A new sand transport system designed to mitigate erosion and help keep the Gold Coast’s iconic northern beaches healthy is about to start operation.
The Surfers Paradise Sand Backpass will begin pumping sand from the existing Gold Coast Waterways Authority Sand (GCWA) Bypass System at The Spit to Surfers Paradise, Narrowneck, and Main Beach.
“We are committed to keeping Gold Coast beaches healthy, pristine and safe from erosion and the Surfers Paradise Sand Backpass will help us do that,” said Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate.
“The 7.8km backpass system will help us ensure the popular northern beaches are in pristine condition, provide a buffer against erosion, and protect vital coastal infrastructure.
“This system can help sand to be returned to beaches after they have been struck by powerful storms or king tides.”
The Mayor said the municipality’s Northern Beaches have the highest risk of erosion in the city. Sand on the Gold Coast naturally migrates north and collects at The Spit at the existing sand bypass jetty.
Using the existing GCWA jetty infrastructure, the backpass will pump natural sand and seawater south to help replenish beaches at Surfers Paradise, Narrowneck and Main Beach.
The pumping will occur during winter to reduce impacts on beach users, and each year about 120,000 cubic metres of sand will be returned to local beaches.
This year’s nourishment campaign will start in June and end early September and will occur in stages between Cavill Ave and Narrowneck.
The Council says it will also continue its existing beach nourishment programs across the Gold Coast.
