Sand dunes, flooding caused by 'bush-bashers'

'Bush-bashing' is the main cause of deteriorating sand dunes, according to the organisations responsible for restoring a big dune alongside the mouth of Five Mile Brook in Stratham.

The Water Corporation is concerned erosion of the dune over the years is threatening to engulf a part of its rural drainage network.

South West regional manager John Janssen said the effects of erosion could be damaging.

"If Five Mile Brook filled with sand, it would no longer be able to drain water from the upstream catchment, which could cause localised flooding," he said.

But a recent restoration project in partnership with South West Catchments Council and local community groups is hoped to halt further erosion.

The Water Corporation contributed about $20,000 to the project, which Mr Janssen said was important maintenance work.

"The restoration work undertaken with the South West Catchments Council will be beneficial both for the operation of our rural drainage network and the local environment," he said.

The Water Corporation manages more than 1300km of drainage in the South West, with Five Mile Brook comprising 5.6km of its rural network.

Rocks, fencing, coir logs and 3000 seedlings were planted as part of the restoration project.

The wire fencing and rocks are aimed at stopping vehicle access to the dune, while the coir logs act as windbreaks to help stop erosion.

South West Catchments Council coastal project manager Jen Mitchell said the project was also about awareness.

"If people continue to do the wrong thing, the sand dunes won't be here anymore," she said.

"The sand mass will be all the way back to Bussell Highway - people don't understand the implications."

She said it was difficult, however, to get people with four-wheel-drives and motorcycles to stop "bush-bashing".

Ms Mitchell organised the work on the project and praised the support of local community groups.

South West TAFE land conservation students and Capel Land Conservation District Committee members are among supporters of the project.

Ms Mitchell said the council would continue maintenance checks on the dune and would be back on site next week with Water Corporation staff to trial wind fencing in the area.