Kirra Beach Case Study

By increasing the length of the jetty at Kirra Point, stops longshore which decreases sand on Kirra. The extension of 30m onto the groyne improves and brings back the surf-break which was destroyed when they initially put the groynes at Kirra Point. By removing the dunes you are taking away the volume of sand on the beach, it increases the risk of erosion when storms occur. It also protects coastal resources from damage of large tides which wash away the sand dunes. Sand Dunes are there to protect urban areas from high intensity storms as well as a resilient barrier towards destructive wind and waves. If we build buildings right on the shorelines, it means that we are ruining the natural dune system of which the environment uses as an advantage to protect itself. …show more content…
Having the groynes there has been a great success since it was first implemented. The groynes have increased beach width, changed off-shore sand bars and the covering of Kirra Reef. These factors have affected the character and economy of Kirra Beach. However, on the downside by placing the groynes at the point it has largely effected some natural processes such as longshore drift. It has ruined the surf-break for surfers and therefore they now have to look elsewhere for the time being. In past years, the government decided to make the groynes their original size, meaning a further 30 meters needed to be added to the existing groyne. The council has done everything they can to bring back the surf-break to satisfy the surfers