installed to restrict public access to the construction site. A fenced construction compound will house larger equipment, including a sand dredge, booster pump, and bulldozer.
Community Considerations
Minimizing Community Disruption
The contractor will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to minimize delays and reduce the overall impact on the community. During nighttime operations, effective noise barriers will be in place. Sand pumping will be allowed, but mechanical spreading of sand will be restricted to daytime hours.
Renourishment Objectives
Key Objectives
Upon completion, the renourishment is expected to:
- Increase the beach width.
- Enhance recreational amenities for the community.
- Provide a buffer against storm damage to the surrounding area, including the heritage beach shelter, Sandbar Café, the bluestone wall, and the Bay Trail.
Partnerships and Procurement
Tender Process
A competitive public tender process, in partnership with the Victorian Government, will be advertised in early 2025, with a contractor expected to be appointed by June 2025. The renourishment project is managed by the City of Port Phillip and funded by DEECA through a Deed of Grant.
Dredging Details
Dredging Operations
The project involves dredging approximately 37,000 cubic meters of sand, which will be distributed to create a larger beach profile. Initially, the dredged sand may appear darker and have a distinct odor due to naturally occurring organics. However, within a few days, sunlight exposure and wave action will bleach the new sand, blending it with the existing beach sand.
Conclusion
The Middle Park Beach renourishment project is a crucial initiative to maintain and enhance the beach’s usability and protection against erosion. Through proactive measures, strategic planning, and community-focused execution, the City of Port Phillip and DEECA are committed to preserving this valuable coastal asset for future generations.