The Marshall Liberal Government will secure South Australia's vulnerable coastline through a $52.4 million commitment in the 2019-20 State Budget to address the devastating erosion along our world acclaimed metropolitan and regional coasts.
This significant package includes $48.4 million allocated to the metropolitan coast consisting of $20 million for additional sand, including approximately 500,000m3 of newly sourced sand; and $28.4 million for the completion of a sand recycling pipeline from Semaphore to West Beach, as well as sand dune restoration and revegetation to be undertaken in partnership with local councils and coastal community groups.
This pipeline would complement the existing one from Glenelg to Kingston Park which successfully pumps approximately 100,000m3 of sand each year to stabilise dunes and maintain our southern beaches such as Seacliff.
Regional coasts will also receive a boost, with a $4 million injection to help repair, restore and sustain them in partnership with local councils.
Premier Steven Marshall said this significant investment will ensure that South Australia's world-renowned coasts are protected for generations to come.
"South Australia's coastline is regarded as one of our most precious natural resources and more than that it's a crucial drawcard for our tourism industry," said Premier Marshall.
"Our coast line is treasured by local communities and travelers alike, but unfortunately it's suffering from the effects of significant storms which have caused millions of dollars of damage and depleted beaches of thousands of tonnes of sand.
"We know that erosion has been a cause of angst for local communities along our coast, and hope that this provides them with some relief - and in addition, we hope that this investment helps attract more visitors to SA, and creates jobs during the process.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the sand along Adelaide's coast naturally moves northward, by the wind and waves.
This causes sand to build on our northern beaches, such as Semaphore, but causes erosion along our southern and central coast such as West Beach, Henley Beach and Seacliff.
"A report by environmental consultants Danish Hydraulics Institute (DHI) last year outlined long-term options for managing erosion at West Beach, and mass sand replenishment along with a sand recycling pipeline were identified as practical measures that would secure West Beach's future.
"The DHI report estimates annual sand losses to be about 100,000m3 and at present, beach volumes are the lowest since measurements began in the 1970s. The former government had 16 years to fix the problem and failed to do so.
"We recognise the importance of our coastline as the first defence against our changing climate and this investment will build resilience and improve environmental outcomes in a practical way."
