NSW Government-funded cyclone repair works at Belongil Beach in the Byron Bay Shire have been completed, restoring a vital access point used by emergency services in the region.
Crown Lands provided an emergency grant of $50,000 to Byron Shire Council after damage caused by Cyclone Alfred left Belongil Beach’s vehicle ramp unusable.
Heavy seas, large swells, and strong onshore winds caused erosion in March last year, undermining the ramp’s foundations by dislodging rocks and removing sand, as well as damaging a safety rail.
A 2.5km stretch of coastline just north of the Byron Bay town centre, Belongil Beach is popular among both locals and tourists for surfing, swimming, and snorkelling. The beach is noted for its strong rip currents and occasional shark activity, making emergency access vital.
Ambulances, police cars, and lifeguards rely on the ramp to access the beach, which extends northwest from the seawall at Byron Bay’s Main Beach car park up to the mouth of Belongil Creek.
Emergency services now have access restored after the ramp was extended to meet the beach, and its foundations were strengthened by adding sand and backfilling rocks for wave protection.
“Belongil Beach is one of the most loved and visited stretches of coastline in New South Wales and maintaining safe, reliable access following storm events is critical for our community and visitors alike,” said Byron Shire Mayor, Sarah Ndiaye.
“Storms are a natural part of our coastal environment but they significantly impact how people connect with and enjoy the beach.
“The reinstatement of access at Belongil ensures locals and visitors can once again safely experience this beautiful place and we thank the NSW Government for its continued support.”
Minister for Recovery and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said the project was testament to what can be achieved when state and local governments collaborate.
“Belongil Beach is a jewel of the North Coast, and this work ensures that our emergency services have the robust, reliable infrastructure they need to respond rapidly to extreme weather,” said Minister Saffin.
“Recovery isn’t just about putting things back the way they were, it’s about making sure our communities are more resilient than they were before. By reinforcing this vital access point, we aren’t just fixing a ramp—we are protecting the lives of locals and visitors alike.”
