Latest News on Adelaide's Living Beaches

• Update on Sand Collection and Pumping Trials
• Storm Event - 4 July 2007
• Community Consultation
• Interim Sand Carting Activities
• Further Information

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Update on Sand Collection and Pumping Trials

The sand pumping trials at West Beach and Torrens Outlet have been completed, and the pumping sites demobilised.

The trial at the Torrens Outlet was successful in moving 22,000 cubic metres of sand from just south of the Torrens Outlet to a discharge point 2.2 kilometres south, opposite the West Beach Dunes. The trial showed promising results with two new devices, a jet pump, and a trommel, which was able to separate sea grass from sand slurry.

Trommel		Jet Pump

The trial was temporary, and more intensive and visible than will be typical of the permanent operation. The permanent sand pumping equipment will be designed to manage noise effectively. The permanent operation will use electric rather than diesel power, it is likely that this operation will require fewer vehicle and truck movements, than would be typical in a sand carting operation. The visual impact will also be aesthetic, with buried conduits and professional landscaping.

More information on sand collection and pumping trials.

Storm Event - 4 July 2007

On the evening of the 4 July 2007, Adelaide's metropolitan coastline was hit with a 1-in-20 year storm event, with the highest tide since 1981.

There was very little damage to coastal properties as a result of the storm, thanks to the protective sand dunes and other coastal protection works that have been built. Although beach replenishment had commenced by 1981, the coast protection works were by no means as advanced as they are today. The damage from the 1981 storm required $1.3 million spent on protection works.

The sand dune buffers and protection works carried out to date have kept the coast in very safe condition, with minimal damage from storms, including the 4 July 2007 storm.

Sand that came off of the beaches during the storm has not been lost, but rather has washed in the near shore area. In the near shore area this sand will assist in breaking wave energy, thereby protecting beaches from erosion. This sand will return onto shore in calmer periods.

There was very little damage to coastal properties following the 4 July 2007 storm		The 1981 storm of a similar size required $1.3 million of protection work to coastal properties

Community Consultation

Consultation with the community will take place before permanent sand pumping and pipeline systems are installed. There will be public meetings and written information will be available regarding design details, as well as updates provided on this website. Local residents will be notified about the meetings using letterbox drops and press advertisements.

Interim Sand Carting Activities

Scheduled sand carting for 2007 has been completed.

However, in order to provide additional protection following the storm on 4 July 2007, approximately 50,000 cubic metres of sand will be carted along the beach to replenish sand dunes north of the West Beach harbour.

The work, which will be completed by October 2007, will provide the Adelaide Shores area with additional protection from storm damage during winter.

Further Information

For further information go to Adelaide's Living Beaches: A Strategy for 2005–2025, phone (61 8) 8124 4882 or email metrocoastprotection@saugov.sa.gov.au.