Published on Friday, 27 February 2026 at 8:01:57 AM
Council has endorsed the use of containerised diesel booster pumps for the Esperance Bay Sand Back Passing Project, following an independent technical assessment comparing diesel and electric options.
Sand back passing is an important part of how the Shire manages coastal erosion along Esperance Bay. While the project originally planned to install electric pumps, further investigation revealed major challenges, including high installation costs, permanent power requirements, specialised technical support and limited flexibility for reuse in future campaigns.
Engineering consultant findings show that containerised diesel pumps provide the best balance of performance, cost, environmental impact, and long‑term adaptability. Plus we have people in town who can maintain and fix any issues.
Responding to Community Concerns
One of the strongest points of community feedback from the 2025 dredging campaign was the noise, fumes, and visual impact of the open diesel pumps. The new pumps directly address these issues:
- Much quieter thanks to acoustic enclosures
- Lower emissions and improved air quality
- Cleaner appearance, housed in tidy, purpose‑built containers
- Temporary, positioned along the foreshore for around eight weeks only
- Less intrusive, with improved aesthetics and reduced disruption
These changes mean future dredging works will be significantly quieter and more community‑friendly.
The project is funded through the Coast and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program and must be completed by 1 June 2026, giving the Shire a tight procurement timeline.
Choosing containerised diesel pumps supports the Council Plan 2022–2032, including the goal to protect and enhance our natural environment and to manage beach erosion responsibly.
The Shire remains committed to safeguarding Esperance Bay while minimising impacts on the community during necessary coastal protection works.
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