Sunshine Coast residents have been urged to have their say on two new draft plans to manage the region’s coastline.
Sunshine Coast Council has called on the community to comment on the draft Healthy Coast Management Plan and the draft Shoreline Erosion Management Plan 2025-2035 before November 25.
Councillor Maria Suarez said efforts were being made to protect the region’s coastline and coastal communities from the impacts of climate change.
“We are exploring solutions to help safeguard our region from the increasing threats of flooding and erosion caused by sea level rise and more severe storms,” she said.
“Our beaches are part of what makes our region special and a great place to live.
“We need to make sure our coastal areas have a healthy natural environment, contribute to our quality of life and are resilient to climate change impacts such as coastal hazards.”
The draft Healthy Coast Management Plan is a new plan that, for the first time, brings together council’s priorities to manage the coastline now and into the future, while responding to population growth and climate change impacts.
The plan covers everything from invasive weeds and revegetation activities to placemaking and active transport upgrades in our coastal areas.
The draft Shoreline Erosion Management Plan 2025-2035 updates the existing 2014 plan.
For specific locations during the next decade, the plan describes processes that influence erosion, identifies council assets at risk, and outlines council’s preferred coastal erosion management actions.
Council is also investigating how to manage important coastal areas through Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precinct Planning investigations. This will be informed by what the community values about these areas and how it uses them.
These investigations aim to identify adaptation options to reduce the impacts of coastal hazards and flooding. The primary focus will be on long-term planning solutions, but interim measures will also be considered.
The region has been battered by the elements, with mass changes at the Pumicestone Passage. New seawalls are in the works at Kings Beach, Moffat Beach, Golden Beach and Mooloolaba.
Locals can visit the Have Your Say web page to find out more about the new draft plans, and can provide feedback online or at a drop-in session
Councillor Tim Burns said feedback would identify what residents valued about coastal areas and their priorities.
“Council is taking an integrated approach and seeking your feedback on these projects to help our coastal communities understand everything happening in the coastal management space,” he said.
“Whether you’re a beach lover, are passionate about sustainability or live in a coastal area, this is the time to get involved.
“You can head to a drop-in session in your area for a deeper dive into these plans and investigations, or quickly submit your feedback online through the Have Your Say website.”
Drop-in sessions were scheduled for each section of the coastline from October 31 until November 7.
Find out more about council’s Coastal Management Program and other activities to maintain a healthy coastline on council’s website.
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