Dredging trial expands to tackle erosion along Adelaide’s beaches

A sand dredging trial will begin next week as part of the state government’s commitment to combat erosion on Adelaide’s coastline and maintain a healthy beach system.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has approved the dredging operations, which the state government announced in May in response to a key recommendation from the independent Adelaide Beach Management Review.

The trial is investigating if dredging can be used as a long-term, sustainable solution to replenish Adelaide’s central beaches, including West Beach, as sand naturally drifts north along the coast.

Works will include dredging sand from an area south of the North Haven Marina and delivering it by barge to West Beach.

The trial will also be expanded to dredge sand from an area about 500 meters off West Beach and from around the West Beach Boat Harbor.

The dredging zones were selected after extensive scientific testing to determine suitable sand sources and after considering a range of environmental factors, including not disturbing seagrass.

The trial will evaluate different methods to deliver the sand to West Beach. This will include pumping it directly on to the beach and placing it in a nearshore zone to create a buffer against erosion caused by waves.

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) will manage the dredging, which will be completed by late November.