Redhead Dune Management Plan

About the project

We're planning to reshape and revegetate the dunes at Redhead Beach to help protect the natural environment and our coastal assets and infrastructure.

Our staff have worked with world-leading researchers at the University of NSW Water Research Laboratory to create our Redhead Dune Management Plan.

The plan focuses on the dune closest to the surf life saving club, and builds on actions we've already taken at Redhead to stablise the dune and prevent future displacement of sand.The plan involves:

reshaping the dune using earthmoving equipment to reduce its steepness and height (by up to 3m at the highest point) to improve stability
laying jute mesh to prevent wind erosion
realigning the main beach access from the car park to fit the new dune shape
closing two secondary beach access tracks across the dune
installing protective fencing
removing dead wood and weeds from the dune
planting native flora to increase biodiversity and help anchor the dune
removing sand build-up from public areas around the dune
replacing the mesh screen above the showers to prevent future sand build-up.

Works are expected to commence mid-2026.

Key

Where possible, existing vegetation behind the dunes will be kept. Weed species and dead wood will be removed at the start of works. Any native plants and dead wood that must be cleared will be reused as brush matting to help new dune plantings grow.
The beach access midway along the car park will stay in place but the path will be realigned to fit the new dune shape. Dune protection fencing will mark the path and existing track matting will be salvaged and reused where suitable to stablise the base of the track. Signs and bins will be temporarily removed during works and reinstated once complete.
The existing beach access will be retained.
These existing access points will be closed with fencing and replanted. Once designated pathway will remain to provide direct accesss from the car park to the beach, while reducing trampling and improving dune stabiliity.
Dune protection fencing will be installed around the reshaped dune to protect it.
The new dune protection fence will connect to the existing timber retaining wall.
The wire and mesh screen on top of the timber wall will be replaced to stop sand blowing into the shower area. Sand that has built up in the shower area will be removed.
Sand that has built up on pavements will be cleared.

Sequence of works

Weed species will be removed and dead wood will be stockpiled for reuse as brush matting.
Eathmoving equipment will reshape the dune.
The dune will be covered with jute mesh to prevent wind erosion.
Fences and a designated path will help plants grown and keep the dune stable.

Sequence of works

Establish a solid groundcover to stabilise the dune using mostly spinifex and pigface.
Introduce more species, like acacia and lomandra, into the fore dune and hind dune zones to increase diversity.
Mature vegetation, like banksia and tuckeroo, builds soil moisture and nutrients, creating the right conditions for plants to grow naturally and regenerate.

Have your say

The survey is now closed. Thanks for participating.

We are reviewing community feedback on the Redhead Dune Management Plan and will share an update on our finalised plan soon.

Documents

Supporting documents

Redhead Beach vegetation and dune management technical advice

FAQs

We’ll undertake the work in the off-season to limit disruption to beachgoers.

Works are expected to commence in June 2026.

While work has been undertaken previously to relocate sand deposits and help stabilise the dune, this suite of works is more significant and involves using earthmoving equipment to reshape the dune so it is well anchored and can better withstand the natural forces present along the coast.

As well as reshaping and protecting the dune, we’ll also remove dead wood and weeds and replant native species that will help further stablise the dune.

The main access to Redhead Beach, between the dune and the surf life saving club, is not changing. In fact, the aim of the works is to prevent annoying sand build up around this area.

Two pathways over the dunes, which are currently obstructed and receive minimal use, will be permanently closed as part of the project. However, the main access over the dune will be enhanced and realigned with the new dune shape. Dune protection fencing will mark the path and track matting will be relayed underfoot for improved access.

Yes. We plan to reshape the sand around the southern access point (shown as track 3 on the plan) to improve access for beachgoers and emergency vehicles.

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Who's listening

Symon

Principal Environmental Strategist
Lake Macquarie City Council