Since the Wooli DuneCare group began their sand-trapping campaign back in 2011, the compliments have been coming in regularly for the extra protection the rapidly growing fore-dune is providing to the main dune.
The first evidence of this was reported in our April 2013 article reporting on the major storms just after New Year.
High tides and strong swells have recently reinforced that evidence.
As you can see in this slideshow of pictures from Bruce Bird, there is substantial erosion in parts of the lower half of the beach extending up to but stopping at the sand traps. It doesn’t need much imagination to see the potential damage to the main dune had the fore-dune not been there.
If any doubt remained about how substantially the sand-trap campaign is adding to the beach’s defences it was certainly addressed by our latest beach mini-survey. This focused on surveying the impact of the 108 sand-traps from South Terrace to One Tree.
Highlights noted by our surveyor, Brian Saye, were
- The average increase in the height of the fore-dune is about 0.35m.
- Volume report shows an increased volume of some 4000 cubic metres. This equates to about 200 truck & dog loads.
- Some areas show up as losing height. Brian said “I suspect this is partly due to the quality of the first survey not being as good as the 11-09-14 survey”.
You can see the detailed results of the survey here. You can even use the PDF-magnifier to focus on the sand traps nearest your place.
If you aren’t yet part of the DuneCare success it’s easy to join. Just email Craig Drabsch at cdrabsch@bigpond.com
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