Published on Wednesday, 22 February 2023 at 1:16:24 PM
Construction of three additional Geotextile Sand Container (GSC) groynes and sand nourishment along Sunset Beach to mitigate coastal erosion will begin in early March 2023.
The 40m long low-crest GSC groynes, spaced 70m apart, will be constructed south of the existing groyne and revetment built in 2019.
Approximately 7,000m3 of sand will be imported to nourish the foreshore area.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said the use of GSC groynes to build resilience to coastal erosion is already showing positive results along Geraldton’s northern beaches.
“It’s been six years since we began installing GSC groynes at three erosion hotspots north of the Beresford Foreshore and they are all performing well,” he said.
“St Georges Beach, Whitehill Road in Drummond Cove and Triton Place in Sunset Beach have all shown an increased resilience to storm surges and even Cyclone Seroja.
“GSCs are also the community’s preferred option as the beach can still be enjoyed and at any stage in the future, should the groynes no longer be needed, they can be easily removed.”
The project aligns with feedback the City received during the coastal planning process in which the community said they highly value our beaches for social and recreational purposes.
Implementing this option demonstrates the City’s commitment to work collaboratively with the local community on addressing the challenges of coastal erosion.
This adaption measure is consistent with the Geraldton Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP), which is based on the requirements and adaptation hierarchy of Western Australia's State Planning Policy No. 2.6 – State Coastal Planning Policy (SPP2.6).
The $1.5 million project is joint funded with $750,000 provided by the State Government through the CoastWA Hotspot Coastal Adaptation and Protection (H-CAP) Major Project Fund.
Construction of the groynes will be undertaken by local contractor Red Dust Holdings with coastal engineers M P Rogers providing technical services.
The ensure community safety during the works the Triton Place carpark along with the beach and foreshore dune area from the north side of the Triton Place carpark to Bosley Street will be closed to the public. The Bosley Street carpark will remain open to the public.
The estimated date of completion is May 2023.
More information on the project here
Photo: Existing Geotextile Sand Container groyne at Sunset Beach
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