Beach replenishment works to get underway

The beach will be boosted with 200,000 cubic metres (m³) of quarry sand over the next 12 months following the review’s findings, which were announced in May.

Trucks will access the beach via the Adelaide Sailing Club and deliver the sand between there and an area just north of the West Beach Surf Club.

The works will occur between 7am and 5pm Monday to Friday, subject to weather conditions, storms and operational requirements. There will be no works on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays.

The public will have access to the beach but people should take care during works and comply with safety signage.

The works will combat erosion, protect infrastructure and improve amenity at West Beach and Henley Beach South to support coastal communities and businesses.

Work to deliver 15,000m³ of quarry sand to Henley Beach, via the Henley Sailing Club, has also recommenced after the July school holidays. This work is expected to be completed by the end of August.

Bird spotters will be in place at Henley Beach to help protect hooded plovers and other nesting shorebirds.

Department for Environment and Water (DEW) Coast Manager David Osborn said restoring West Beach played an important role in preserving Adelaide’s coastline.

“Adding large volumes of sand at West Beach benefits not only that location but also other beaches ­­- including Henley Beach South and Henley Beach - as some of the sand naturally drifts north,” Mr Osborn said.

“Delivering this significant amount of sand to West Beach will enhance ongoing efforts over recent years to strengthen the dune system, which plays a vital role in protecting infrastructure. It will also ensure people can enjoy using our wonderful coastline.

“Without adding sand, some of our favourite beaches would erode to rock and clay.”

As announced in the 2024-25 State Budget, the State Government will spend $20.7 million this financial year to restore West Beach with quarry sand while also conducting a dredging trial to recycle sand that drifts north along the coast.

The trial will dredge sand from a nearshore zone between Taperoo and North Haven and deliver it south by barge to West Beach, where it will be pumped near the shoreline.

The dredging trial, which was a key recommendation of the Adelaide Beach Management Review, is expected to run for 8 weeks and be completed by early November 2024.

The State Government has committed to delivering 550,000m³of sand to West Beach over the next 5 years.

For more information, visit: https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/coasts/managing-adelaides-beaches