Work on rebuilding the eroded sand dunes at New Brighton will start this winter. The dunes were significantly impacted by Tropical Cyclone (TC) Alfred in March 2025, and Council has now received funding to commence restoration work.
Beach goers will see machines working on the beach for two to four weeks, moving sand from the tidal zone further up to where the dunes have eroded.
The work will be done between Park Street and North Head Road with the aim being to mimic nature by taking some of the sand that has built up in recent months in the tidal zone and pushing it further up the beach.
"If left alone, the tides, waves and wind, will eventually push the sand up the beach to reform the dunes so we are just speeding up the natural process," Chloe Dowsett, Council's Coastal and Biodiversity Coordinator, said.
"The work is commonly called beach scraping or sand harvesting, and it's a proven, low-risk, cost effective way to rebuild dunes that have been damaged by erosion.
"Most importantly it's scientifically regarded as having low environmental impact on the beach and marine environments.
"We have consulted widely with relevant land managers, public authorities, key groups and Traditional Owners about the project.
"As part of restoration work two beach access ways, south of Strand Avenue will be permanently closed. This won't impact the public too much as the nearest access ways will be less than a hundred metres away.
"By reducing the number of access ways, dunes will be more stable and resilient," she said.
When the sand is in place the dunes will be fenced and planted with appropriate native vegetation and access paths provided for people to get on and off the beach.
Public access to the beach and some beach access ways will be closed during work due to heavy machinery on the beach. However, it will be done in stages so that some beach access remains.
"Please keep off the dunes and only use formal beach access paths that are open both during work, and after it is completed," Ms Dowsett said.
Restoration work will cost $200,000 and is funded by the NSW Government through the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program, and Council.
