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Middle Park Beach Renourishment Project

 

February 2005 - Middle Park Beach

Middle Park Beach is a major recreational and foreshore asset for both Port Phillip residents and the wider metropolitan community. Over recent years the beach has been eroding at an accelerated rate, culminating in the almost complete loss of beach sand in February 2005 after a severe storm.

In the May 2005 State budget the Government announced an allocation of up to $5 million towards the renourishment of Middle Park Beach.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and the City of Port Phillip  (CoPP) worked together with engineering consultants to find a longer term solution to re-establish Middle Park Beach.  This has been led by the Middle Park Beach Renourishment Steering Committee which includes members from both DSE and CoPP.

Middle Park Beach has been maintained by renourishment programs since the 1970s with the most recent temporary top up of the beach undertaken in December 2005 while a longer term solution was being investigated.

          Middle Park Beach - After Storm 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Works Completed

 

Following an assessment of several options, DSE and CoPP agreed to renourish the beach with about 80,0000 m3 of sand as well as the regular transfer of sand, to top up annual losses, provided the best long term solution. This includes:

  • The McGregor St and Harold St drains were extended so they don't discharge onto the beach and a small rock groyne structure constructed at the end of Langridge St. These structures will help trap the beach sand.
  • Renourishment of the beach was undertaken with sand dredged from offshore.
  • This will be determined through inspections and surveys when the need for periodic beach maintenance has been identified. 
  • Depending on sand quality and availability topping up the beach with sand from offshore sources will be undertaken every 2 years to guide the beach maintenance works. 

 

Benefits of the works include :

  • Increased beach area at Middle Park;
  • Lower capital cost, though higher ongoing cost for periodic beach maintenance;
  • Minimal impact on beach users during periodic beach maintenance;
  • Allows for some natural sand movement, thereby having less erosion of neighbouring beaches;
  • Safety not compromised;
  • Doesn't interfere with beach cleaning.

 

The Downsides

  • Ongoing periodic beach maintenance will be needed;
  • The shape and width of the beach will continue to vary depending on natural coastal processes, e.g. storm events;
  • The beach will close periodically for maintenance, but it will be scheduled during winter months to minimise disruption, where possible.

 

Above  :  Storm 6 AM Feb 2005                                     Below :  Renourished Middle Park BeachRenourished Beach 

 


For further information, please contact:

 

City of Port Phillip, Foreshore Coordinator,  9209 6635

For more information of Marine and Coasts go to Parks Victoria Marine Information

Department of Sustainability and Environment - 13 61 86   http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/dse/index.htm