AFTER years of controversy, the construction of a sand transfer system is finally underway to replenish the sands at Jimmy’s Beach.

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MidCoast Council has described the area as an ‘erosion hotspot’.

“Construction of the sand transfer system will have a significant and positive impact on managing erosion on Jimmy’s Beach in the future”, Andrew Staniland, MidCoast Council’s Coastal Management Coordinator 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”, Mr Staniland said.

The area along Jimmy’s Beach has experienced natural erosion for over 30 years, particularly after severe weather events.
Just last month, much of the sand was washed away at the so-called pinch point.

The cost of trucking sand onto the match is estimated to be $600,000 a year.

“Sand transfer through this pipeline will be much more economical than the truck movements currently employed,” Myall River Action Group’s Gordon Grainger said.

“Stockpile replenishment will come from future dredging campaigns in the Shortcut channel.”

“The MRAG would like to acknowledge the assistance and support we have received from the Winda Woppa Association in reaching this outcome.”

In the first stage of the project, MidCoast Council’s contractors will set up a temporary site compound and start preparing an access track to where the pump station will be located at Winda Woppa.

The project will continue over coming months to include installation of a pipeline running through to Jimmy’s Beach on The Boulevarde, and then commissioning of the pump station.

In the meantime trucks will still be used to replenish sand as needed.

Once complete, the Jimmy’s Beach Sand Transfer System will be capable of transferring 10,000 cubic metres of sand over a two week period.

“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 to Jimmy’s Beach,” Andrew added.

“This is a real win for the local community in maintaining a beautiful recreational area of our coastline”.

The pipeline is expected to be completed by early next year.

By Margie TIERNEY