Byron Bay Main Beach project launches

Byron Shire Council has advised that it is embarking on the Main Beach Shoreline Project, a study to assess feasible options for the modification of the coastal protection groynes and structures which are degraded along Main Beach.

Byron Shire Council’s Coastal and Biodiversity Coordinator, Chloe Dowsett noted that “It’s about improving protection while retaining what people love most about Main Beach.

“The current infrastructure is not up to contemporary or conventional coastal engineering standards and we need to be prepared for extreme coastal storms or series of storms in the future.

“The groynes and coastal protection structure on Main Beach have a critical role to play in protecting the Byron Bay town centre from coastal erosion and underlying long-term movement of this shoreline towards the land - and they also impact on how the sand moves, what the beach looks like and how people move from the surrounding areas such as parks and car parks onto the beach.

Dowsett added that “Over the next two years, the Main Beach Shoreline Project will use the most contemporary coastal science and modelling to find the best possible options and solutions for modification of the structure so we can improve our coastal protection, public safety, amenity and aesthetics of the foreshore area.”

Byron Shire Council has engaged Bluecoast Consulting Engineers to conduct the extensive two year study. The project is being funded by the NSW State Government through the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program with matching funds from Council. It is expected to cost $300,000 including the stage 1 investigation and further phases of cost benefit analysis and detailed design.

Dowsett advised that “the project uses what we call a ‘multiple lines of evidence’ approach which includes coastal modelling, geomorphological assessment of the shoreline, collection of wave data and expert observations.  Social, environmental and economic values will also be explored and considered.

Information about the Main Beach Shoreline Project including a Project Fact Sheet and FAQs will be regularly updated on Council’s website at Main Beach Shoreline Project.

Image: Aerial view of Main Beach in Byron Bay showing the shoreline, carpark and edge of the swimming pool.