Byron Shire Council says that despite losing sand and biodegradable matting holding plantings, its $1million Interim Beach Access Stabilisation works (rock walls) at Belongil ‘have held up well’, although shots taken before and after seem to show a different picture.
Council’s director of infrastructure services Phil Holloway said the Belongil coastline had lost sand at the Manfred Street interim rock wall as a result of the weekend storm event.
‘From a preliminary inspection, it appears that the protection works have held up well with the integrity of the structure including wall ends, toe and main armour preserved,’ he told Echonetdaily.
‘As is to be expected with such a severe weather event, sand was lost along with the dune vegetation and the biodegradable matting that was part of the site rehabilitation.
‘Some of the small rocks that were used to secure the matting have also shifted. These rocks are not part of the protective rock armoury.
‘Staff will be removing the matting and small rocks as soon as possible.’
‘From a structural perspective, the small rocks are not a concern,’ he said.
Over at New Brighton there is a one metre drop off from minor scarping has occurred as a result of sand loss.
By comparison, he said Main Beach Byron Bay ‘has seen significant sand loss and exposed some geobags at the Surf Club.’
‘Damage to landscaping has occurred and the car park requires clean-up.’
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