Planning for a Resilient and Enjoyable Future
Background
Council engaged Alluvium Consulting, a specialist coastal and environmental engineering firm, to investigate the causes of erosion and identify options to manage the changing creek mouth and foreshore environment.
This technical assessment considered a range of management approaches, including both structural and natural (adaptive) options.
Summary Report
Community Engagement
Community input has been an important part of this process.
Through online feedback, written submissions, and discussions with local stakeholders, Council has gathered a range of community views and values about Sisters Beach and its foreshore.
In summary, community feedback for this project included:
- Interest in improving creek flow management, though technical advice found storm surge and wave action are the main drivers of erosion, with creek flow changes having limited benefit.
- Support for structural options like seawalls, noting past planting efforts had limited success. It was noted in the research that large-scale, coordinated dune restoration generally has an improved chance of success when adequately resourced and maintained by Council.
- Support for active sand management and vegetation restoration. This methodology is consistent with the Sisters Beach Foreshore Management Plan, developed collaboratively between Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service and Waratah-Wynyard Council.
Council Decision
The Alluvium Report shortlisted two main options for erosion management at the creek mouth:
- Active sand and vegetation management with access control
- Buried seawall
A multi-criteria assessment was undertaken to evaluate environmental, technical, social, and long-term sustainability factors.
The assessment found that active sand and vegetation management offers the most adaptive, cost-effective, and environmentally sensitive approach – especially considering future sea level rise and coastal change. In contrast, a buried seawall would eventually become a stranded asset as the shoreline retreats.
In consideration of the options, technical assessment and community feedback, Council endorsed the active sand and vegetation management option at its February 2025 meeting.
This adaptive approach allows ongoing dune restoration, improved access control, and better resilience to sea-level rise.
What’s Next
Council will now work with Alluvium Consulting to progress the design and approvals process. Key elements will include:
- Defining the scope of works
- Developing the works package and operational plan
- Securing necessary approvals
Implementation will be subject to receiving the necessary approvals and budget funding.
Co-Design with the Community
We’re entering an exciting new phase – working together with the Sisters Beach community to help design how the creek mouth and foreshore are cared for into the future.
The co-design will be run alongside the Sisters Beach Open Space Planning project, ensuring both initiatives are connected and deliver outcomes that enhance the foreshore reserve and creek mouth.
It is expected that more information regarding opportunities to participate in the co-design work will be provided towards the end of November 2025.
Please check back on this page for updates as the co-design process gets underway.