Big seas erode Cronulla beaches in March this year. Picture supplied

A major sand replenishment program for Cronulla beaches has been brought forward, but a proposal to access large offshore pockets has been dealt a blow.

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Sutherland Shire Council unanimously decided on Monday night to bring forward the beaches restoration project from 2033/34 to 2029-31.

The move comes as preparations are made to plant 40,000 native plants to restore sand dunes at Wanda beach.

Coir matting for 40,000 native plants is being installed on sand dunes at Wanda beach. Picture by Murray Trembath

The revised timetable for the sand replenishment program is part of a new Catchments and Waterways Strategy adopted by the council.

Anthony Hirst, co-founder of community group C Care, said it was "a great example of councillors listening to community feedback and working together to progress action."

"However, the opportunity to progress a major sand replenishment operation to counter the erosion along Cronulla's beaches now sits largely in the hands of the NSW Minister for Natural Resources," he said.

"The companies that hold the exploration licences off Sydney's coastline have lodged applications to renew the full area of their current exploration licences, including extensive areas located offshore from Cape Solander and the Royal National Park.

"The exploration licences have been in place for close to 40 years since the 1980s.

"We want to see the marine sand located within these licence areas unlocked so the sand can be used to replenish our beaches."

Mr Hirst said offshore marine sand was a public resource and should be used for the whole community's benefit.

"We're calling on the minister to require the licence applicant(s) to surrender 50 per cent of each exploration licence area, as per the mandatory requirement specified under Section 104 of the Offshore Minerals Act 1999, and reserve the surrendered licence areas under Section 18.

"The timing for action is critical because the exploration licences are due to expire on 2 July 2026 pending decisions on the renewal applications."

Coir matting for 40,000 native plants is being installed on sand dunes at Wanda beach. Picture by Murray Trembath

The sand dunes restoration project adjoining Don Lucas Reserve is being carried out under an updated plan developed in 2025 by industry experts, including coastal engineers, ecologists, and landscape architects, the council said.

Stage one, which was completed in late 2025, involved earthmovers reshaping the dunes and moving excess sand to Cronulla and North Cronulla beaches.

Stage two, which began in recent weeks, includes final reprofiling, installing coir matting, protective fencing and erosion control and planting 40,000 local native plants.

Species have been selected to match existing vegetation communities Coastal Foredune Wattlescrub and Beach Spinifex Grassland.

"The plan provides tailored, site-specific solutions for each section of the beach," a council statement said.

"Historical and meteorological data, along with detailed site assessments, were used to track changes and inform recommendations.

"The plan reflects best-practice coastal management approaches for the challenges faced across the east coast and has all necessary environmental approvals."