Foreshore protection efforts prove effective
Whyalla’s Foreshore has withstood recent storm activity and king tides thanks to council’s sand replenishment and vegetation program, which continues to play a key role in protecting local infrastructure and preventing damage.
There was no additional damage to sand and vegetation along the Foreshore, which had already been impacted during a previous storm. Without the ongoing protective measures in place, the recent weather could have caused the sea to overtop the Foreshore wall, leading to severe damage to the carpark, landscaping and retaining wall.
By strategically placing the sand and vegetation, council has successfully shielded assets from storm surges. It’s estimated that approximately 4,000 cubic metres of sand was lost during the storm, with around 3,000 cubic metres now required to be replaced, particularly at the caravan park end, which experienced the greatest impact.
Mayor Phill Stone said the recent weather events demonstrated just how essential the sand replenishment and vegetation program is to protect the Foreshore.
“Our beach has dodged several bullets during the recent storms, with the sand replenishment and vegetation program proving quite clearly that without it, there would have been a high risk of breaching and undermining the sea wall,” Mayor Stone said.
“It is therefore imperative that the program continues and that all members of our community accept it is a requirement to protect our seawall and landside facilities.”
Mayor Stone also reflected on stark images shared recently on social media showing king tide seas reaching the base of the Point Lowly Lighthouse, calling them a serious warning for the future.
“If it has happened once, it can always happen again,” he said.
“In my more than 50 years living in Whyalla, I have never seen such photos or heard of the sea reaching the lighthouse.”
Council will continue to monitor the condition of the Foreshore and progress sand replacement works to maintain and strengthen coastal protection efforts.
