Kiama councillor Mark Way recently requested a report on the best way to address issues facing both Jones and Werri beaches with regard to loss of sand, narrowing/scarping, inappropriate vegetation, vermin control, safety for beach users, surf club access and views.

Councillors Way and Warren Steel also raised questions regarding various issues relating to the existing dunes at both Jones and Werri beaches, and for council to provide a report for the future management of the dunes.

“Council is aware that there is strong community concern about coastal dune management, with particular reference to the occurrence of scarping after storms as well as the type, height and extent of vegetation, beach access, sight lines to patrolled swimming areas and restricted recreational amenity,” a report to council’s March meeting said. 

“Council has therefore sought advice from a suitable consultant to provide technical guidance and documentation to facilitate a sustainable dune management approach at these beaches.

“Partial funding to support the implementation of any proposed dune management actions could be sought from the Office of Environment and Heritage, however this would need to be confirmed.”

According to council’s report, it is proposed that the investigatory work be completed in two phases.

Phase one would be to develop a Coastal Management Program specific to dune management, while phase two is the design and documentation of a selected management option.

The total cost to complete phase one and two for both beaches is $77,310.

“Currently there are no funds allocated in the 2016/17 budget for this work, and this should be considered in the 2017/18 budget if this project is to proceed,” council’s report said. 

At the March meeting, it was resolved that council consider providing funding for preparing the Coastal Management Plan for both Jones and Werri beaches, and it be considered in the 2017/18 Capital Works Budget.

The motion included that should any funds become available due to savings in the 2016/17 budget, that this funding will be allocated to this project immediately. In the interim, council is to continue to apply for further grant funding that may be available for this project.

The motion also included that the stakeholder consultation should include local stakeholders, members of the local community and environment groups.

The Kiama Greens recently questioned Beach Care Kiama’s claims regarding modification of Jones Beach’s dune structure and vegetation and the impact of sand dune vegetation on beach safety.

The Greens claim that while storm damage can leave a beach less usable for surfers and swimmers until it repairs itself over time, “that is not a reason to remove vegetation and dunes to create a perfect flat sandy surf beach”. 

Meanwhile, Cr Way, a long-time resident who has been surfing at Jones Beach since the 1970s, said he wished to return the beach to its “glory days” of “a wide, open beach”. 

“What we need to do there is really put the right sort of vegetation in,” he said. “There’s been a lot of inappropriate planting which has led to a virtual jungle that is marching down the beach.”