Dune vegetation will be removed and Port Kembla beach reshaped to improve access for lifesavers and lifeguards, under a plan from Wollongong City Council.
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The council has called for tenders from contractors to carry out the work on a section of the beach in front of the Port Kembla Surf Life Saving Club.
Concerns have been raised over the amount of wind-blown sand that accumulates near the club’s standalone equipment shed and the access path linking it to the beach.
The planned work, which would involve sand being removed and placed elsewhere on the beach, would be undertaken in two zones – one in front of the surf club and the other closer to the shed and Port Kembla pool.
A report by engineering consultancy firm Royal HaskoningDHV, provided as part of the tender process, has recommended the entire frontal dune be removed in the zone near the shed and that the other section of dune be cut back by 20 metres.
According to tender documents, the issue of sand drift at Port Kembla has “existed for decades and was first addressed in the early 1980s”.
The council said built-up sand was moved from the northern end of the beach when required, to give rescue equipment access to and from the beach.
It also said the lifeguard tower facilities at the beach had been upgraded to allow shared access with lifesavers and improve sight lines.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
