Updates about projects to replenish Adelaide’s central beaches

Dredging operations at West Beach complete

12 December 2024

Dredging operations along the Adelaide coastline are now complete.

The dredging operations were part of the Adelaide Beach Management Review Implementation project’s efforts to test and improve how sand is managed along Adelaide’s coastline.

Dredging equipment has been removed. For ongoing updates, please visit the Adelaide Beach Management Review page.

West Beach quarry sand delivery update

12 December 2024

The delivery of external quarry sand to West Beach is in its final stages for the current season, with approximately 98,000m³ of sand already delivered. The project is on track to meet the target of 100,000m³ before the school holidays.

This work helps protect the coast from storms and high tides and provides a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

For regular updates, and project details, please visit our website.

Changes to camping and vehicle access on Wauraltee Beach

12 December 2024

From Monday 3 February 2025, overnight camping and large camping vehicles – including caravans, motorhomes, campervans, and tent trailers – will not be permitted on Wauraltee Beach, including the area known as Second Beach, on Yorke Peninsula.

Wauraltee Beach’s popularity has grown exponentially in recent years to the point where holiday periods and long weekends result in hundreds of visitors camping on the beach.

Unmanaged camping has led to environmental damage, including vegetation loss, erosion of fragile dunes, and disturbance to shorebird nesting grounds. It has also created a safety issue, particularly for families with young children.

These changes aim to protect the beach’s environment, cultural heritage, and visitor safety while ensuring Wauraltee Beach remains a sustainable and enjoyable destination.

Daytime access for vehicles other than large campers will remain for boat launching and recreation.

Visitors can explore alternative camping options on the Yorke Peninsula Council’s website.

Learn more about vehicle access and camping on South Australian beaches.

Glenelg operations wraps up for 2024

28 November 2024

Beach management operations at Glenelg and Glenelg North have successfully concluded for the year, enhancing beach levels and strengthening the coast’s resilience for storm protection. These works reflect our ongoing commitment to protecting and preserving Adelaide’s coastline for the future.

Between August and November, sand pumping operations redistributed sand along the coastline from Glenelg to Kingston Park using the underground pipeline system. From October to early December, additional works focused on delivering sand to Glenelg North, raising beach levels ahead of summer to ensure the area is ready for recreational use and storm protection.

The operations were carried out to stabilise the coastline, protect vital infrastructure, and provide the community with safe and enjoyable beach spaces.

With all work now complete, annual beach surveys are underway to assess the condition of our beaches. The results will inform next year’s beach replenishment activities, which will begin in early 2025. Click here for more information about Adelaide’s beach management operations.

Capturing coastal changes across the City of Charles Sturt with CoastSnap

28 November 2024

Put a coastal park experience on your Christmas wish list

28 November 2024

This December, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is celebrating Adelaide's coastal parks as its Park of the Month. A diverse range of activities has been organised to showcase the unique beauty and experiences these parks have to offer.

With warmer weather and the holiday season approaching, coastal parks are a natural choice for nature lovers. These events highlight the conservation, recreation, and cultural significance of South Australia's coastal parks, encouraging everyone to connect with nature.

Activities are running throughout December across Adelaide's coastal parks and surrounding areas, including Hallett Cove Conservation Park, Port Noarlunga Reef Sanctuary Zone, and the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary.

From snorkelling at the Port Noarlunga Reef Sanctuary Zone to guided walks with the Friends of Aldinga Scrub, kayaking tours of the Dolphin Sanctuary, reef rambles at Aldinga Reef Sanctuary Zone, and shorebird activities with a sunset supper at the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary, these experiences offer an incredible way to connect with nature, learn from dedicated volunteers, and immerse yourself in South Australia’s stunning coastal landscapes.

Start planning your visit now! Whether you've already started your holidays or need a break from Christmas preparations, there’s something for everyone this festive season.

Explore the full list of activities and other events by visiting www.parks.sa.gov.au/park-of-the-month.

Dredging trial update

14 November 2024

The state government’s sand dredging trial began on 30 September and has moved to the second operational phase which involves relocating sand that has built up outside the West Beach Boat Harbour to a nearshore area by the West Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

The trial is part of a commitment to combat coastal erosion along Adelaide’s coastline through targeted sand relocation by adding sand to key areas that need it most.

The dredging operation will run through to the end of November. Currently, sand is being placed in the nearshore area.

During this work, you may notice dredging equipment near the shoreline. For your safety, please stay clear of all equipment in the water, even if it looks interesting. We advise all beach users to exercise caution and avoid areas near the equipment.

We will continue to keep you updated regularly. For more details about the dredging trial, you can refer to the Dredge Management Plan approved by the Environment Protection Authority.

Coastal flood mapping viewer enhanced with new data

14 November 2024

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) has updated its Coastal Flood Mapping Viewer, releasing new data as of 31 October. This update adds coverage for Yorke Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula, and Kangaroo Island, helping communities in these areas better understand and prepare for potential coastal flood hazards.

This update enhances the tool's reliability, providing preliminary flood risk insights to support residents, councils, and agencies in making informed decisions for managing coastal hazards and adapting to climate impacts, including rising sea levels. It is important to note that this mapping offers a general overview of potential risks and is not detailed enough to reflect the precise pathways of actual floodwater under real-world conditions.

Some areas not previously highlighted on the map are now shown to have potential flood risk. DEW has provided clear explanations in the viewer to help communities understand the data and manage any concerns about newly identified flood risks.

Explore the updated coastal flood mapping viewer here.

Survey team expands monitoring with drone technology on Yorke Peninsula beaches

14 November 2024

Our coast survey team recently completed the 2024 beach profile monitoring program along Yorke Peninsula, visiting 13 sites to monitor coastal changes. This program, conducted annually, helps track how beaches, seabeds, and coastal features change over time, providing essential data to guide coastal management. Understanding shoreline changes is critical for planning effective coastal management and protection. By tracking these changes, we can respond better to issues like erosion, adapting strategies to preserve our coastlines for the future.

This year, we added drone technology to our toolkit, using the Mavic 3 Multi-Spectral drone to capture high-resolution images and precise data. This photogrammetry technology allows us to get a more detailed view of the coastal environment, especially in erosion-prone areas like Marion Bay, The Pines, and Foul Bay.

The drone footage and data gathered support more accurate analysis and a deeper understanding of coastal erosion patterns. With data records stretching back to the 1970s, the monitoring program provides a comprehensive view of changes over time, supporting informed decisions for long-term coastal management.

This enhanced monitoring helps protect local coastlines by informing decisions that preserve beach access, reduce erosion, and manage developments like boat ramps. The data also contributes to safer and more sustainable use of Yorke Peninsula’s natural resources. Our survey team will continue annual monitoring, using the latest technology to ensure accurate, up-to-date information on coastal changes. Profile monitoring is carefully planned around tides, weather, and sunlight to capture the best possible data.

For more insights into our coastal monitoring efforts, visit our website, where you can learn about the Beach Profile Monitoring Program and other initiatives protecting South Australia’s coastlines.

Help protect hoodie chicks on our coast

14 November 2024

We're reminding beachgoers to take extra care as hooded plover nesting season continues along our coast. Hooded plovers, one of Australia’s most threatened beach-nesting birds, are in critical need of protection during this vulnerable period.

With only about 70 hooded plovers along the Adelaide metro and Fleurieu coastlines, every effort counts. These delicate birds nest right on the sand, making them highly susceptible to disturbance. Recently, there was a heartbreaking loss of hooded plover chicks in Seacliff, reminding us of the delicate balance between enjoying the beach and protecting wildlife.

There are 16 breeding sites across Adelaide’s metro beaches and the Fleurieu Peninsula and are marked with signage, so please stay alert to avoid these sensitive areas.

By respecting hooded plover nesting areas, we're helping give these endangered birds the chance to raise their chicks safely. The success of each nesting season is critical for maintaining their population and safeguarding South Australia's coastal biodiversity.

Check out our beachgoers guide and the dog owners guide to hooded plover nesting season for helpful tips on protecting these special birds.

You can also read Green Adelaide’s comprehensive hooded plover brochure for more information on supporting Adelaide’s vulnerable beach-nesting birds.

Dredging trial update

31 October 2024

The first operational phase of the dredging trial has successfully concluded, dredging about 18,000m³ of sand from North Haven and transporting it by barge to the nearshore environment at West Beach. With this initial phase complete, the barges have been demobilised and the dredge relocated from North Haven to West Beach Harbour.

The sand moved through this trial is complementing the quarry sand being delivered via truck to replenish West Beach, meaning more sand will be delivered to West Beach in a single 12-month period than ever before. Importantly, the trial is generating valuable information on the feasibility of dredging as a long-term, sustainable solution to recycling sand within the beach system.

The second operational phase began over the weekend, with the dredge vessel MC Kingston positioned at West Beach Boat Harbour as of 26 October. This phase focuses on dredging sand that has accumulated just outside the boat harbour, southwest of the breakwater.

Harbour users can expect similar conditions to regular harbour dredging, and vessel operators are reminded to follow the guidelines outlined in their boat licence. For a refresher on the rules, please refer to the SA Boating Safety Handbook.

The placement of dredged sand near West Beach Surf Life Saving Club may require adjustments to beach access to ensure safety. DEW is coordinating closely with the Adelaide Sailing Club and West Beach Surf Life Saving Club on nearshore sand placement and will maintain weekly meetings with the dredge contractor.

The Dredge Management Plan approved by the Environment Protection Authority has further information on the trial. For ongoing updates, please visit our website.

Ongoing habitat support for hooded plovers at West Beach

31 October 2024

The Department for Environment and Water is leading dune restoration efforts at West Beach Park Dunes through ongoing weed control and planting native coastal species, many of which have been grown by volunteers at the local community nursery.

Together with the City of Charles Sturt, Green Adelaide, and BirdLife Australia, DEW is also supporting “the hoodies” by managing invasive weeds like sea wheat-grass and reintroducing native coastal plants such as spinifex in plover nesting areas around the Torrens Outlet.

This ongoing work helps to maintain stable dunes and builds on years of broader initiatives, such as the Our Plover Coast project.

Weed control efforts have resumed across the West Beach Parks dune area following a pause during the plovers' breeding season, with additional planting preparation underway for 2025.

Through partnerships, we’re able to enhance efforts and engage the community in meaningful ways. If you're interested in learning more, please visit BirdLife Australia or follow our updates online for conservation details.

New surveying boat “Tombolo” joins the fleet for coastal management

31 October 2024

We’re excited to welcome Tombolo, the Department for Environment and Water Coast Unit’s latest tool for protecting South Australia’s coastline. Tombolo is built to handle the challenges of coastal surveying, ensuring we collect the most precise data possible.

With a reliable, more environmentally friendly engine and high-tech controls, Tombolo allows our team to work safer and smarter. Measuring coastal levels accurately is critical in adapting to coastal changes and protecting our shorelines for future generations.

Tombolo boosts our efficiency in gathering data that informs essential coastal management decisions. Its advanced design helps minimise impacts on the environment while maximising our ability to protect South Australia’s coastline.

Stationed at the department’s Hindmarsh depot, Tombolo is ready for action. Our team is fully trained to operate this specialised vessel safely and effectively, and we look forward to seeing the difference it makes for our coast.

Visit our website to learn how Tombolo supports our coastlines.

Sand delivery recommenced at West Beach

17 October 2024

Quarry sand delivery at West Beach recommenced on 14 October to address erosion and improve beach amenity. Up to 200,000m³ will be delivered over the next 12 months, with approximately 100,000m³ expected by this December.

Beach replenishment helps stabilise the coastline and protects against erosion.

Sand delivery will occur from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. During this time access to some areas may be limited and signage will mark alternative pathways. Deliveries will pause at weekends. Please observe safety signs, especially near active work zones.

DEW will continue assessments to monitor beach conditions and plan future replenishment work. For regular updates, and project details, please visit our website.

Hooded plover update

17 October 2024

After a temporary pause to protect newly hatched hooded plovers, the Department for Environment and Water has resumed quarry sand delivery at West Beach.

A full-time bird spotter is monitoring operations closely to ensure the safety of a hooded plover chick as it approaches fledging.

Hooded plovers are endangered and protecting their nesting areas is essential to help chicks survive.

Monitoring at West Beach continues while sand delivery proceeds carefully around the remaining chick. This balanced approach supports both coastal protection and species conservation.

Visit BirdLife Australia or follow our updates online for conservation details.

Dredging trial underway to improve coastal protection at West Beach

17 October 2024

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) has launched a dredging trial, combining dredging and sand carting to deliver up to 300,000m³ of sand to West Beach this year.

This includes three dredging zones: a sand bar approximately 500 metres off West Beach, an area south of North Haven Marina, and an area outside West Beach Boat Harbour. These areas were selected following to extensive scientific testing, focusing on suitable sand characteristics, such as grain size and mineral content, while avoiding disruption to seagrass and aquatic life.

DEW has EPA approval for this dredging plan and will continue ongoing community consultation and engagement.

Findings from this trial will guide DEW’s future approaches for sustainable sand sourcing along Adelaide’s central beaches. Continued monitoring and stakeholder engagement will assess the trial's effectiveness.

Visit our website for details on how this trial supports Adelaide’s beach management efforts.

Stay safe during the dredging trial on Adelaide’s beaches

17 October 2024

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve and maintain Adelaide’s metropolitan beaches, a dredging trial is currently underway along the coastline between North Haven and West Beach. While this important work is taking place, we want to ensure the safety of all beachgoers.

This project involves using dredging equipment and barges to move sand from selected nearshore and offshore locations to West Beach, helping to reduce coastal erosion and create a more resilient coastline. The work will continue until the end of November.

Dredging equipment, including dredges, tugs, barges, and pipelines, may be visible near the shoreline. Beach users are requested to stay clear of this equipment — even if the boats may look interesting – to avoid any risks posed by machinery and operations.

For more details on the dredging trial and how it benefits Adelaide’s beaches, visit our website.

Glenelg North sand replenishment operations

17 October 2024

DEW will commence replenishment of Glenelg North beach on Monday 21 October, moving sand from where it accumulates at West Beach harbour. This work will raise beach levels, preparing Glenelg North for summer beach use and for storm protection.

The work is expected to take up to eight weeks and operations are between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, subject to weather and operational needs.

Limited access to certain areas near work zones may be in place. Safety signage will help guide beachgoers during this period.

For further details or questions, please contact the Coast Unit, or visit our website to stay informed on coastal management efforts.

Last call for 2024-25 Coast Protection Board Grant applications

17 October 2024

The Coast Protection Board’s 2024-25 Grant Programs, including Coast Protection and Community Participation Grants, are currently open for applications, supporting projects focused on coastal restoration and community engagement.

These grants empower South Australians to participate in safeguarding and enhancing coastal resources, benefiting local communities and the environment.

Applications are open until 25 October 2024. Interested councils and community groups are encouraged to apply soon to meet this deadline.

Visit the Coast Protection Board grants page for application details and funding criteria.

Sand delivery paused at West Beach during school holidays

3 October 2024

The state government has paused sand delivery activities at West Beach to minimise disruptions for families during the school holidays and to protect vulnerable hooded plover chicks.

The pause aims to provide a safe and enjoyable beach experience for families during the holiday period, while ensuring the protection of hooded plover chicks. The pause will remain in place until the end of the school holidays. Dredging operations will continue as scheduled and are not affected.

While sand delivery has paused, there will still be some minor activity at West Beach Harbour over the next week. This includes moving and relocating seagrass from the harbour beach to make way for sailing club activities.

Dredging activities will continue at West Beach as part of a state government commitment to relocate sand and help combat erosion of Adelaide's coastline.

This approach ensures minimal disruption for beachgoers and the community, while safeguarding a vulnerable species and supporting long-term coastal management goals.

Find out more about the dredging trial, and how to help protect hooded plovers for beachgoers and dog owners.

Dredging trial to protect Adelaide’s beaches

3 October 2024

The dredging trial to manage sand and protect Adelaide’s central beaches from erosion has entered the operational stage. The aim of the trial is to test dredging approaches to manage sand and protect the coastline.

Dredging is currently happening just south of North Haven Marina breakwater. Sand will be barged to West Beach. The trial will later involve dredging sand from two locations at West Beach to test different dredge placement methods.

The trial will continue until November 2024 and will provide valuable information for future sand management strategies. Further work will also focus on identifying long-term sand sources.

For more details or to speak with our team, visit our website or register for updates. We will keep you informed as the trial progresses.

Dredging trial expanded to combat erosion

27 September 2024

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) has identified two new dredging zones – one about 500 metres off West Beach and another around West Beach Boat Harbour.

As previously announced, sand will still be dredged from an area south of North Haven Marina and transported, by barge, to West Beach. The additional dredging zones were chosen after extensive scientific testing to find suitable sand sources and considering environmental effects, including not disturbing seagrass.

By dredging sand from multiple locations, DEW aims to gather important data on how dredging and relocating sand can help maintain healthy beaches. This expanded trial has now received approval from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

Dredging was a key recommendation of the independent Adelaide Beach Management Review. The trial will assess whether dredging is a long-term, sustainable solution for replenishing Adelaide’s central beaches.

It will also test different methods of delivering sand, including pumping it directly on to the beach and placing it nearshore to help buffer against wave erosion.

DEW aims to begin dredging next week with completion expected by late November. Throughout the trial, there will be studies on the dredging process, sand sources and sand placement methods.

Dredging operations are permitted to run daily, including at night, and will adhere to an approved noise management plan and EPA legislation.

There is no expected disruption to boat access at North Haven Marina or West Beach Boat Ramp but there will be an exclusion zone around dredging equipment. Temporary restrictions at West Beach may be needed for safety during sand delivery trials.

The Adelaide Beach Management Review considered three options for managing sand – dredging, bringing in sand by truck from quarries, and building a pipeline between Largs Bay and West Beach.

Dredging has the potential reduce community disruption by limiting the amount of machinery on the beaches.

DEW will continue to meet with key stakeholders, including local councils, surf clubs, and sailing clubs, to keep them updated on the trial.

Hooded plover chicks spotted at West Beach

19 September 2024

Hooded plover chicks have been spotted at West Beach. This means that delivery of quarry sand is still paused to allow the chicks to safely hatch and begin feeding without disturbance.

By temporarily pausing operations, we are giving these endangered birds the best chance to thrive. The pause may result in some beach replenishment delays at West Beach, however, it is vital for the survival of the hooded plover chicks.

Sand carting will resume once it's confirmed safe for the birds. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. For more information on how you can support conservation efforts, visit BirdLife Australia or follow our updates.

Seagrass relocation resumes at Glenelg

19 September 2024

The relocation of seagrass stockpiled on the north side of Glenelg Jetty has been temporarily postponed due to newly hatched hooded plover chicks at West Beach. The hooded plover is a threatened species and only about 70 birds remain between Adelaide and the Fleurieu Peninsula. To ensure their safety, we are holding off on moving the seagrass to West Beach until it’s safe to do so without disturbing the chicks.

In the meantime, we are proceeding with relocating the seagrass from Glenelg Beach to Semaphore Park, specifically between Third Avenue and Mirani Court. The seagrass plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy coastal ecosystem and will help stabilise dunes at Semaphore Park, protect against erosion and improve beach resilience.

Increased activity is expected around Glenelg Beach during the seagrass relocation. Please follow all safety signage and instructions as the safety of our community remains our top priority.

Sand carting temporarily paused at West Beach to protect nesting hooded plovers

5 September 2024

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is working with BirdLife Australia to protect hooded plovers. Delivery of quarry sand into West Beach has been temporarily postponed to help keep the chicks safe as they hatch and start feeding. This will give them a better chance to survive by reducing disturbances.

Beach-nesting birds like hooded and red-capped plovers face many dangers, including predators like foxes and disturbances from people and dogs. Their nests are often just shallow scrapes in the sand, making them easy to miss and vulnerable during the breeding season, which runs from August to March. Temporary fencing and signs are installed around the nesting sites to help keep them safe. It's important for the community to help by keeping dogs on leashes and staying away from these areas.

We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, but by respecting these temporary changes, we can all help protect these vulnerable birds. This effort is supported by BirdLife Australia and is crucial for improving the survival rates of Hooded Plovers. By being careful about our actions on the beach, we can help preserve these birds on our coast.

DEW will continue to work with BirdLife Australia and will start sand carting again when it is safe. Your support is very important in helping us protect these birds.

While sand delivery is paused, our work to maintain the coastline is still making good progress. Since 29 July 2024, we have delivered 34,650m³ of quarry sand to West Beach, putting us slightly ahead of schedule. This work helps protect the coast from storms and high tides and provides a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

If you want to learn more about our efforts with BirdLife Australia to protect beach-nesting birds, please visit their website for details about the Sharing our Shores program.

Beach replenishment at Glenelg

5 September 2024

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) has started beach replenishment work on the southern beaches. This work helps to manage the natural movement of sand along the coast by moving sand from Glenelg to beaches further south, like Kingston Park. This is important for keeping our beaches sandy for community enjoyment.

Seagrass and algae that washes onto the shore at Glenelg makes it difficult to collect sand from the beach. Sometimes called ‘seaweed’, it is collected and moved to West Beach where it helps protect the dunes and supports the coastal ecosystem.

Repairs to several Glenelg Jetty pylons are finished. This has allowed us to install a seawater pumping system, which mixes sand with seawater so that it can be moved through a pipeline to beaches south of Glenelg. Pumping sand to the southern beaches is expected to start this week.

We’ve been working in partnership with McConnell Dowell on this beach replenishment project since 2013. It is critical for protecting our coastline, safeguarding infrastructure, and making sure our beaches are enjoyable for the community. We plan to finish this year’s work by mid-November.

A temporary fence is setup around the sand pumping equipment north of the jetty. Please be careful near areas where tractors, trucks and excavators are working. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this important work.

For further details or questions, please contact us. We will keep you updated as the project continues.

Glenelg to Kingston Park sand recycling operations

22 August 2024

We’re getting ready to move sand from Glenelg to Kingston Park beaches. This is required to reverse the natural transport of sand along the beach system in a northward direction, accumulating in the Glenelg area.

Before moving the sand, we are removing beach wrack at Glenelg. Beach wrack is debris, including seaweed, algae and sponges, which washes up on the shore. These natural materials are important for the environment, so we move the wrack to other beaches where it helps protect the sand dunes.

Numerous Glenelg Jetty pylons are currently being repaired and this is anticipated to be finished next week. Once the repairs are complete, it will be possible to install the seawater pumping system used to mix seawater with the sand that is transported to beaches south of Glenelg all the way to Kingston Park through the sand pumping pipeline. We will soon start moving sand from the beach north of the jetty, where it will be sieved before being mixed with seawater and pumped through the pipeline.

The Department for Environment and Water has worked with construction engineering firm McConnell Dowell since 2013 to undertake this work on an annual basis. The work is required to protect our coastline, keep foreshore infrastructure safe and provide sandy beaches for the community to enjoy. This year, the work is expected to be completed by mid-November.

There’s a temporary fence around the sand collection unit on the northern side of the jetty, so some parts of the beach will have limited access for the duration of the work. Tractors, trucks, and excavators will be needed to work in different areas at the northern end of Glenelg Beach to collect and prepare the sand before it enters the pumping system. We apologise for any inconvenience and ask beach users to exercise caution when near these activities.

We thank you for your patience and will keep you updated as the project continues. If you have any questions or want to know more, you can contact us.

Dredging trial progress

22 August 2024

The state government’s dredging trial is progressing after recommendations from the independent Adelaide Beach Management Review. The trial is all about finding better ways to manage sand and protect our beaches.

The dredging trial is investigating taking sand from a nearshore area between Taperoo and North Haven and moving it by barge to help replenish West Beach. The trial must be finished by early November, in accordance with EPA requirements.

This project is important for finding long-term ways to protect our coast and improve the beach for everyone, including local businesses. The trial also includes talking to the community and making sure the work is done safely with minimal disruption.

We’ll keep you updated as the trial continues. The results will help shape how we manage sand along our coast in the future. If you have any questions or want to know more, you can contact us.

Henley Beach and West Beach replenishment

8 August 2024

The state government is continuing to work at Henley Beach and West Beach in line with the recommendations of the independent Adelaide Beach Management Review.

The final deliveries of quarry sand to Henley Beach are nearly complete. Sand delivery to replenish West Beach started on Monday 29 July.

Public access to the beaches will be maintained and we encourage everyone to stay safe and adhere to safety signage during the works. No work will occur on weekends, public holidays or during school holidays to minimise disruption.

The department is monitoring the presence and behaviour of hooded plovers and other nesting shorebirds alongside trained BirdLife Australia spotters.

The ongoing work at West Beach will continue throughout the year and updates will be provided as the project progresses.

The replenishment will help prevent erosion, protect coastal infrastructure and improve the beach environment, benefiting both the local community and businesses. It ensures the beaches remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Dredging trial progress

8 August 2024

Progress continues with the state government’s dredging trial based on recommendations from the independent Adelaide Beach Management Review. The trial is exploring sustainable sand management practices along Adelaide’s coast.

The trial aims to find sustainable sand management practices to maintain and protect Adelaide’s coast. It is a key initiative to address coastal erosion and improve beach conditions.

Dredging will occur between Taperoo and North Haven. The sand will be transported by barge to replenish West Beach. The trial is planned to conclude by early November.

The dredging trial will help develop sustainable methods to manage sand along the coast, protect coastal infrastructure and improve the beach environment for the community and local businesses.

The trial includes community consultation and comprehensive environmental assessments to ensure the project is carried out safely and with minimal disruption to the public.

As the trial progresses, updates will be provided to keep the community informed. The results of the trial will help shape future sand management practices along Adelaide’s coast.

Find out more