Developmental changes in the dunes/estuary have resulted in novel ecosystems:

The mobile dunes on the west bank of the river are now stabilised by scrub-thicket,

Marine sediments have silted up lower reaches of the estuary due to an imbalance in the sedimentation-erosion cycle, and

A new east-bank dunefield has been stabilised by pioneers as drift sand accumulated and ultimately by scrub-thicket, and

A headland bypass dune system has been lost and drift sand immobilised.

Changes have led to the loss of ecosystem functioning and recreation facilities. The system requires restoration management.

Management is proposed to restore the original ecosystems and resort vitality.