Council works to reopen Tweed beach tracks

TWEED Shire Council is rebuilding as many beach access tracks as possible before the summer holidays after consecutive damaging weather events in 2025.

Former Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred caused lasting damage to Tweed’s coastline, with erosion scarps on beaches reaching up to five metres.

Recovery has been slow in some areas, including the south-east facing beaches at Casuarina Beach and South Kingscliff, where sand has not naturally returned as predicted.

The lack of sand buildup has delayed access to machinery and the rebuilding of the tracks.

Most Tweed beach access tracks are now open, but many require caution due to rapidly changing conditions.

On the 8.5km stretch of beach between South Kingscliff and Cabarita Beach, only three beach accesses remain closed with high dune drops that the council cannot address in the near future.

The middle track into Little Cove at Cabarita Beach is on the repair list, but the substantial job will take time, the council said.

Manager of environment and sustainability, Jane Lofthouse, said the council acknowledged community concerns, and it aimed to ensure residents and visitors did not have to walk more than 200 metres to reach an open beach access point.

“We rely on natural processes to replenish our beaches. If there’s not enough sand built up, repairs can’t be carried out,” Lofthouse said.

“Beach accesses aren’t like roads or footpaths; they’re directly exposed to waves and tides. Short-term fixes often don’t last.

“Once the sand naturally returns, we can rebuild tracks properly, ensuring repairs are long-lasting, safe and a good use of community funds.”

The council reminded residents and visitors to use caution when accessing beaches, especially near erosion scarps.

Signage has been installed near beaches to warn the public of eroded cliffs and explain how natural erosion and accretion cycles work.

For more information, visit tweed.nsw.gov.au/coastal-management