Thompson Beach Fencing Upgrades – Grant Funding Success Contributes to Coastal Protection

Adelaide Plains Council will be undertaking a significant coastal protection project to replace 2.7km of rusted out dune fencing at North Thompson Beach.

The project, at an estimated cost of $125,000, will be funded mainly by grants, (including a significant allocation of $75,000 under the Regional Coast Protection Fund) and is one of only 13 coastal projects across the state to be awarded funding under this stream! The project is supported with further funding by Green Adelaide Landscape Board ($11,000), Northern and Yorke Landscape Board Grassroots Grant ($8,560), Coastal Board Community Grant ($5,520), and Council will also be contributing $26,000 to deliver the project.

The Thompson Beach dunes have suffered significant dieback of regionally important coastal species Alyxia buxifolia. As the dominant plant species in this system, the dune risks erosion and storm surges if measures are not implemented to protect the remaining vegetation. Action to replace vegetation in the northern section via revegetation started in June 2021; however, the fence condition does not provide the protection it once did. The current fencing is 30 years old and is rusted, has holes and fallen over in parts providing limited protection from herbivores (Rabbits and Kangaroos). Current herbivore pressure on the vegetation and the natural regeneration is heavily impacting the recovery of the dunes.

The project aims to replace 2.7km of the North Thompson Beach Dune system fencing with 1.5m high rabbit proof fencing to protect the coastal vegetation from herbivore pressure. A new fence, combined with other rabbit control measures, will aid in the natural revegetation efforts to protect the dune system.

This project aligns with priority actions from the Metropolitan Adelaide and Northern Coastal Action Plan and Thompson Beach Biodiversity Action Plan, which notes that the Thompson Beach cell has high conservation values and supports the Thompson Beach to Third Creek Management Plan priorities.

Council, once again, extends its sincere thanks to all relevant funding partners and, in particular, the State Government for its generous allocation.

We anticipate works commencing on this project in early 2022.

Mark Wasley
Mayor

3 February 2022