A maintenance plan for the six major canal systems on the Sunshine Coast and a range of public access points will soon be under way following an independent review.
The Sunshine Coast Council’s Ordinary Meeting this week endorsed recommendations of the review.
The review recommended reinstating the original beach profile, removal of vegetation from the beach and an audit of unapproved structures.
The council will ask property owners with an unregistered structure to remove it or apply for approval to keep the structure.
Coastal constructed water bodies and planning manager Michael Anderson said healthy canal systems were an important part of local lifestyles and were essential for a healthy ecosystem.
“This review was conducted in response to concerns raised by residents around the condition of some canal systems,” Mr Anderson said.
“And we thank the residents for their contributions to the review.
“At a workshop in April 2021, weeds, debris and rubbish in the canals, silting and erosion, water quality, canal dredging, and changes in the beach profile were among the concerns raised.
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“An independent engineering contractor found that council was meeting its responsibilities but further work would benefit our environment.
“A canal maintenance plan will be developed for all the canal systems and the current residents’ handbook, which is published on council’s website, will be updated to reflect the adoption of the review recommendations.”
The full report and list of recommendations are available on the website.
