Jimmys Beach sand transfer system is operational

Published on 10 April 2019

The first of its kind on the NSW coast, the construction of a sand transfer system is complete at Jimmys Beach near Hawks Nest and a trial is underway, working towards building a sand buffer onto the Beach to prepare it for erosion during severe weather events.

A tri-funding arrangement between the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, MidCoast Council and the Department of Primary Industries Crown Lands and Water, the $4.1 million project uses pumps to take sand from the Winda Woppa sand stockpile to renourish Jimmys Beach.

This week, the sand began to pump onto the Beach, commencing a three week renourishment test period of the sand transfer system that aims to provide a temporary buffer for this winter season. Southerly winds and swells, which usually arrive on the east coast during weather characterised by low pressure systems, cause the sand to be stripped from Jimmys Beach.

It's planned to renourish the beach using the sand transfer system again as required later this year.

Council has faced an ongoing battle to provide a sand buffer for the best part of 30 years on Jimmys Beach, one of NSW's 12 identified coastal erosion hotspots.

With community support strongly behind the preservation of the existing beachfront, Council has pursued a program of sand renourishment of the Beach after each storm event, trucking sand in along the beachfront.

"Sand renourishment has been identified as the most efficient way to provide a buffer for Jimmys Beach, and has the advantage of preserving the Beach for people's enjoyment."

With that in mind, and after extensive investigations into all types of options for controlling erosion, it was determined that the sand transfer system was viable for Jimmys Beach. It provides a more reliable source of sand that is readily available when required and is a cheaper option than trucking sand.

Thanks to the joint funding arrangement, the construction of the sand transfer system was commenced in July 2018.

"All beaches are unique, and while the sand transfer system is the best management option for Jimmys Beach, it may not be suitable for other eroding beaches on the MidCoast" said Andrew.

"This system is not designed to stop the erosion, however, it will continue to provide a temporary sand buffer along The Boulevard part of the Beach far more effectively than previous trucking campaigns."

For more information on this project and MidCoast Council’s other coastal management programs, please visit our coastal management page.