Beach Management

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK ().9 February 2023).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Environment and Water has advised:

Responsibility for operational management decisions related to beach replenishment activities lies with the chief executive of the Department for Environment and Water (DEW). DEW actively manages Adelaide's metropolitan coastline, on a seasonal basis, to ensure a high level of amenity, public safety and environmental protection.

High tides and storms in winter 2022 caused erosion of beaches and dunes across the Adelaide coast. While most of the Adelaide coast fared well, the beach levels dropped substantially along the foreshore between Henley Beach South and Henley Surf Life Saving Club.

Beach access points along some parts of this section of coast needed to be closed for some time due to steep drop-offs and exposed rock posing a risk to pedestrians. Local councils are responsible for day-to-day care and control of the coast and for their assets, such as beach access staircases.

Beach levels have recovered significantly with seasonal summer conditions with all safe beach access points along the Henley Beach South to Henley Beach foreshore being able to be reopened. One remains permanently closed because the stairwell is in poor condition and is scheduled to be replaced.

Operational planning in anticipation of autumn/winter storms in 2023 is well underway and beach replenishment will commence in autumn.