Soft Coastal Management

Like many coastal communities, the 国产美女精品福利 is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation caused by storm surges, storm tides, and rising sea levels. Coastal dune systems are naturally dynamic, constantly shifting due to wind and water. However, excessive foot traffic and strong winds can strip away vegetation, leading to blowouts and preventing dunes from regenerating.

The City has implemented soft coastal management projects - short term methods designed to stabilise dune systems and support vegetation growth. These methods build resilience in the dune systems and lay the foundation for long-term protection against erosion.  

Image: Greenough dune systems illustrating how the brushing, sand trap fencing and revegetation methods works together to supporting effective coastal management

Why protect dune systems?

Dune systems act as natural buffers, protecting inland areas from storm surges and coastal erosion. They also provide habitat for native plants and animals. Without them, the cost of infrastructure damage or relocation would be significant.  

Effect of cars on dunes

Soft coastal management methods

Brushing

Brushing is a technique used to stabilise and rehabilitate sand dunes by placing branches from selected native trees and shrubs directly onto exposed areas. This natural layer acts as a barrier, protecting the soil and trapping wind-blown sand to support dune recovery and vegetation growth. It also helps block informal tracks, reducing foot traffic and preventing further damage to sensitive dune systems.

 To learn more about brushing

 

Image: Brushing at the Greenough River mouth.

Sand trap fencing

Sand trap fencing is a low-impact method used to support the natural restoration of coastal dunes. These simple, biodegradable structures are placed in areas prone to wind erosion to capture and hold sand as it moves across the landscape. As wind passes through the fence, its speed slows, causing sand to settle at the base. Over time, this leads to sand accumulation and the formation of stable dune structures, helping to prevent further erosion.

 Image: Sand trap fencing at the Greenough River mouth.

Hessian matting

Hessian mats are made of biodegradable coconut husk fibres and are used to stabilise slopes and manage surface run-off. On inclined sites, they reduce the impact of water and wind, helping to protect the ground surface and support the growth of coastal seedlings planted through the matting.

Hessian matting

Image: Hessian matting as a slope stabiliser with coastal seedling planted through it at African Reef.

Coir logs

Coir logs, also made from coconut husk, functional similarly to geotextile sand container (GSC) groynes. They are placed along vulnerable areas to prevent surface erosion while allowing vegetation to grow around them. As plants establish their root systems, the soils become anchored, further stabilising the landscape.

Revegetation

All soft coastal management techniques are complemented by revegetation effort. Native plants are introduced to strengthen the dunes with their root systems helping to anchor sand and improve long-term stability, as well as creating habitat and rehabilitation effort of degraded area blown area. This natural reinforcement is essential for building resilience against future erosion.

The City delivers revegetation projects across natural and coastal areas through a combination of community events and contractor works.  

Image: native coastal seedlings planted at Sunset Beach.

root system

Image: Illustrating how the root-systems of the plants helps in the stabilisation of the dunes.

Monitoring of those soft coastal works

The City’s Environment and Sustainability team actively monitors coastal sites where soft management projects have been implemented. This ongoing assessment helps measure the success of each project and tracks progress against the goals outlined in the CHRMAP report. Monitoring also provides valuable insights into the dynamic nature of the shoreline and informs future coastal planning.

How can you care for our beaches and coastal areas

  • Protect vegetation – Don’t clear, prune, or remove coastal plants.
  • Use designated paths – Avoid trampling dunes and native vegetation.
  • No off-road driving – Keep vehicles off beaches and dunes. More information here
  • Report issues – Contact Rangers 956 6600 or police regarding suspicious activity.
  • Wildlife help – Call (08) 9474 9055 for sick/injured animals.
  • Clean up litter – Join or organise a event.
  • Follow fishing rules – Respect restrictions and use formal access ways.
  • Dog zones – Stick to designated dog exercise areas.