While significant beach erosion along Byron Shire’s coastline from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred is slowly making a recovery, The Echo asked Council staff if they expect the state/federal government to provide funds to help with any remediation.
Chloe Dowsett, Coastal & Biodiversity Coordinator, replied, ‘Yes – although this is not yet confirmed, and there is no information at the moment about what grants or funding opportunities for Council may look like’.
‘Council has been asked to assess beaches and asset impacts and record this information to form a basis for potential grants applications. This process is being supported by staff from the Department of Energy, Environment, Climate Change and Water’.
The Echo asked, ‘Are there plans for Council to import sand in the short term?’
Ms Dowsett replied, ‘No – Council has no plans to import sand to any beaches to offset erosion impacts and sand losses. This would be significant and any consideration of such a management approach would need state support and investment’.
The Echo also asked, ‘Is there general advice that the public should know about the erosion?’
Ms Dowsett replied, ‘Lifesaving NSW are responsible for determining if beaches are safe to swim. If the flags are up, then the beach is open. Beach accesses to the north and south of the Shire remain closed due to coastal erosion and are hazardous. Please stay away until further notice’.
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