ERODED: A cross section of sand cut away appears to be endangering the old littoral rainforest trees at Scotts Head. Photos: Black Diamond Images www.blackdiamondimages.zenfolio.com
ONGOING concern for coastal erosion has been highlighted by recent images captured at Scotts Head.
The images show a sharp cross section of sand cut away, which appears to be endangering the old littoral rainforest trees at the back of the southern corner of Scotts Head’s Forster Beach.
In a report to Nambucca Shire Council in April 2010, a coastal hazard study survey summary issued by consultancy firm SMEC reported that the existing erosion may lead to further losses of the beach.
“Processes such as sea level rise, aeolian processes and the littoral drift of sediment are natural loss components of the sediment budget of a beach,” the report read.“
At Scotts Head, northward sediment transport along Forster Beach and into the Nambucca estuary is a natural loss mechanism for sand.”
However, the good news is that the beach was reported to be ‘relatively stable’ at this stage.
“The beaches at Scotts Head appear to be relatively stable or accreting in the long term.
“This may be due to the nett supply of littoral drift from the south being greater than the losses toward the north,” the report read.
NSW Surf Life Saving’s website says that... “the (Scotts Head) beach consists of a pocket of sand, often awash at high tide, with two strong permanent rips at each end, rocks in the surf and sloping rocks backing the beach. Following severe erosion it can disappear completely."
Beach erosion is a concern all along the Mid North Coast, with independent Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott calling on the Commonwealth to work with State and local governments on coastal erosion.
In an address to parliament, Mr Oakeshott said coastal erosion was much more than just an environmental story.
“There is significant community angst about what will happen to private property, public infrastructure and the long-term outlook for entire neighbourhoods,” he said.
Mr Oakeshott said that, despite the enormous economic, environmental and social costs attached to coastal erosion, a cooperative strategy involving all three levels of government was no closer than it had been four years ago.
“If the threat to property was from fire or flood, we’d have a strategy; we’d have a back-up plan, and we’d have allocated resources to deal with the issue,” he said.“The response to this natural disaster should be no different.”