Shay and Greg Shehan near the South Golden Beach viewing platform (since removed) shortly after the recent king tides. Photo Jeff ‘Hung Over’ Dawson
Beach scraping works to the tune of $57,500 have been announced for New Brighton by the state government.
The announcement was amid a $7.5m Coastal Management Program and is ranked fourth from 26 coastal management projects across the state.
Environment minister Robyn Parker said, ‘The Coastal Management Program provides funds to support local government in managing the risks from coastal hazards, such as coastal erosion, and restoring degraded coastal habitats’.
And Byron Shire Council’s executive manager of planning and environment, Ray Darney, has welcomed the funding announcement. He says the work is scheduled to be completed in spring; however, he warned that the beach profile would need to recover between now and then.
‘Beach scraping involves moving sand from the lower beach to the upper side. Currently the New Brighton beach profile is severely depleted and there is little sand to work with.
‘In past years, the beaches have recovered between now and September but it’s a case of wait and see. We may need to defer the works if there is not enough sand in Spring.’ Mr Darney added that beach scraping was a temporary fix to coastal erosion.
‘Council last did beach scraping at New Brighton in 2010. While successful, recent storms have since seen the beach profile depleted.’
The funding grant was dollar for dollar with Byron Shire Council contributing the same amount. For further information on beach scraping see www.byron.nsw.gov.au/new-brighton-beach-scraping.
