Coastal protection works at Clarkes Beach in Byron Bay have been completed following a $1.6 million NSW Government investment aimed at tackling erosion and protecting public assets.
High tides and ocean swells had caused significant erosion along the popular beach, affecting public access and threatening the Crown land reserve and neighbouring Reflections Byron Bay Holiday Park.
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said coastal erosion, severe weather and high tides continued to put pressure on beaches across the region.
“Our beaches are a treasured part of life on the North Coast, but they face pressure from coastal erosion, severe weather and high tides,” Saffin said.
The NSW Government provided $1.275 million through Crown Lands and the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, with Reflections Holidays engaging the Soil Conservation Service to carry out the works.
The five-week project began in early August and included the installation of about 600 sandbags along a previously unprotected 72-metre section of beach in front of the holiday park.
An existing sandbag wall installed along the reserve beachfront in 2020 was also repaired.
“This funding has delivered practical protection for the reserve at popular Clarkes Beach to enhance the visitor experience and help minimise the risk to our valuable community assets,” Saffin said.
“Investments like this at Clarkes Beach supports both our coastline and the communities that rely on it.”
Revegetation works are scheduled for October, with fencing to be installed to protect new growth.
Crown Lands will also provide a further $395,000 for additional sand nourishment at Clarkes Beach, with the work expected to be completed next year.
Saffin said practical measures were needed to reduce the impact of changing coastal conditions.
“While we can’t control the weather and ocean conditions that affect our beaches, we can take practical action to protect our natural assets, cultural heritage and community infrastructure.”
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