Cronulla Dunes, Kurnell Peninsula, New South Wales, Australia. The Kurnell sand dune system is estimated to be about 15,000 years old. It was formed when the sea reached its present level and began to stabilise, between 9000 and 6000 BC. The sand hills of Kurnell possess historical, cultural, scientific and natural significance as a place of early European contact with the Gweagal Aborigines. Sand mining on the Kurnell peninsula has depleted the area of much of the sand that was originally there. It has been said that 40 metre deep pools now form in the dunes. Pools are clearly visible in view from Google Earth. The remaining sand dune is used as a recreational off-road area for 4 wheel drives… Captions: Wikipedia. Photo source: ©© Adam J.W.C
Excerpts;
A former sand mining site on the Kurnell peninsula, which takes in Sydney’s only privately-owned beach at Boat Harbour, is being considered for housing.
Reasons given for the site unsuitability included proximity to Sydney Airport flight path, potential impact of sea level rise, hazard risk associated with the Caltex Oil Refinery and the presence of important biodiversity corridors that would limit the amount of land available for housing.
Warwick Kent, a Cronulla Dunes and Wetlands Protection Alliance member, said it would be ‘‘a disaster’’ if the site became housing, “the frontal dunes on that beautiful beach would be decimated…’’
