THOUSANDS of cubic metres of sand will be moved onto Kingston’s Wyomi Beach next month in an effort to minimise coastal erosion.
Kingston District recently received grant funding from the Coast Protection Board to implement coastline maintenance strategies.
This funding had originally been sourced for the installation and extension of sandbags at both ends of the existing sandbags which were installed in April 2019.
Through further collaboration with the board and technical assessment, council staff recommended a sand nourishment campaign as a short-term strategy to address high-risk areas.
Council formally considered the matter at its meeting of March 24, with elected members endorsing the recommendation to start the process.
Mayor Kay Rasheed said although a sand nourishment campaign at Wyomi was not council’s original intention for the grant funding, there were sensitive factors to consider when implementing coastline management and protection strategies.
“We appreciate the sand nourishment campaign may not be the community’s preferred option,” she said.
“But, in comparison, to ‘do nothing is not viable or responsible and we would likely see further damage to the area and could have a devastating effect.”
The sand nourishment campaign will start next month, with approximately 7000m3 of sand placed to the south of the existing rockwall and sandbags to protect the area.
A minimum of 3000m3 will also be placed to the north of the existing installation.
The sand placement will provide a buffer for the short term protection of the area.
Long term strategies, triggers and financial commitments are determined through the development of a Coastal Adaptation Strategy.
Council will also activate a coastal re-vegetation project for the area as an additional erosion and sand drift mitigation strategy.
“We acknowledge the potential disruption and inconvenience to residents and beach users and we appreciate the understanding and co-operation of the community during this campaign,” Ms Rasheed said.
“We are so lucky to live on such a beautiful stretch of coastline, we need to ensure we look after what we have.”
