Big Waves Are Doing Some Damage On Byron Shire Beaches

Beach erosion May 2026 for web.jpg

The big swells over the last week are leaving their mark on Byron Shire beaches with huge losses of sand and severely eroded dunes in some areas.

The most impacted beaches are New Brighton and Suffolk Park.

Beach access paths have also been damaged and in places there is now a very steep drop to get onto the beach.

"Signs have been put up to warn people that some access paths are closed because of the steep drop and these beaches can be quite dangerous if the tide is high and waves are rushing up to the foot of the eroded dune face," Malcolm Robertson, Acting Manager Works, said.

"People should also not sit, walk or play near eroded dunes because there is always the risk of collapse," he said.

Staff have been busy picking up old car tyres from the beach at Suffolk Park after they were washed out of the dunes.

Over a number of years property owners have been using the tyres on the dunes in front of their homes to make steps for private beach access or for landscaping.

"These tyres are an environmental problem and while Council is picking them up, this comes at a cost to ratepayers," Mr Robertson said.

"This is an ongoing problem for Council and our Bush Regeneration team is always talking to property owners about the impact of doing unauthorised work in sensitive environments like our coast areas," he said.

People who see tyres on the beach can report it on Council's website or call 6626 7000.

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