Cyclone Veronica hit Port Hedland in 2019. Although only a category 3 cyclone, the cyclone coincided with a spring tide and major erosion of the coastline occurred at a number of places in Port Hedland. The worst erosion saw 20-30 meters of dune disappear putting at risk some of the Town's major infrastructure including a large part of Sutherland Street.

The Town undertook appropriate studies and it was decided to build three seawalls to protect the coastline from further erosion.

A portion of the Sutherland Street Beach frontage was a nesting site for the endangered green back turtle. Care for Hedland - the Town's local not for profit environmental group has been undertaking turtle monitoring using volunteers and some paid staff for over 20 years. The Town worked with Care for Hedland to undertake monitoring of turtle nesting and hatching to minimize/manage the impact of the seawall. This is a great example of a partnership approach to protect both the coastline, Town infrastructure and the greenback turtle population who call Hedland home during nesting season.