Reflections Makes Headway at Clarkes Beach in Dune Stabilisation and Park Works

Reflections Makes Headway at Clarkes Beach in Dune Stabilisation and Park Works

Reflections Holiday Parks continues to make progress in its safety and beach remediation work at Clarkes Beach after severe erosion stripped away the popular North Coast beach causing dune destabilisation and endangering park accommodation and infrastructure.

Reflections Holiday Parks CEO Steve Edmonds said the 600 sandbags placed along the base of the unstable dunes in late July were providing protection from the relentless forces of wind and waves, giving the team time to finalise its longer-term dune stabilisation strategy.

“The sandbags are performing well and providing the protection the dunes need while we complete the landscape design for revegetation of the dunes,” Mr Edmonds said.

“The recent southerly swell has also pushed more sand around into the pass and is beginning to bring the beach up to a more stable level, which is great news for park guests and the community who love this area.”

Other works currently being undertaken by Reflections includes:

  • The relocation of five cabins on the top of the dunes by the end of the week and ready for guests in time for the September School Holidays.
  • Park landscaping of native species.
  • The installation of a guest fire pit and communal grassed area overlooking the beach where the endangered guest lounge resided and was removed.
  • Reviewing of engineering designs of the park’s proposed new beach access stairs.

Mr Edmonds said Reflections was also working with the Arakwal People of Byron Bay, archaeologists and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment regarding the dune erosion’s exposure of two important Aboriginal middens.

“We have engaged consultants to determine our activities moving forward on protecting the Aboriginal Middens,” Mr Edmonds said

Arakwal Corporation General Manager Sharon Sloane has advised that it is extremely important to protect Aboriginal Culture and ask that visitors to the area and recreational users do not climb or disturb this area.

“Middens are culturally sensitive and important and tell a story about past occupation. Arakwal people ask that you help protect, preserve and manage Aboriginal Cultural Heritage values by staying off the area,” Ms Sloane said.

/Public Release.