The long-term solution to save West Beach is one step closer with a development application being lodged this week for the construction of a sand recycling pipeline between Semaphore and West Beach.
Part of the Marshall Liberal Government's Securing the Future of our Coastline project, the pipeline will move sand from northern beaches where it builds up to beaches that are eroding and will be based on the successful pipeline between Glenelg and Kingston Park.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the development application will include the proposed pipeline design which will connect to the existing sand pumping system at West Beach and extend northwards to the Semaphore South breakwater.
"For far too long residents of West Beach have watched on as their beach has disappeared before them and the development application means we are one step closer to delivering a long-term solution once and for all," Minister Speirs said.
"We want to get sand carting trucks off of our beaches and restore this important beach in Adelaide's western suburbs which is why we are forging ahead with the recycling pipeline and delivering sand to West Beach in the meantime.
"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 and congestion.
"We have seen the success of the Glenelg to Kingston Park pipeline that has been operating since 2013. The existing pipeline pumps sand each year to the southern beaches and has seen the re-establishment of stable, vegetated dune systems.
"Construction of the new sand recycling pipeline from Semaphore to West Beach will allow us to replicate this success and provide a long-term solution to the coastal erosion issues at West Beach and Henley Beach South."
Minister Speirs said in the meantime the Marshall Liberal Government will continue to deliver high-quality sand to West Beach from land-based quarries now and into next year.
"There's a finite amount of sand in Adelaide's beach system which is why we are bringing in sand from quarries to ensure there is a significant amount of sand at West Beach in time for this summer," 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. In fact, at the time of coming into government, beach volumes were the lowest since measurements began in the 1970s."
Member for Colton Matt Cowdrey welcomed the lodging of the development application.
"This is another positive step towards securing West Beach's future and the sand recycling pipeline will solve the our erosion problem once and for all," Mr Cowdrey said.
"Importantly, our mass sand replenishment will provide a significant boost for West Beach in time for the upcoming summer which will be a welcomed by local residents, businesses as well as visitors."
The Department for Environment and Water will be holding community information sessions in November to coincide with the public notification phase of the development application for the sand recycling pipeline.
"The communities in the Adelaide's western suburbs have experienced disruption as we recycle sand to replenish West Beach and I thank all beach users for their cooperation," Minister Speirs.
"Significant dune stabilisation and revegetation works will also be delivered as part of the Securing the Future of our Coastline project and there will be lots of opportunities for community members to get involved with the revegetation of their local sand dunes.
"I encourage anyone who is interested in the project to register to attend one of the information sessions."
Find out more at www.environment.sa.gov.au/coasts.
