Stretching from Stanwell Tops to Port Kembla, in 1900, the sand dunes were once as tall as the northern cliffs in Stanwell Park. A home to wildlife and native vegetation, the dunes are an integral part of the unique Illawarra ecosystem. They act as a defence for both plants and animals alike against the often wild coastline.
Beyond their role in the natural world, they were also a source of joy to the community. Many Illawarra residents have recollections of sliding, skiing and sledding down the dunes. This kind of summer, sandy wonderland provided a site of many happy memories for locals.
The sand dunes are also culturally significant to the Dharawal and Wodi Wodi people. The dunes were used for shelter and also burial sites. One notable location is Coomaditchie Lagoon. Home to many unique animals, the lagoon is a site of extreme cultural significance for the Wodi Wodi people. However, due to naturally rising sea levels, coastline shifts and sand dredging, many of these sites have been obliterated.
Over the years, natural erosion and weather patterns began to occur and diminish the height of the dunes, but they were also impacted by the increasing construction and urbanisation of the Illawarra.
This urbanisation wasn’t just localised to the Illawarra. Tonnes of sand were exported to Hawaii to be used in construction projects in Waikiki Beach. Closer to home, sand was also used in the construction of Woronora Dam, located near Heathcote National Park. This sand dredging disrupted the natural landscape of the dunes.
These sand dunes were once a true reflection of the beautiful Illawarra environment and coastline.
This led Wollongong Council to take action to begin to try and conserve the dunes. It’s important that managing and conserving the dunes complements the culture of the beach and lifesaving clubs that is an integral part of Wollongong’s identity. To this end, there is a large focus on planting native vegetation that acts as a home for animals.
These sand dunes were once a true reflection of the beautiful Illawarra environment and coastline. While they may not return to the height they once were, they can still be conserved to help further coastal erosion and the loss of habitat for native animals. Despite their diminishing height, the dunes still hold memories and significance for many Illawarra residents.
We used to go to the snow in winter with skis and poles that my father made. In summer, we would often ski down the sandhills at Port Kembla.
It was beautiful there back in the ‘60s. We lived at the beach end of Wentworth Street in Port Kembla and loved walking across to the dunes with Dad to go sliding. The sandhills seemed huge back then.
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