Erosion protection works underway at Clarkes Beach

The NSW Government is investing $1.6 million to safeguard the future of Clarkes Beach at Byron Bay, protecting the iconic stretch of coastline from further erosion.

Recent high tides and ocean swell have damaged Clarkes Beach and the surrounding dunes, affecting access and impacting the Crown land reserve, including at the adjacent Reflections Byron Bay Holiday Park which has closed a set of stairs to the beach and relocated some park assets.

Crown Lands has provided a $1.275 million grant to Reflections from its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) for coastal protection works and maintenance.

Reflections has contracted the Soil Conservation Service to carry out works, which have now started, to install about 600 sandbags across a 72-metre section of beach at the front of the holiday park.

Crown Lands is also allocating a further $395,000 to support sand nourishment works at Clarkes Beach which are expected to be completed next year.

The latest works follow the laying of a sandbag wall at Clarkes Beach in 2020 to protect the reserve from erosion, but coastal conditions have taken their toll on both the sandbag wall and areas not protected by the existing structure.

Crown Lands and Reflections are working together to ensure the safety of beach and park users. Erosion areas have been secured with fencing and signposts erected to inform beachgoers to stay away.

Beachgoers are advised to stay clear of impacted areas and the work zone while the coastal protection works are underway.

Crown Lands Executive Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said:

“Clarkes Beach is a popular coastal spot but erosion has damaged parts of the beach and reserve and is posing a risk to the public.

“This investment will help address immediate safety risks and access issues while protecting important Crown land assets and culturally-sensitive areas from coastal erosion.

“We ask residents and visitors to be patient while works are carried out and to follow all signage and safety advice.”

Reflections Holidays CEO Nick Baker said:

“The team at Reflections Byron Bay has been working around the clock to monitor the beach erosion and ensure the safety of our guests and visitors to the section of Clarkes Beach impacted by the erosion, so this funding is very welcome news.

“Reflections looks forward to working with Crown Lands and Byron Shire Council so our guests, visitors and the community can continue to enjoy this spectacular piece of coastline.”