SAWTELL residents are wondering when and how they will be able to access the beach safely.
Weeks before Cyclone Alfred, the Murrays Beach stairs were closed for “emergency repairs”.
They remain closed while Sawtell beach, like much of the Coffs Coast, has been smashed by recent weather.
The life saving tower has been removed and the dunes have been eroded to the point where the viewing deck is in danger.
Resident Roger Tindale was concerned enough to contact the City of Coffs Harbour to ask what action was being taken.
In a statement, Council replied that it “understands and shares the community’s concern regarding the coastal erosion resulting from the recent severe weather and large swells, and the associated impacts to beach infrastructure, particularly at Sawtell Beach”.
Council staff are now in contact with NSW Government agencies to discuss potential solutions.
They said it is crucial that any works undertaken at Sawtell Beach do not further impact the coastal environment and are safe and able to withstand high tides and swells.
After careful consideration, it was determined that sandbagging at Sawtell Beach would not be effective at preventing erosion and may, in fact, worsen it.
This is because the ocean is currently still in an erosion cycle, with sand being removed from the beaches and circulating offshore.
“Winter is when the erosion happens because the sand doesn’t dry enough to be blown back and there are more waves to wash the sand away,” Mr Tindale said.
It is assumed that once the ocean returns to an accretion cycle, the sand located offshore will start to naturally replenish the beach.
Until then, the City said it will install temporary stairs at Sawtell Beach to the north of the viewing platform to assist the community with access.
Staff will continue to assess the beach and work with state agencies to determine if further action can be taken to address the impacts of erosion safely and effectively.
Mr Tindale noted that Gold Coast Council is trucking sand onto its beaches and is sand bagging.
By Andrew VIVIAN
