A $25,000 state government grant will help fund a plan of management for Cronulla's wind-ravished sand dunes.
The dunes, which stretch 1.5 kilometres between North Cronulla and Wanda beaches, have suffered for many years from vegetation loss, erosion and sand migration.
Environment Minister and Cronulla MP Mark Speakman, and Planning Minister Rob Stokes, announced the grant to Sutherland Shire Council under the 2015-16 coastal management program.
A council spokeswoman said the dunes were an important environmental feature.
"They protect the coast from storm and winds, providing wildlife habitat and an attractive and engaging natural landscape in a highly urban area," she said.
"The NSW government grant will enable council to develop a dune maintenance plan to look at how to improve the quality of the dunes, minimise hazards and improve the interface between the dunes and the urban area."
The spokeswoman said site assessments and discussions with various groups had identified problem areas.
"Sand migration and erosion is also impacting council infrastructure such as fencing, showers, footpaths and roads," she said.
"They are currently managed on a reactive basis but, often, problems are ongoing."
The spokeswoman said the council would contribute $25,000 to developing the plan, and would also fund its implementation.
HANDLE WITH CARE
■ The dunes are in an area which is listed by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage as a state significant heritage item and within the Cronulla Beach National Surfing Reserve.
■ A consultant is expected to complete the plan by the end of March this year, with implementation to start immediately.
