For the second year running the Department of Transport (DoT) has adopted a flexible work program to ensure annual sand bypassing at Dawesville does not disrupt a colony of endangered Australian fairy terns nesting at Pyramids Beach.
The $1 million sand bypassing project will begin this week and see between 85,000 and 120,000 cubic metres of sand excavated from Pyramids Beach and pumped north of the entrance to the Dawesville Cut via pipes on the seabed.
When planning this campaign special consideration was given to the large colony of Australian fairy terns, a species protected under State and Commonwealth legislation, that nest on the beach.
As a result, the bypassing works will start at the southern extent of the planned excavation area, away from the fenced nesting area, to allow the colony to finish nesting and leave.
Drones will again be used this year to monitor the nests, especially in the early stages of the campaign and beach goers are asked to assist by observing the directional signage in place and abiding by the restrictions until the completion of work in June.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world right here in WA, which is why it's important we protect them from erosion so the community can continue to enjoy them for years to come.
"We have worked closely with the City of Mandurah and Murdoch University to set the program of work as the colony is one of the largest observed in the State in more than 10 years and previously included the oldest known fairy tern in the world.
"Monitoring of the colony will continue as works progress north to ensure the birds are not impacted by the work."
As stated by Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday:
"Pyramids Beach is a beautiful part of Dawesville and has been the home of the Australian Fairy Tern for many years.
"The $1 million project ensures the entrance channel remains navigable for skippers and the beaches located north of Dawesville receive the supply of sand they require to limit erosion in winter."
