The annual Whyalla Foreshore Sand Replenishment Program is due to commence once again, aiming to help protect beach-side assets.
This project – which will begin on Monday 11 December – involves harvesting sand deposited adjacent to the breakwater of the marina at the Whyalla Foreshore and depositing it along certain sections of the seawall to provide a protective barrier.
Existing vegetation that has established along this ‘frontal dune’ will be protected throughout this process, as it helps to strengthen the dune and improve its robustness in times of storms and king tides.
The Sand Replenishment Program has been in place since 2013, with Whyalla City Council working with the Department of Environment and Water (DEW) Coast Protection Board on the best practice method of improving the quality of the beach.
As part of this process, Council’s Project Manager Landscape Sam Bourne said the beach wrack (commonly referred to as seaweed) and vegetation were the “single most important factor” in protecting and maintaining our beach environment.
“It binds the sand together. It’s soft…but it also holds onto the sand particles – long-term, that is the only way that this sand will stay here,” Sam said.
“We need the sand to provide protection against big tidal surges and storm events, because if the sand was not there, there is nothing to sacrifice against this energy and it will start affecting the beach side assets and undermining them and taking them away.
While these works are carried out, signs and barricades will be installed on the beach to ensure safe operation of the project while maintaining public safety for beach users.
To learn about the Sand Replenishment Program and why it’s important, listen to Sam Bourne Project Manager Landscape below.
Any queries are to be directed to Sam Bourne on 8640 3451.