COMMUNITY comment is sought for Beachport’s revised sand management plan and boat ramp maintenance review after a recent Wattle Range Council decision.
At last Tuesday’s monthly meeting council carried a motion to seek public comment regarding both documents as renewed dredging works are scheduled to start early next month.
Comment is also to be sought from the Coast Protection Board.
The original sand management plan for town beaches was adopted in December 2013, but since then a number of lessons have been learnt which called for a review of the plan.
The boat ramp was constructed in 2004 and modified in 2014, but has been a constant problem due to excessive sand build-up.
Council engineering services director Peter Halton said the original sand management plan involved excavators, but it has since been established dredging was more effective.
He said dredging through a drag-flow system means no trucks transporting sand on the roads, but a crane-and-pump scenario which moves sand through a pipeline.
“This setup proves to be more effective with extended hours of operation which can move sand in a shorter period of time, thus reducing costs,” Mr Halton said.
He said the level of consultation has also changed since the fist plan was implemented.
“Originally all properties on Beach Road had to be consulted, but now only those which are directly affected need to be contacted,” he said.
“But anyone who still wants to make a comment or be consulted would be welcomed.”
Regarding the boat ramp, Mr Halton said there had been concerns about the depth of the water at the start of the fishing season.
“We have had very low tides in the early mornings and there have been complaints from fishers,” he said.
“We are monitoring the tides and low tides are expected to shift to the afternoons in a around three weeks.”
He said dredging operations were scheduled to start early next month.
“Residents did notice an excavator at the boat ramp for a short period of time recently,” he said.
“It was confusing to people seeing the excavator leave suddenly, but it was only there for a small job.
“We will return next month to start with the big works.”
