Semaphore sand carting issue raised again as concerns voiced over local businesses

Fears have been raised sand carting could drive people away from Adelaide’s northwestern beaches and impact local businesses.

Fears have been raised sandcarting on Adelaide’s northwestern beaches could have a negative effect on Semaphore businesses.

A Department of Environment and Water report has outlined plans to truck sand in advance of a proposed new sand transfer pipeline being commissioned.

One part of the report – Impact Assessment of Moving Sand from Adelaide’s Northern Beaches – outlined potential impacts on local businesses.

“Semaphore Road and other local roads are part of a major business activity centre, with significant dependence on day-tripper trade from Adelaide’s northern suburbs and the Barossa Valley,” the report stated.

Sand carting at Semaphore beach in October last year. Picture: Paula Thompson

“There may be a measurable effect on local shops and businesses during the campaigns if fewer people are using the beaches.”

The Save Our Shores (SOS) lobby group polled 30 business owners in the Semaphore and Largs Beach areas recently and 87 per cent of respondents felt the disruption from sand-carting would have an effect on people visiting the area and ultimately on their business.

“One of the big concerns is the disruption to beach users, because (sand carting) work is being planned for spring and autumn, which are fairly big use times,” SOS member Warwick Norman said.

However a Department of Environment and Water spokesman said a recent survey of Semaphore traders found that two thirds thought sand movement works had not had an impact on their businesses or they weren’t sure if there was any impact.

The spokesman said the department typically undertook sand movement works along Adelaide’s beaches in autumn and spring each year.

“This avoids the peak summer periods when the beaches are busiest,” he said.

“The autumn works reinstate sand dune buffers prior to winter storms, while the spring works replenish the beaches ready for summer.

“Beach management works are more difficult in winter because the tides are less favourable and winter storms can cause long delays to the works.”

Sand carting at Semaphore beach in October last year. Picture: Paula Thompson

Deputy Labor leader Susan Close, a local resident, said if Semaphore Beach was to become a less attractive destination for visitors, due to sand carting, it could have a major flow-on effect to the local economy and community.

“Semaphore is the beach for the north and northeast suburbs because of the fantastic road network that brings people into the area,” she said.

“The concern is not only around sand-carting. There’s also a proposal to operate a sand pipe for three months of the year. I have listened to the one that was running in Glenelg and it makes a hideous noise.”