Fighting erosion on the beach
Council will explore long term options to protect the iconic Dendy Street Beach in Brighton from coastal erosion due to the climate emergency.
Initial investigations by expert coastal engineers identified possible solutions to address coastal erosion on the beach. These include single or multiple groynes or offshore breakwaters.
Bayside Mayor, Cr Alex del Porto said that scientists have estimated that the shoreline at Dendy Street Beach will change dramatically due to more frequent intense storms caused by climate change if Council does not take action. This could affect the beach, iconic bathing boxes, important remanent Indigenous vegetation, precious dune system and cultural sites.
“Dendy Street Beach is unique as the only beach in Bayside that is “owned” by Council due to historic circumstance. It has iconic status not only in Melbourne but around the world as a recognised heritage beachscape with the famous bathing boxes.”
“Council is investigating options to protect the beach from coastal surges and will rely on scientific advice on the best way forward. We will also be consulting with stakeholders including the lifesaving club, environmental friends groups, bathing box owners association, individual bathing box owners, Icebergers, Heritage Victoria, Bunurong Land Council and relevant government agencies.”
Nicholas Were gifted the beach and foreshore area to the Borough of Brighton in 1887. Other beaches and coastline along the 17kms of Bayside foreshore are Crown Land and managed by Council on behalf of the Victorian Government. Council advocates for action on coastal erosion on Crown Land by state government agencies including Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
Bayside is also calling for a stronger focus on addressing coastal erosion and other action on the climate emergency from the State and Federal governments.
Works will commence in May to renourish Dendy Street Beach with sand from North Brighton Beach. Council recently completed emergency sandbagging works in front of a number of bathing boxes.
Find out more about the Dendy Street Beach Masterplan and new pavilion
