Sand Dredging

365 The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO ().28 August 2024). Can the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water advise:

1. Can you please advise when the first dredge dump is expected to occur at West Beach as part of the government's sand dredging trial?

2. Can you please advise what public information will be put out regarding where sand sources are available and volumes?

3. If the dredging trial along our coastline is successful, what will be the long-term cost of a dredging solution year on year?

4. If dredging is unsuccessful, what option will the government pursue?

5. What is the cost per cubic metre for the sand to be delivered by dredge and truck at West Beach?

6. What volume of sand is expected to be delivered at Henley Beach South?

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

1. Specific information regarding the schedule of trial operations will be finalised and announced once the Environment Protection Authority has approved a detailed dredge management plan.

2. Information on the design of the trial, including sand sources and volumes, will be published as it becomes available on the DEW website: www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/coasts/adelaide-beach-management-review.

3. The trial provides the opportunity to gauge the actual cost of dredging. The proposed trial aims to test different placement methodologies which, if determined to be feasible, will be used to inform a long-term costing of the approach.

4. On completion of the dredging trial, the results will be reviewed and used to inform the government's decision on the appropriate next steps.

5. The cost of quarry sand delivered to West Beach by truck is approximately $65 per cubic metre, depending on the market rate. The cost of dredged sand delivery to West Beach will be informed by the proposed trial.

6. It is expected that 15,000 cubic metres of sand will be delivered to Henley Beach South in spring 2024.