Specialists will begin coastal hazard modelling studies at Diamond Beach, Black Head and Red Head beaches, and One Mile Beach, Forster.
Expect to see vehicles or push carts using ground-penetrating radar on road reserves, car parks and parkland. At some sites, a small borehole may be sunk to test the subsurface. The activity is expected to occur on weekdays only from Monday 12 – Friday 23 May, weather permitting.
Some short-term closure of beach and reserve access paths could be necessary while testing is done. The team will try to maintain public access as much as possible. Testing takes about one hour at each site.
"The study is being conducted by specialists and they do not harm the environment when they undertake this work. They aim to create minimal disturbance to the area they work in," said Council's Manager Natural Systems, Gerard Tuckerman.
These studies will provide updated information for the new Open Coast Coastal Management Program.
NSW legislation has changed, requiring MidCoast Council to update management programs for the coastline. The Manning River Catchment and Estuary Management Program was completed with extensive community consultation in 2021.
Work is underway to develop the Old Bar / Manning Point and Southern Estuaries Coastal Management Programs.
The new Open Coast program will consolidate and update the existing coastal zone management plans for the Manning, Great Lakes and Jimmys Beach.
"The new data helps us understand what is below the ground surface and the modelling shows us how the coast may change over time so that we can plan for those changes," said Mr Tuckerman.
The community will be consulted on the draft management program once it's ready, expected to be late 2025.
To keep updated on the Program, head to the have your say web page and click '+ follow' at Open Coast Coastal Management Program | Have Your Say
