A new method will be tested to address the at-times dangerous Mooloolaba Harbour entrance.
Maritime Safety Queensland will start a new dredging trial in an effort to improve access at the river mouth.
Unlike previous programs, which involved dredging the entrance channel, the trial will involve dredging sand banks within, and to the west of, the Mooloolaba rock wall.
Outcomes of the trial would determine if there is an improvement to access during shoaling.
Boaties recently called for a long-term solution at the entrance after community groups had their say. The State Member for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson, said earlier this year that boaties were “risking being swamped” when conditions were unfavourable.
The Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, said the new concept was developed through feedback from key stakeholders, like the local Coast Guard.
“We created a stakeholder group to investigate a longer-term solution for the Mooloolaba Harbour entrance,” he said.
“The group includes local representatives from the Coast Guard, commercial and recreational fisheries, harbour business owners, along with residents and community groups.
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“The meetings have provided stakeholders with a clear understanding of the constraints associated with managing shoaling events in the entrance and considering a longer-term solution.
“While the trial is underway, MSQ will further explore other suggestions put forward by the group, including investigating the viability of capturing sand off Point Cartwright before it moves west into the entrance channel.
“Nearly 100,000 cubic metres of sand will be placed at various locations on Mooloolaba Beach between Cheese Block Park and the Mooloolaba Surf Club, with sections of the beach to be cordoned off at times.
“We’re committed to working with everyone who uses the Mooloolaba Harbour to improve safety and find a long-term solution.”
A booster pump was also required to get the sand further north where it is most urgently needed on the beach.
MSQ has worked closely with Sunshine Coast Council to determine the best locations for dredge materials and council is also contributing funding towards the trial.
“We appreciate the patience of beachgoers and the local community while the trial is underway as we work towards providing a safer, accessible harbour entrance for all boaties.”
Meanwhile, Ms Simpson welcomed the “great news” and said dredging there may need to become a regular occurence.
“Finally, the Transport Department has listened to what the boaties and the community have said,” she said.
“There always needed to be a more aggressive dredging program to take out these sand shoals off the western rock wall in the bay to allow boats another safe channel to access the harbour.
“Talking to long-term residents and regular boaties. they have said the sand shoals in the bay didn’t used to be there and they, particularly the Mooloolaba Coast Guard, have been calling for this area to be dredged.
“While there is still going to be debate about the best long-term solution to have safe access to Mooloolaba Harbour, this more aggressive dredging program in the bay should be done immediately and may always need to be done to maintain access.
“The permanent solution has got to be right to enable safe access to the harbour and right for the environment.
“What I don’t want to see is a flurry of activity and in 12 months time they forget about it. Access to the harbour needs to be continually maintained.”
For up-to-date Notice to Mariners, visit Queensland Government – Notice to Mariners.
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