Currarong Beach access rebuilt to withstand coastal erosion

The sight of stairs and hand railings descending into the sand are all part of the plan to future-proof beach access in Currarong following the destruction of beach infrastructure due to significant storm events in 2022. 

Thanks to state and federal government natural disaster funding, pedestrian beach access at Currarong Beach has now been upgraded in two locations opposite Warrain Crescent. 

James Ruprai, Director City Development, said the finished works have improved accessibility and public safety for the local community, with the works being designed to allow for continued access after beach erosion events. 

“Rebuilding these stairs has given us the opportunity to implement engineering design for sand dune movement and coastal erosion when larger storms hit the coast,” Mr Ruprai said. 

“Using durable materials and extending stairs below the existing beach profile will help to improve the natural resilience of the immediate coastal environment,” he said. 

The project involved the rehabilitation of two access tracks that included: 

• Construction of a new fibreglass reinforced polymer (FRP) staircase.  

• Extension of an existing timber staircase below the existing beach profile to allow for continued pedestrian access after beach erosion events. 

Fibreglass reinforced polymer is a sustainable and recyclable product that is regularly used in the harsh coastal environment. 

These two access points are open, and Council appreciates the collaboration with the state and federal governments that enabled this to occur. 

For more information on the project head to our project page.