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Kings Beach Salt Runoff Containment Proposal

The proposal

A reinforced concrete containment wall at Kings Beach, designed to intercept salt runoff before it reaches the ocean.

Summary

Dam Kings Beach is proposing the construction of a coastal containment structure at Kings Beach, within the Broken Head area of the Byron Shire, to intercept salt runoff from beach sand before it enters the ocean.

The proposal is for a reinforced concrete containment wall running the length of Kings Beach, positioned between the dry sand and the intertidal zone. The structure would be designed to prevent salt-bearing water draining from the beach into the ocean, while allowing seawater on the ocean side to continue moving as normal.

We recognise this is a significant proposal for a much-loved beach and we do not put it forward lightly.

~6 mWall height above existing sand level
2Designated coastal access points
$47.2MEstimated cost, incl. 10 years of monitoring
50+ yrsDesign life
The proposed works

Key features

  • Main containment wallApproximately 6 metres in height above the existing sand level, with deeper footings to prevent salt migrating beneath the structure.
  • Drainage channels and overflow gatesControlled drainage on the beach side, allowing collected water to be managed and held during high rainfall.
  • Salinity monitoring stationMounted on the wall, with data to be made publicly available.
  • Two coastal access pointsStairs and handrails, so that beachgoers can continue to reach the water safely.
  • Native landscapingPlanting at the base of the structure on the beach side.
  • Interpretive signageExplaining the salt containment program to visitors.
Artist's impressions

What it could look like

The artist's impressions released with the Community Summary Document are indicative only. Final design will be subject to engineering, geotechnical and environmental assessment.

Artist's impression of the containment wall running the length of Kings Beach, seen from above
Aerial view along Kings BeachIndicative only. Subject to detailed design.
Artist's impression of concrete stairs with handrails leading over the containment wall
Coastal access point with stairs and handrailsIndicative only. Subject to detailed design.
Artist's impression of the beach side of the wall with native planting, a path and signage
Beach-side view with native landscaping and interpretive signageIndicative only. Subject to detailed design.

Environmental considerations

We understand that any works on the coastline raise legitimate environmental questions, and we are committed to working through these properly.

The structure has been positioned to avoid the littoral rainforest and the dune vegetation behind the beach. Turtle nesting and shorebird activity will be surveyed before any works begin, and construction would be timed to avoid sensitive periods.

Salt collected behind the wall will be managed through the drainage system. Options for its long-term storage and removal are still being assessed, and we expect this to be addressed in detail through the environmental impact assessment process.

See the Preliminary Environmental Considerations Statement (DKB-ENV-002, PDF).

Cost and funding

The estimated cost of the works is $47.2 million, including design, approvals, construction, and the first ten years of monitoring and maintenance. The structure has a design life of more than 50 years.

Dam Kings Beach will be seeking funding from the NSW and Federal Governments, alongside contributions from private sector partners.

We are grateful to Cham's Small Meats & Preservatives, our founding partner, for their early support of the campaign and their commitment to responsible management of the coastline. Partners have no role in technical findings, in accordance with our Partnerships, Sponsorship and Conflicts of Interest Policy (DKB-POL-006, PDF).

Indicative program

Project timeline

All dates are indicative and subject to funding, assessment and approvals.

  1. Aug–Sep 2026Proposal releasedCommunity Summary Document, Technical Note and Environmental Considerations Statement published. Petition to the NSW Parliament opened.
  2. Late 2026Baseline study scopedTerms of Reference finalised following comment. Funding sought for the independent baseline study.
  3. 2027Independent baseline studyTwelve months or more of measurement at Kings Beach, subject to funding.
  4. 2027Environmental impact assessment requestedFormal request lodged with the NSW Government.
  5. 2028Concept designCoastal engineering and geotechnical assessment with our engineering consultants.
  6. 2029 onwardsApprovals and constructionSubject to assessment, approvals and funding.
Planning and approvals

Assessment pathway

We expect the proposal to be assessed under the NSW planning and coastal management framework. Legislation that may be relevant includes:

  • Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW)10
  • Coastal Management Act 2016 (NSW)9
  • Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 (NSW)7
  • Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)11

This list is indicative and does not constitute legal advice.

Next steps

Where we go from here

  1. Commission an independent baseline study of salt runoff at Kings Beach.
  2. Lodge a formal request with the NSW Government for an environmental impact assessment.
  3. Continue collecting signatures on our petition to the NSW Parliament.
  4. Hold the first round of community information sessions.
  5. Progress concept design with our engineering consultants.
Consultation

Have your say

We want the community to be part of this. Over the coming months we will be holding information sessions, running stalls at local markets, and inviting written submissions through our website, as set out in our Community Consultation and Engagement Plan (DKB-ENG-005, PDF).

We are aware that some members of the community have concerns about the proposal, and we welcome those conversations.

Make a written submission
Supporting documents

Read the detail

Full document register

Community Summary Document, Version 1.2

DKB-PRJ-001 · Kings Beach Salt Runoff Containment Proposal · PDF, 746 KB

Download the full document