Construction work on a sand transfer system designed to replenish sand at Jimmys Beach, began earlier this week.
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The area along Jimmys Beach has experienced natural erosion for more than 30 years, while that erosion was exacerbated following severe weather events.
The site is maintained by MidCoast Council though the creation of a buffer for The Boulevarde by trucking sand in, which costs ratepayers an estimated annual cost of $600,000.
Once complete the project – made possible though jointed funding from MidCoast Council and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, with an additional contribution from the NSW Department of Industry Crown Lands and Water – will deliver an on-going sand nourishment program for Jimmys Beach.
Stage one of the project will include the establishment by MidCoast Council contractors of a temporary site compound and preparation of an access track to the Winda Woppa pump station.
The project will continue over coming months to include installation of a pipeline running through to Jimmys Beach on The Boulevarde, and then commissioning of the pump station before sand transfer can commence.
“Construction of the sand transfer system will have a significant and positive impact on managing erosion on Jimmys Beach in the future,” coastal management co-ordinator, Andrew Staniland said.
“Rock walls, groynes and other hard engineering solutions have all been examined, however a sand nourishment program has been shown to offer the most financially sustainable option for maintaining the beach.”
Along with the cost benefits associated with the new sand replenishment system, the area will no longer be home to our trucks periodically bringing sand in to Jimmys Beach.
- Andrew Staniland
Until the sand transfer system is operational, the MidCoast Council team will continue to monitor the beach and truck sand in as needed.
Beginning this week and continuing through the various construction stages, locals and visitors to the area are asked to observe signage which will be in place to direct pedestrian traffic, and to avoid clearly marked exclusion zones around the location of the site compound and heavy plant and machinery.
As works continue, residents will be notified in advance of any potential access or noise impacts that may result, however all work has been scheduled to take place during the daytime.
Once complete, the Jimmys Beach Sand Transfer System will be capable of transferring 10,000 cubic metres of sand over a two week period.
Use of the system will fluctuate depending on weather conditions and the immediate need for replenishment, but it is anticipated the system will be used every six months.
“Along with the cost benefits associated with the new sand replenishment system, the area will no longer be home to our trucks periodically bringing sand in to Jimmys Beach,” Mr Staniland said.
“This is a real win for the local community in maintaining a beautiful recreational area of our coastline.”
Further information about the Jimmys Beach Sand Transfer System project will be made available on the MidCoast Council website.
