NSW Government Urged to Move Dredged Boat Ramp Sand to Park Beach

Published on 13 October 2022

City of Coffs Harbour has expressed support for the NSW Government’s long-term plans to dredge sand from the harbour at the boat ramp and deposit it off Park Beach, but is opposing a request to pump the sand slurry onto Boambee Beach for up to two years in the interim. 

The plans were outlined in a letter from Gurmesh Singh MP.

“City staff have previously raised concerns over using Boambee Beach to Transport for NSW and have made clear that the sand needs to be taken to Park Beach so that it can continue to drift north to replenish beaches further up the coastline,” said Andrew Beswick, City of Coffs Harbour’s Director Sustainable Infrastructure.

“Sand deposited on Boambee or Gallows Beaches will not be able to move around the harbour due to the currents and will invariably end up back inside the harbour over time.

“The adopted Coffs Harbour Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) identifies this issue and one of its actions is to work with the NSW Government to establish a regular program of dredging and replenishment of Park Beach.

“It’s important to be aware that the movement of sand in the coastal system can have significant environmental impacts if the activity is undertaken without thorough due diligence.  The Coffs Harbour CZMP provides a thoroughly-researched framework to guide any such works, together with the approvals required from the relevant agencies.”

Council supports the efforts to investigate sand removal solutions from the harbour and boat ramp. In June this year, Council approached the NSW Government calling for prompt action to dredge the harbour and to design and construct a permanent system for sand removal.