Where is C.Y. O’Connor Beach?

    C.Y. O’Connor Beach, the City's most popular dog beach, is located in the suburb of North Coogee, between South Beach and Port Coogee.

    What is coastal erosion?

    Coastal erosion (or shoreline retreat) is the loss of coastal lands due to the net removal of sediments or bedrock from the shoreline. Coastal erosion can be either:

    •  rapid-onset hazard (occurs very quickly, a period of days to weeks)

    •  slow-onset hazard (occurring over many years, or decades to centuries).

    What causes coastal erosion?

    Investigations and studies undertaken as part of the Cockburn Sound Coastal Vulnerability & Flexible Adaptation Pathways Project suggest that erosion at C.Y. O’Connor Beach may be a result of several factors, some of which are expected to exacerbate in the future as sea level rise occurs. Factors contributing or expected to contribute to erosion and shoreline recession at this site include:

    •  Reduced onshore sand feed from offshore sand banks

    •  Net longshore sediment transport away (north and south) from the site

    •  Loss of beach sand via erosion due to wave energy at the site during storms, the effects of which may increase with changes to offshore morphology and climate change

    •  The shoreline still adjusting to the various natural and man-made features along the coast

    •  Potential future sea level increases

    Further details can be found here.

    What is the City currently doing to adapt to erosion at C.Y. O’Connor Beach?

    Through the City’s active involvement in the Cockburn Sound Coastal Vulnerability and Flexible Adaptation Pathways Project between 2013 and 2016, C.Y. O’Connor Beach was identified as vulnerable to erosion. 

    This study went on to recommend that sand nourishment be undertaken to address the immediate erosion problems, whilst planning and design works progress for a longer term solution.

    Sand replenishment activities have been undertaken on several occasions since 2016, which involves replacing the sand that has been washed away with sand transported from the beach further south. Around $300,000 has been invested in sand replenishment works over the past four years.

    Sections of the dual use path alongside C.Y. O’Connor Beach were relocated in 2009 and 2013 in response to encroaching erosion.

    Why does the City need my input?

    Key findings will help the City to understand priorities for the beach into the future. The City wants to hear how you use and what you most value about the beach. 

    I have more questions about the project, who can I ask?

    Phone the City of Cockburn on 9411 3444 during office hours or email [email protected]

    What are sand replenishment works?

    Sand replenishment includes the transport of sand from one location to another. Sand replenishment activities have helped to retain a usable sandy beach along the C.Y. O’Connor coastline by replacing sand that is lost through erosion. Sand is typically transported from where it accumulates and placed at eroding areas around Catherine Point. 

    Without the replenishment, ongoing erosion would likely cause the beach to become too steep and difficult for beach goers to use, and dunes and other infrastructure would be lost.

    Sand replenishment is not considered a sustainable long term erosion control method, due to increasing rates of erosion, depletion of the sand source and higher costs that will apply to bring sand from alternative locations.