New sand for old beaches

Two popular Bellarine beaches will have fresh sand just in time for the summer holidays.

Nearly 7,000 cubic metres of sand will be delivered by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to Indented Head as a part of a multimillion-dollar renourishment program.

DELWP regional manager of land and built environment Greg Leece said the sand delivery will help to maintain the Bellarine’s economy for years to come.

“Beaches are key to the Bellarine’s economy, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every summer,” he said.

“Investing in the protection of these beaches is an investment in the region’s tourism and its future.”

The Victorian Government’s $8 million Port Phillip Bay Beaches Renourishment Program will commence later this month with approximately 5,000 cubic metres of sand to be delivered to a stretch of beach at Taylor Reserve, and close to 2,000 cubic metres at Wrathall Reserve.

“The sand we are delivering to these beaches is the equivalent of more than 250 semi-trailer loads – and it’s arriving just in time to enjoy over the summer holidays,” he said.

Sand renourishment has been recognised as way to protect coastlines from further erosion caused by storms and rising sea levels attributed to climate change.

“By taking steps to counter erosion along these beaches, we are managing and adapting to the impacts of climate change,” Mr Leece said.

The new delivery will consist of sand collected along the Bellarine and will expand the vulnerable coastline by 15 metres to provide ten years of protection.

More works will continue into the new year with a $1.9 million delivery scheduled to land at Half Moon Bay in Indented Head and across multiple sites in St Leonards.

Access to the Taylor and Wrathall Reserve beaches will be restricted during the two weeks of work while the new sand is being delivered and shaped.

DELWP is asking that people respect the safety barriers which will close off sections of the shoreline.