Port Beach After The Storm

Jean Hudson reports on the latest storm damage on Freo’s northern beaches – and the great catch by CJ’s Dad!

Port Beach remains closed following this weekend’s wild storms.

Port and Sandtrax beaches took another huge battering. The combination of powerful surf, high tides and winds of over 100k/h have washed away large volumes of sand and undermined the dune system, exposing rocks, timber and wire.

Over the years, we have brought you stories of erosion and sand nourishing projects. The damage this year isn’t as severe as the storm damage we reported on in 2021, but it’s only the beginning of winter.

Despite the beach closure, and the risk of debris and submerged hazards in the water, lots of surfers and a few swimmers braved the surf on Monday.

Snapper fishermen were also out in force, many using drones to fly baited fishing lines up to 350 metres offshore. Large fish move closer to shore after storms as food is stirred up.

Here’s CJ, holding a Snapper almost as big as himself caught by his Dad.

Preserving Port and Sandtrax beaches is an ongoing battle against mother nature.

*Words and photographs by Jean Hudson. Jean is our Shipping and Sailing Correspondent and also a regular feature writer, reviewer and photographer here on the Shipping News. You may also like to follow up her informative Places I Love stories, as well as other feature stories and Freo Today photographs, right here.

~ If you’d like to COMMENT on this or any of our stories, don’t hesitate to email our Editor.

~ WHILE YOU’RE HERE –