The City’s response to damage from ex-tropical Cyclone Oma has been first-class, with Mayor Tom Tate praising officers for the $150,000 repair program at key oceanfront locations.
The city faced severe erosion risks over a five-day period as the tropical low hovered offshore last month. Waves exceeding eight metres were recorded in some locations.
“City crews worked tirelessly to batten down the hatches, build sand buffers at various worksites and prepare for a tough few days,” he said.
“At the time, we had key work underway at Narrowneck which was a real concern but given the high volumes of sand we have along our beaches, the large swells did not penetrate. It’s a credit to all officers that our beaches are back and ready for the 100,000-plus Easter holiday visitors.”
Work completed since the cyclone threat include:
– Dune profiling to reduce erosion scarps
– Repairs to beach access pathways
– Repairs to dune fencing
– Beach cleaning following the cyclone
“We spend around $6.4 million annually on beach preservation, seawall repairs, pumping, dredging and dune works,” he said.
“It’s a small price to pay for our golden asset – the beaches.”
The city boasts 52 kilometres of beaches, regularly rated among the best in the world.
Mayor Tate called on all residents to have their say on how they want their beaches managed.
“Our Annual Beach Survey is open so take five minutes to tell us how we can do it better.
“They are your beaches but we need to know what facilities you want, and where.”
Go to gchaveyoursay.com.au/oceanbeaches2019
