The NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) has warned communities impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred to be cautious around heavily eroded sand dunes.
Coastal erosion is the loss of land along the shoreline due to the natural removal of sand, vegetation and other features due to changing wave and water conditions. During severe storms, coastal erosion can happen rapidly, potentially causing damage and putting people, properties, and infrastructure in danger.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has caused significant coastal erosion across hundreds of kilometres of coastline.
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner, Nicole Hogan, expressed concern over reports that children and young people have been playing on the severely eroded sand dunes.
“While the weather has now eased and it is encouraging to see communities return to normality and visit the beach, it is vital that I remind families that severe coastal erosion occurred on many beaches due to the storm surge and big waves which we experienced,” Ms Hogan said.
“There is currently an increased risk that the sand dunes will collapse and cause injury due to the sever erosion. While it may appear fun for children to play on them, it is not worth the risk.”
