Action plan for MacMasters Beach erosion

MacMasters Beach is increasingly at risk of severe erosion, making it a priority for action in the Gosford Beaches Coastal Zone Management Plan (2017).

Central Coast Council engaged coastal engineers to put together a draft design for protection works at the southern end of the beach and is now inviting public feedback on the proposed works.

Council says the purpose of the temporary works is to protect the MacMasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club from coastal hazards while further investigation into long-term management options can be undertaken.

Draft designs were created with feedback from key community groups.

The design includes installation of rock bag armour units to protect and stabilise an 80m section in front of the surf club between the steps down to the ocean bath and the vehicle access ramp.

Due to site constraints the structure cannot be positioned further landward.

At present, there are Bulka bags filled with stabilised sand providing informal coastal protection in front of the surf club.

These were placed in June 2016 in an emergency response to erosion after large ocean swell and tides but this structure has since deteriorated and continues to degrade while only providing a very limited level of protection over a small section of the foreshore.

Council previously had a draft design for a typical rock revetment, however, in more recent public consultation rock bag armour units became the preferred option.

Other concept options, including vertical seawalls, were investigated and considered but advantages of the rock bag armour units won the selection.

These include a reduced footprint, compared to typical rock revetments and the previous design, reducing beach access and visual impacts.

Rock bag armour units are cost effective, flexible and can be easily removed and re-used elsewhere if adverse outcomes are experienced.

Additionally, it is easy to raise or modify the structure to adjust to changing conditions.

The MacMasters Beach Temporary Coastal Protection Works draft design is on public exhibition for community feedback until December 9 – visit Your Voice Our Coast on Central Coast Council’s website.