UPDATE: A heated confrontation has erupted between Cook MP Simon Kennedy and the Sutherland Shire Council regarding urgent issues of beach erosion at Bate Bay and dredging in Port Hacking. At a recent council meeting, tensions flared as Kennedy’s petition, which has garnered over 800 signatures, calls for immediate government intervention to tackle these pressing environmental concerns.
At the heart of the dispute is a statement from Kennedy’s petition claiming that sand has been significantly stripped from Bate Bay beaches, adversely affecting the marine ecosystem. Long-standing councillor Carol Provan fiercely contested this claim, labeling it a “myth” unsupported by scientific evidence. She expressed her concerns about the petition’s emotional appeal, suggesting that it lacked a comprehensive understanding of previous government and council actions regarding beach management.
In a direct response, Kennedy emphasized the community’s demand for a sustainable solution, stating, “Locals have pushed for a permanent solution to beach erosion and dredging in the Hacking for years, and their persistence is starting to pay off.” He highlighted the role of C Care, a community organization formed by three Cronulla locals, which has united residents, scientists, and volunteers in this initiative.
During the meeting, Provan proposed initiating the state government funding process for the next scheduled dredging of Port Hacking, set to occur between April and September 2027. This routine dredging happens every four to five years and aims to replenish the southern Bate Bay beaches using sand from the dredged channels. Provan stressed the historical context of this action, recalling that the first dredging in Port Hacking occurred in 1881.
“Bate Bay beaches are a closed system, and the sand naturally moves from south to north,” Provan stated. “If these groups have new ideas, I assure them that Council will listen and modify our policies if necessary.”
In response to ongoing beach erosion and environmental degradation, Councillor Kal Glanznig, currently attending the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, underscored the necessity for long-term strategies as identified in the Bate Bay Coastal Management Plan. He noted that immediate repairs have been made ahead of the summer season, including restoring the eroded Track 19 at Elouera and transporting sand from Don Lucas Reserve to North Cronulla and Cronulla beach.
Glanznig confirmed, “More needs to be done, and more will be done,” adding that the council is actively seeking funding from the state government to alleviate financial burdens on local ratepayers. He pointed to successful dredging and sand replenishment programs in various Australian coastal regions as models for effective management.
The escalating conflict highlights the community’s urgent plea for action on beach preservation and marine health. As local residents rally behind Kennedy’s petition, the council faces mounting pressure to align its strategies with the community’s demands for transparency and environmental stewardship.
As this situation develops, residents and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the council’s response and potential collaborative efforts to safeguard the future of Bate Bay and Port Hacking.
