Published on Tuesday, 23 September 2025 at 2:41:17 PM
The Shire of Gingin would like to provide further clarification regarding the sand renourishment project currently underway in front of the Lancelin Sands Hotel.
As outlined in our earlier update, approximately 7,000 cubic metres of sand is being placed to provide a temporary buffer against tidal activity and reduce further erosion in this area. To source this material, a shallow layer of sand (approximately 250mm) is being scraped from a section of beach slightly further north of the affected area. This sand is being transported along the beach and placed at the erosion site in front of the hotel. Please refer to the map below.
These sand renourishment works are being undertaken by experienced contractors who have extensive knowledge in coastal erosion mitigation works. Removing this top layer of sand and seaweed from a stable area allows us to utilise local material that matches the existing beach profile, while avoiding the environmental, logistical and financial challenges of importing sand from outside the area. The sand scraping is of minimal impact to the beach and the area will be left as natural as possible. The dunes and existing vegetation will not be affected by these works.
We acknowledge that there has been some confusion in the community about these works. To be clear:
- Records indicate that since 2016, the shoreline in the borrow area has increased by 10–25m, which corresponds to the amount of erosion at the Lancelin Sands Hotel. This suggests the sand eroded from the hotel site may have been deposited in the borrow area, making it a suitable sand source.
- Beach works commenced on Monday, 22 September, with the timing chosen to allow the contractor to complete the on-beach works ahead of the school holidays while also making the most of favourable tides and weather conditions.
- The northern beach area will continue to be accessible and safe for recreation following the sand scraping, which should be completed by the end of the week, given there are no further delays to our works.
- The full program of works is expected to take three to four weeks and will include the installation of coir matting, planting of coastal native vegetation to stabilise the dunes and reduce sand drift, as well as the installation of sand and dune fencing to help protect the area and encourage vegetation to establish.
- No permanent structures are being built, this work is a temporary renourishment measure to help protect vulnerable foreshore areas, providing us with more time to work on a longer-term solution.
- The renourishment works are jointly designed, supported and funded by the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure and the Shire of Gingin, reflecting a coordinated approach to coastal management.
We appreciate the community’s interest in this important project and encourage residents to contact the Shire directly should they have further questions.
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