A raft of measures is being implemented to help manage the impacts of increased water levels and tides at a popular coastal suburb.
Sunshine Coast Council is working to shore up Golden Beach, after a tidal breakthrough at Bribie Island early last year escalated erosion in the region.
Recent and planned works include dredging, an upgraded seawall, improved drainage and a coastal hazard analysis.
A recent Review of Causes of Northern Bribie Island Erosion said the breakthrough led to “increased tidal amplitude, reduced protection from storm tide inundation and wave penetration through the new opening reaching the shoreline” at Golden Beach.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said council’s response was guided by its Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy and the Bribie Island Breakthrough Action Plan.
“These plans recognise the expected increase in sea level and tidal range along the western side of the Pumicestone Passage as a result of the breakthrough, and present adaptation pathways for community adaptation, planning, modifying infrastructure and coastal engineering,” they said.
The spokesperson said there was increased erosion in the northern section of Golden Beach, attributed to the increased water levels and tides.
“To address this, nearby dredging will take place after the autumn school holidays to re-nourish the beach,” they said.
“The seawall south of Jellicoe Street to Nelson Street will also be upgraded this year.
“This will protect the valuable park, road and amenities block immediately next to the seawall.
“There have also been some measures to improve the drainage to Golden Beach, including the installation of tidal valves at a few locations to limit increased tidal heights from backing up the stormwater outlets.”
Council said more needed to be done and it would call on experts to guide future foreshore projects.
“We recognise that longer-term adaptation planning for Golden Beach needs to consider multiple options and be informed by experts in the field with experience and knowledge of similar projects delivered in other locations around the world,” the council spokesperson said.
“Council will undertake a coastal hazard mitigation and drainage options analysis.
“We are in the preliminary stages of shaping what would be involved with this complex project and an achievable timeline.”
The spokesperson said council would update the community on the project when more information became available.
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