Protecting the ocean from salt runoff
There is currently no barrier of any kind between the sand at Kings Beach and the ocean. We're proposing a measured, evidence-based response to a problem nobody is monitoring.
Artist's impression. Indicative only.
Estimated salt entering the ocean from Kings Beach today*
*Preliminary estimate. Independent baseline study pending. See DKB-TN-001.
Kings Beach by the numbers
Estimated salt moving from Kings Beach into the ocean each year (est.)
Existing barriers between the sand at Kings Beach and the ocean
Estimated project cost, including ten years of monitoring and maintenance
Salt runoff has never been monitored or managed at Kings Beach
Beach sand naturally contains salt. At Kings Beach, that salt is carried into the ocean with every tide, during rainfall and through ordinary foot traffic.2,3
The impact is cumulative. Salt that enters the ocean does not leave it, and at present nobody is measuring how much is going in. We believe that waiting for clear evidence of harm would mean acting too late.7
Learn more about the issue
Measure. Contain. Monitor.
A considered, three-part response, consistent with the precautionary approach taken across modern environmental management.
Measure
Commission an independent baseline study of salt runoff at Kings Beach. Draft Terms of Reference
Contain
Build a reinforced concrete containment structure between the dry sand and the intertidal zone. The proposal
Monitor
Install a salinity monitoring station on the wall, with data made publicly available. Monitoring Framework
Ruby's drawing
“My daughter drew a picture of the dam for school and her teacher put it up on the wall. She said she wants to be an engineer now. That's what this campaign means to our family.”
Craig H., Ruby's dad, Bangalow
Why locals support action
I've been walking Kings most mornings since 1994. I never really thought about where the salt goes until I saw the campaign, and now I can't stop thinking about it. Every wave. It just goes straight out.
We put filters on our stormwater drains, we put fences around the dunes. It does seem strange that there's nothing at all between the beach and the water.
Graham T.Retired civil engineer, Lennox HeadI taught science for thirty years. Every year we'd evaporate seawater in a dish, and every year the salt was still there at the end. It doesn't just disappear. It has to go somewhere.
Lorraine K.Retired science teacher, Lennox HeadKey documents
Our project documents are published in full. Every figure on this website can be traced to a numbered document.
Guided by experience
Dam Kings Beach is governed by a volunteer Board and advised by a Technical Advisory Panel with expertise in hydrogeology, water quality and stormwater infrastructure.
Meet the Board and advisers
