RECENT heavy seas have taken a big bite out of Bate Bay's beaches.
The big easterly swell of last week has caused significant beach erosion at North Cronulla, Elouera, Wanda and Greenhills Beach.
Sutherland Shire Council's manager of beach operations Brad Whittaker said the dramatic erosion was caused by the large easterly swell combined with a high tide.
"It's not unusual for this to occur but it does have a significant impact on beach users," Mr Whittaker said.
"If you went for a walk at high tide you wouldn't be able to get through as the sea hits the sea wall.
"There's been no damage to infrastructure such as walls or fences.
"The heavy seas have not penetrated to the front dune fence or access ways so we haven't had to close the beach off.
"But there has been a disruption at high tide for joggers or people taking their regular beach walk."
Mr Whittaker said that the sand would probably be replaced by natural processes.
"We just let the normal beach readjustment process happen. It's quite amazing just how much sand can move off the beach or back on within a few days."
Another problem at the moment was the large amount of small plastics washed down in recent heavy stormwater flows.
"There is a significant amount of plastic on the beach including sticks and Coke bottle lids," he said.
"The council is trying to collect this through beach raking operations but it could take a week or so."
Have you noticed more sand erosion this year?