West Beach is one step closer to a long-term sand solution with ground assessment works starting this week to inform design investigations for a new sand recycling pipeline to be constructed from Semaphore to West Beach.
The works are part of the Marshall Liberal Government's historic $48.4 million Securing the Future of our Coastline project which is protecting Adelaide's metropolitan beaches.
The pipeline is the long-term solution for devastating erosion at West Beach and once construction is complete will discreetly move sand from beaches where it builds up naturally and significantly reduce the need for sand carting using trucks.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the pipeline is the second part of the Marshall Liberal Government's plan to save West Beach with a mass sand replenishment from land-based quarries to be undertaken later this year.
"For years residents in the western suburbs have watched on helplessly as their beach has disappeared before them," Minister Speirs said.
"Unfortunately, the former Labor Government sat on their hands and failed to act for more than a decade causing West Beach to practically vanish.
"The Marshall Liberal Government is getting on with delivering a solution, firstly with a mass sand replenishment later this year which will return sand to West Beach in the short-term and then the construction of a sand recycling pipeline which will save it in the long-term.
"The ground assessment works are an important first step and these investigations will help inform the final design and alignment of the pipeline."
A small truck mounted rig will be used to take core samples to assess ground conditions between West Beach and Largs Bay over the next month, with work occurring between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm on weekdays.
Construction of the pipeline is expected to commence in 2021/22 after the design and approval phase with the pipeline to be operational by 2022/23.
"Once completed and operational, the pipeline will significantly reduce the reliance on trucks to move sand, making it safer for the community, as well as reducing noise, congestion and the impacts of trucks on roads," Minister Speirs said.
"We have seen this success with the Glenelg to Kingston Park pipeline, which currently pumps approximately 100,000 cubic metres of sand each year.
"We will continue to work closely with the community through our Community Reference Group to deliver this project and once the initial design process is complete further public consultation will follow."
Member for Colton Matt Cowdrey said he is proud to be part of a government which is taking action to save West Beach.
"For years the local community has been calling for a solution to devastating erosion at West Beach and our solution will return sand to the beach in the short-term and protect into the future," Mr Cowdrey said.
"To have a significant amount of sand at West Beach in time for the upcoming summer will be a huge boost for local residents, businesses and visitors.
"I am proud to be part of a government that is delivering real outcomes for people in the western suburbs."
Find out more and subscribe for updates at environment.sa.gov.au/coasts.
