Sorrento Beach Groynes to Undergo Major Repairs, Sections to Close for Weeks
The City of Joondalup has announced that repair work on two key groynes at Sorrento Beach will commence this month, leading to the closure of sections of the beach for several weeks. The central and southern groynes, which are over 40 years old, require urgent upgrades to address deterioration and meet modern coastal protection standards.
Project Details and Timeline
Work is scheduled to begin on April 7 and is expected to be completed by early June. The repairs will involve adding limestone and granite to the existing structures and reshaping the rocks to improve their functionality. Acting Joondalup CEO Nico Claassen emphasized the importance of these groynes, stating, "All three structures remain essential for maintaining beach width and amenity along this stretch of coastline, and they play a critical role in limiting the natural northward movement of sand, helping to protect the beach south of Hillarys Boat Harbour."
During the repair period, access to the beach around the groynes will be blocked to ensure safety. Additionally, the southern carpark at the Sorrento Surf Lifesaving Club will be closed and fenced off. Work hours are set from 7am to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays, excluding public holidays. The city is urging beachgoers to stay clear of the work area to allow for safe and efficient completion of the project.
Historical Context and Controversy
The groynes at Sorrento Beach were constructed between 1983 and 1985 to trap sand and prevent shoreline erosion, thereby protecting West Coast Drive, the Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club, and adjacent buildings. However, rock groynes have been a contentious issue among local residents. In 2023, a $120 million proposal by the City of Joondalup to build 17 groynes along a 5km coastline between Hillarys and the Ocean Reef marina was abandoned after facing opposition from over 5000 people.
Residents argued that the groynes would disrupt the long, continuous stretch of beach used for walking and swimming. This proposal was part of the city's draft 2023 Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan. Following the backlash, the city decided to prepare a new draft plan, incorporating feedback from a community reference group and expanded community engagement. The revised plan is anticipated to be finalized by 2027.
Funding and Approval
The current repair project was approved by the Joondalup council at its February meeting, with the tender awarded as a confidential item. The project is jointly funded, with 75 per cent of the costs covered by a grant from the Australian Government's coastal and estuarine risk management program, amounting to $1.281 million over three years. The remaining 25 per cent will be contributed by the City of Joondalup.
This initiative underscores the city's commitment to preserving coastal infrastructure and addressing environmental challenges while balancing community concerns. The repairs aim to ensure the groynes continue to serve their critical role in coastal protection for years to come.
