Works to Replenish West Beach with Sand Begin Monday
The beach replenishment project at West Beach is set to begin on Monday, July 29, following the recommendations of the independent Adelaide Beach Management Review. This initiative aims to combat erosion, protect infrastructure, and improve the beach’s amenity for local communities and businesses.
Major Sand Addition to West Beach
200,000 Cubic Metres of Sand Over the Next Year
In the next 12 months, 200,000 cubic metres (m3) of quarry sand will be added to West Beach. This effort follows the review’s findings announced in May and is part of a broader strategy to enhance Adelaide’s coastline.
Sand Delivery Process
Trucks Access Through Adelaide Sailing Club
Trucks will access the beach via the Adelaide Sailing Club, delivering sand between this point and an area just north of the West Beach Surf Club. The sand replenishment work will occur from 7 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, subject to weather conditions and operational requirements. There will be no work on weekends, public holidays, or during school holidays.
Public Safety and Access
Beach Access During Replenishment Works
The public will still have access to the beach during the sand delivery process, but visitors are advised to exercise caution and adhere to safety signage to ensure everyone’s safety.
Benefits to Coastal Communities
Protecting West Beach and Henley Beach South
This sand replenishment project will significantly benefit West Beach, Henley Beach South, and Henley Beach by addressing erosion and protecting essential infrastructure. It will also support coastal communities and businesses by maintaining beach amenities.
Additional Sand for Henley Beach
15,000m3 of Sand Delivered to Henley Beach
The project to deliver 15,000m3 of quarry sand to Henley Beach, via the Henley Sailing Club, has resumed after the July school holidays. This work is expected to be completed by the end of August. Bird spotters will be present at Henley Beach to protect hooded plovers and other nesting shorebirds.
Importance of Beach Restoration
Preserving Adelaide’s Coastline
David Osborn, Coast Manager at the Department for Environment and Water (DEW), emphasized the importance of restoring West Beach for preserving Adelaide’s coastline. “Adding large volumes of sand at West Beach benefits not only that location but also other beaches, including Henley Beach South and Henley Beach, as some of the sand naturally drifts north,” Osborn stated.
State Government Commitment
$20.7 Million Allocated in 2024-25 Budget
In the 2024-25 State Budget, the State Government has allocated $20.7 million to restore West Beach with quarry sand and to conduct a dredging trial to recycle sand that drifts north along the coast. The trial will dredge sand from a nearshore zone between Taperoo and North Haven and transport it south by barge to West Beach, where it will be pumped near the shoreline.
Dredging Trial
Key Recommendation from the Adelaide Beach Management Review
This dredging trial, a key recommendation from the Adelaide Beach Management Review, is expected to last eight weeks and conclude by early November 2024. Over the next five years, the State Government has committed to delivering 550,000m3 of sand to West Beach.
Conclusion
The beach replenishment project at West Beach is a crucial step in protecting and enhancing Adelaide’s coastline. By adding significant volumes of sand and conducting innovative dredging trials, the State Government aims to safeguard the beaches, support local communities, and ensure the enjoyment of these natural assets for years to come.