MIDDLETON - Safe access from the Chapman Road Carpark to Middleton Beach has been made much easier due to the construction of two sets of steps.

In a joint project by South Coast Dune Care and Alexandrina Council, the two sets of steps link the car park to the beach and will also help preserve the dune environment.

The two platforms and steps cost $16,000.

The steps were named in honour of founding member of South Coast Dune Care, Dorothy Chilcott and chairman of the environmental group, Terry Tarrant says it is due recognition for her commitment.

"Dorothy is committed to the coastal environment and been a member of South Coast Dune Care since 1994," Terry said.

"She has monitored the rise and fall of sand levels at Middleton Beach for eight years and the construction of the steps is testimony to her commitment to sand dune care and the environment," Terry added.

Works Superintendent of Alexandrina Council, David Mullins, said the works on the steps took one month.

"Our issue was the unsafe beach access and now that has been rectified with the steps being erected in a prominent position at the Chapman Road Carpark," Mr Mullins said.

Middleton Beach is popular for surfing schools and general use for the public and the $16,000 was jointly funded by Alexandrina Council and South Coast Dune Care.

South Coast Dune Care raise their funds from management of the Port Elliot and Goolwa Wharf Markets.

"Funding has always been an issue and a decision was made 12 years ago to attempt to be self funding, which led to the establishment of a market at Port Elliot and later the management of the Goolwa Wharf Market.

This has provided funds for our own projects and assistance to other environmental projects on the Fleurieu Peninsula," Terry Tarrant said.

South Coast Dune Care was established in December 1994 by a group of concerned local residents to address the degradation of the dune system on the South Coast.

The damage was greater than the group could hope to address and a decision was made to concentrate their efforts between Middleton and Chiton Rocks.

Some time following they became a registered Coast Care Group.

During the past 15 years the group has been responsible for extensive fencing of the dune system and the construction of walkways, stairs and boardwalks and some viewing platforms.

This infrastructure has been designed to minimise the impact by the public on the dunes.