Bayside Council has successfully secured a $175,000 grant from the Department of Planning, industry and Environment that will be used to help preserve the remaining 1.6km long dune behind Lady Robinsons Beach.
Currently the dune is only protected by a standard dune type fencing, which comprises of 2 / 3 strands of wire drawn been timber and steel posts.
This type of fencing is easily cut allowing random access that has caused damage to plants, made the dunes unstable, introduced weeds, and affected migratory birds that frequent this area.
To minimise further degradation of the dune and the adverse impact on flora and fauna Council will replace the existing 1.6km long wire fencing that is located along the eastern edge of Cook Park with a more robust and vandal resistant fence.
The eight existing accessways will also be upgraded with new steps, Enduro planks, fencing and signage to facilitate easier access to the public, improve the amenity and physically deter random access to the dunes.
The project is estimated to cost $350,000 and Council will match the Government grant with funds from the Infrastructure Levy Fund.
If this project proves successful, similar projects under future grant programs could be undertaken for dune sites at Monterey and Sans Souci.
