business - 2026-06-11

Dune restoration work begins at Great Mackerel Beach as access restrictions come into force

Source: www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Work has started on a month-long project to restore the natural sand dunes at Great Mackerel Beach, with Northern Beaches Council warning that access to parts of the beach and dune area will be temporarily restricted while crews are on site. The work is aimed at strengthening a section of coastline that is vulnerable to erosion, particularly when the beach is exposed to swells. Council teams are relocating sand to build up the dunes, then installing matting and native coastal plants to help stabilise them. The work is part of a longer-term effort to improve the resilience of the public beach and reduce the risk of further damage to the dune system. Mayor Sue Heins said the project was intended to protect a well-used local beach while preserving public access over time. She said Great Mackerel Beach was valued by residents and visitors as a place for swimming, fishing and family picnics, and that the current work would help ensure the community could continue using the area. The project will be completed in two stages. Work is starting in the area north of the public wharf before moving to the section south of the wharf on Council reserves. That staged approach means different...