Crescent Head is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Macleay Valley and with summer on the way, concerns have been raised about the recent sand erosion that has altered the beach landscape dramatically.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Over the past few months, strong high tides and weather patterns have led to erosion and created a sand bank at the ocean entrance to Killick Creek.
Although erosion and changing beach landscapes are part of nature, the dunes and vegetation along Crescent Head Main Beach are now being lost to the ocean, causing concern from council and residents.
Kempsey Shire Council is currently seeking to take action given the risk to the integrity of the dune, public infrastructure, beach access and public safety.
President of the Crescent Head Surf Lifesaving Club Carl Thurgood said he has never seen the beach change this drastically in such a short amount of time.
"I've been a member of the Crescent Head Surf Lifesaving Club for 15 years and I haven't seen it change this dramatically before," he said.
"The beach landscape does change due to tides and weather, but this is the most it has ever changed that I've seen.
"At high tide there is hardly any beach which is the main concern for us heading into the summer season," he said.
Crescent Head resident Mark Staden's property backs onto Killick Creek and he said the build-up of sand further down the creek has increased over the past few months.
"We live on Belmore St and I have noticed there has been more silting up along the creek recently," he said.
"Paddle boarders usually travel down the creek past our house, but recently there has needed to be a 1.4 metre tide or higher for them to do so. There's just not enough water, the board touches the bottom of the creek."
Mark said there are concerns among locals who agree something needs to be done to protect the area.
"The creek is the diamond in the town and something needs to be done before it gets worse," he said.
Kempsey Shire Council has been monitoring the worsening conditions of the beach over the past few weeks, with the decision being made on Tuesday to act on the situation.
Council's Director Operations and Planning, Robert Fish, said any action will be subject to approvals from regulators.
"We are aware of the impact of the sand erosion at the entrance to Killick Creek at Crescent Head, and are investigating options to assist with the situation," Mr Fish said.
"We hope to act before the coming school holidays and in the meantime, we ask that residents and visitors be mindful of the changing conditions when using the area."
