The City of Joondalup is preparing to relocate approximately 10,000 cubic metres of sand from Sorrento Beach to Hillarys Beach as part of its annual coastal erosion management program.

The seven-week project, costing approximately $200,000, will involve transporting up to 850 truckloads of sand from the southern side of Hillarys Boat Harbour to the northern side, where ongoing erosion has resulted in the loss of beach sand.

The works are scheduled to commence on 12 October 2026 and will be undertaken by Miraplex Group on behalf of the City of Joondalup.

Sand has been accumulating along Sorrento Beach, while the coastline north of Hillarys Boat Harbour has experienced erosion.

The problem is associated with changes to the natural movement of sand along the coastline following the construction of Hillarys Boat Harbour.

To address this imbalance, the City introduced an annual sand bypass program in 2018, transferring accumulated sand from Sorrento to Hillarys to help maintain the beaches.

The program forms part of Joondalup's long-term coastal management strategy and is supported by ongoing coastal monitoring.

Mayor Daniel Kingston said the annual works were important for maintaining the condition of the coastline and protecting beaches used by residents and visitors.

The project is jointly funded by the Federal Government through its Disaster Ready Fund.

Works will take place on weekdays between 7am and 5pm over approximately seven weeks.

Sections of Sorrento and Hillarys beaches will be temporarily closed during the operation to protect beachgoers and allow machinery and trucks to operate safely.

Signs will be installed to advise the public of closures and construction activities.

The City has indicated that it will attempt to minimise disruption to nearby residents and beach users throughout the project.

The annual transfer of sand remains an ongoing measure to manage the effects of coastal erosion around Hillarys Boat Harbour.