Kirra Beach Erosion

1.O Introduction

The purpose of this report is to discuss both the environmental and human impacts across Kirra Beach. An analysis of natural features located along Kirra and the surrounding region will be discussed, and an evaluation of present management strategies supplied across the beach will be inspected. Recommendations will be made on how to minimize the impact of human activity, within the district, and how to further improve the current management strategies, environmentally, socially and economically.

2.0 Statement of Findings

2.1 Location

Figure 1: The Gold Coast Southern beaches stretch from Duranbah in the South to Kirra North. The beaches located within these two destinations

As a result of the beach popularity, the landscape at Kirra has been damaged primarily due to the increasing pollution and the higher demand placed upon the beach to increase development.

2.2 Impacts of Natural Features and Processes

2.2.1 Beach Erosion

Erosion is the process of wearing away the surface of the Earth. It is commonly a result of impact from wind, water and human activity. Erosion can often be categorized into a range of processes, including hydraulic pressure, abrasion, attribution and corrosion. (See Appendix A). Erosion often causes landforms such as cliffs, rocky platforms, headlands, caves, stacks and arches. (See Appendix B).

When waves break, it carries material on and off the shore. When more material is carried in the backwash, the wave is destructive. This is the process of hydro-orientated erosion.

Figure 2: The process of a destructive wave. Sediments are pulled down the beach, in the wave backwash, and therefore initiating the process of beach erosion. (Wikipedia.org)

While sand and other materials can be carried along a shore, it can also be carried up and

This has resulted in the destruction of ecosystems, rising sea levels and increasing coastal erosion.

2.3.1.2 Social Impacts

The Marine Parade is a leading retail business strip aimed to attract tourists, local residents and coastal communities. It has been widely affected by human activity, as the business income has increased with incoming visitors, and has gained a valuable reputation for the Parade.

Figure 5: Parks have been placed along the Kirra coastline to provide a recreational facility for children and adolescents. This generates a positive social aspect. (Photograph: Jayella Nash: 27 February, 2015)

2.3.1.3 Economic Impacts

The impacts of human activity have supplied a range of economic impacts on Kirra Beach. Due to growing tourism from thriving business operations, a high demand has been placed upon the local government to supply for the incoming needs. This will ensure the business operations continue to advance.

2.3.2 Current Management Strategies

There are many significant management strategies already in place to try and preserve Kirra’s