The removal of a shipwreck at a closed section of beach is proving to be a “complex and time-consuming process”.
The S.S. Dicky, which ran aground in 1893, continues to deteriorate at Dicky Beach.
Council decided 18 months ago to remove the remnants of the iron-hulled steamer because it poses risks to beachgoers.
Temporary protection measures, including the closure of a 40m stretch of beach, were put in place then and are still in place, while a lengthy extraction occurs.
A council spokesperson said it was a difficult task.
“We are still working towards removing the majority, or all, of the S.S. Dicky wreck,” they said.
“It’s a complex and time-consuming process, with approval required from the Queensland Government.
“We will update our community when we have more details on a way forward.”
Council stated on its website that it “is exploring longer-term measures to safeguard the area into the future with the aim to reopen the area of the beach when it is safe to do so”.
But it’s unclear when that could be.
The wreck is mostly submerged under the sand at high tide but much of it is exposed at low tide, particularly when rough weather strikes.
A piece of the wreck was removed by council recently, after it was found protruding through the sand because of erosion.
Temporary protection measures include closing 20m either side of the wreck.
Red flags and new signs have also been installed to identify the hazard and closure zone.
The nearby Dicky Beach Surf Lifesaving Club has increased public warnings, while a map and information flyer were distributed to the Dicky Beach Caravan Park and other relevant local businesses.
The local lifesaving club is also on hand to notify council of incidents or hazards relating to the wreck. There have not been any recent incidents at the site.
Restored wreck pieces have been relocated to a display at Dicky Beach Park.
The ‘barnacle wall’ also features artefacts, a lifebuoy, replica bell and stories of locals inspired by the S.S. Dicky.
The suburb was named after the wreck, which has been a landmark and attraction since the ship’s grounding.
The 226-tonne 29.4m vessel, built in Germany in 1883, was a coastal trader that operated around Australia.
The Australasian Underwater Cultural Heritage Database (AUCHD) reported that its operations were generally uneventful although a crew member was charged with murder after a woman fell from the deck. The charges were dismissed.
The AUCHD stated that the loss of the S.S. Dicky was deemed to be the result of bad weather and poor judgment.
The vessel left Rockhampton, bound for Brisbane, but struck wild weather around the Wide Bay bar. After anchoring at Noosa and setting off again, it was driven ashore at Dicky Beach.
Several unsuccessful attempts were made to refloat it.
Many parts of the wreck were salvaged and sold but the iron hull was left on the beach due to the low price of iron at the time.
The upper deck levels collapsed by the 1960s. The wreck was badly eroded by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald in 2013 and it has continued to degrade since.
Parts of the wreck were removed in 2015, before council voted last year to remove most, if not all, of it.
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