The Department of Transport (DoT) is conducting a trial to widen Castletown Beach involving dredged sand pumped from Bandy Creek.
The Department is working with the Shire of Esperance to pump sand from the entrance channel at the Bandy Creek Boat Harbour for 3.6 kilometres through temporary onshore pipelines to the beach.
According to the Executive Director, Maritime at the DoT, Steve Jenkins, the aim is to avoid future trucking campaigns to replenish sand levels.
Mr Jenkins said an estimated 40,000 cubic metres of sand would be pumped to replace eroding sections of the beach, widening the coastline, protecting the foreshore and enhancing the beach for locals and visitors to the area.
“Recent hydrographic surveys confirmed maintenance dredging was required in the area to restore the entrance channel depths and ensure safe access to Bandy Creek Boat Harbour for skippers,” Mr Jenkins said.
“Maintenance dredging at the harbour is undertaken every two years by DoT to ensure all commercial fishing, charter industry and recreational vessels have safe access to the facility.”
He said the dredging, pumping and sand replenishment trial would begin in early May.
“Skippers operating in the dredge area and people accessing the beach should be aware of the special safety arrangements implemented for the dredging and sand replenishment works,” Mr Jenkins said.
“Sections of the beach may be temporarily closed to ensure public safety.”
