New political row erupts over scrapped West Beach to Semaphore South sand pipeline

A war of words has erupted over Adelaide’s beaches as the Deputy Premier revealed she withdrew from a decision to scrap a controversial coastal sand pipe to avoid a conflict of interest.

A war of words has erupted over Adelaide’s beaches as the Deputy Premier revealed she withdrew from a decision to scrap a controversial coastal sand pipe to avoid a conflict of interest.

The former Liberal government vowed to build a $38.9m pipeline to pump sand 10km that it said would solve West Beach coastal erosion and remove sand-carting trucks.

But after a community backlash, the Labor government scrapped works between West Beach and Semaphore South while launching another review for an answer.

Construction was expected to start as early as this month, after the former (Liberal) government signed a $38.9m contract with McConnell Dowell on the eve of the caretaker period.

After Opposition questions on Friday, Deputy Premier Susan Close, pictured, revealed she had withdrawn from Cabinet over the issue as she is Environment Minister.

She lives at Semaphore and was a vocal pipe opponent.

“Out of an abundance of caution, and due to her living relatively close to an affected beach, (Dr) Close recused herself from this Cabinet decision,” a government spokeswoman said.

Deputy Premier, Susan Close, said she didn’t take part in Cabinet talks on the problem. Picture: Matt Loxton

New Opposition leader David Speirs was the Environment Minister who ruled on the pipe. Picture: POOL via NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“The Malinauskas government is now undertaking an independent scientific review of all coastal management options so that sand can be managed in a way that minimises community disruption, avoids environmental harm, and maintains sand on the beach.

“While the review is under way, externally sourced sand will continue to be brought into West Beach from land-based quarries and the Semaphore South breakwater.”

This included a further 10,000 cubic metres over the coming weeks, bringing the total to 200,000 cubic metres since August last year.

“The Malinauskas government is continuing to provide ongoing replenishment of sand at West Beach which is critical to providing protection during storm events,” she said.

But Opposition leader David Speirs, the former environment minister who decided on the pipe, said the “people of West Beach need solutions now” after storms damaged beaches.

He said Adelaide’s coastline has “experienced the biggest tides of the year this week – more than 2.5m – which is putting extra pressure on sand levels at metropolitan beaches”.

“The time for reviews is done and Susan Close needs to stop stalling on a decision to save West Beach because the sand is literally slipping through her fingers by the second,” he said.

“Susan’s lack of action is a decision that will have grave environmental consequences she obviously is unable to comprehend.

“It’s frightening to see a Labor Minister so willing to use a review as a Band-Aid solution.

“We’re pleased (she) finally admitted her conflict in this matter after months of silence.”

The Save West Beach community group echoed his comments.

West Beach. Picture: John Dundon at Save West Beach Sand.