Offshore sand set to restore Northern Bellarine beaches

CONTRACTORS will use a sand-sourcing vessel to harvest the top layer of mobile sand bars, aiming to collect 35,000 cubic metres of sand and deposit them at three beaches across the Bellarine Peninsula to address coastal erosion.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) will deliver the works over the coming months as part of the Victorian Government’s $8 million Port Phillip Bay Beaches Renourishment Program.

According to the DELWP, the works will commence early next week in waters off St Leonards’ northern beach.

“Prior to large volumes of sand being harvested off St Leonards, there will be a testing phase to determine the best locations for the most suitable source of sand, based on quality, colour and composition,” DELWP regional manager of Land and Built Environment Gavan Mathieson said.

Site preparation is currently underway in front of Salt Lagoon.

Temporary fencing, office facilities and a pipeline deployment zone are also being established, with public access soon to be restricted on the shoreline.

“The upcoming beach renourishments will widen shorelines, protect important coastal assets and provide improved beach amenity,” Mr Mathieson said.

“By taking steps to counter erosion along Bellarine beaches, we’re managing and adapting to the impacts of climate change.”

Excess harvested sand will used to widen shorelines at St Leonards’ southern beach and at Indented Head.

This relocated sand will increase the width of these beach by up to 30 metres, with the new sand set to protect at-risk coastal assets behind the shorelines.

Beach operations are a familiar site at Indented Head.

In the past 12 months, more than 6,000 cubic metres of sand has been deposited along shorelines at both Anderson Reserve and Wrathall Reserve in the area.

The DELWP ensures that the offshore sand is being sourced for its cleanliness, composition and its ability to provide an immediate buffer to storms and rising sea levels.

This became a focus point for the DEWLP after most of the respondents during community consultations said the type of sand that would stay in place for longer, was a priority.

The operation is set to last approximately two months.