Today, the media has reported an announcement made by the State Government to dig up 20,000 cubic metres of sand around the River Torrens outlet at Henley Beach South, and spread it along the coastline further north to Henley Beach.
The City of Charles Sturt has been advocating for our 12kms of coastline, which is home to some of the most popular beaches in the state. We have consistently raised concerns and asked to partner with the State Government to address sand erosion issues.
In June, the State Government proposed a rock wall in front of Joe’s Kiosk at Henley Beach in response to the damaged infrastructure. This proposal was rejected by Council on Monday 28 June 2023, following significant community opposition due to the negative environmental impacts a rock wall could have to an already damaged area.
The lack of effective management of the coastline at Henley South and Henley Beach, which is a State Government responsibility, is a long-term existing issue.
It has already resulted in the beach accessway at 171 The Esplanade becoming structurally compromised, and Joe’s Kiosk vertical seawall at risk of being structurally compromised.
This has led to significant damage (beyond economical repair) to the beach accessway and has put the vertical seawall at significant risk of failure.
We continue to advocate for an alternative solution to the sand erosion. We understand the Adelaide Beach Management Review is underway, but the current situation is urgent and effective beach management is required at Henley South and Henley Beach now.
Coastal experts all agree that a health beach with adequate beach width and depth achieved by sand replenishment at West Beach, Henley South and Henley Beach, is the best defence for coastal assets from storm damage. The significant delay in effective beach management and replenishment that the Adelaide Beach Management Review has the potential to cause irreversible damage.
If an interim protection solution for Joe’s Kiosk must be installed to protect the vertical sea wall, then Council and the community expect this solution to be temporary in nature and must not be a replacement for adequate sand replenishment.
Rock walls are not a temporary solution. Once installed, they are generally never removed and can alter and exacerbate sand erosion.
While digging up sand from the Torrens outlet and spreading it towards Henley Beach is an interim solution, once again this solution is very likely to have a significant and negative effect on the beach at West Beach.
By taking sand from another highly volatile and at risk area of the beach, areas like the Rockingham Dunes could become compromised.
The City of Charles Sturt has requested more information and advice from the State Government via the Department for Environment and Water (DEW).
Further information was specifically requested to explain why additional sand cannot be sourced from sand that has accumulated at the Semaphore breakwater or on the beaches further north. DEW advised that there is insufficient sand at the Semaphore breakwater. Further, DEW advised that it is a State Government directive to not move accumulated sand from the northern metropolitan beaches to West Beach or Henley South for this area of coastline to be managed effectively.
In representing our community, we are pursuing an effective beach and sand management solution, not a solution that moves sand from one damaged area to another.
We have not refused to work with the State Government, and we again reaffirm our genuine commitment to working with the State Government on finding the best outcomes for our beaches.