The Sunshine Coast Council has released a design option for the reconstruction of a seawall at a popular beach that it says attempts to retain the area’s much-loved Norfolk pines.
Moffat Beach locals voiced concern mid-year that some of the landmark pine trees along the beachfront could be lost during reconstruction of the failing seawall.
Severe weather and rainfall damaged the western section of the wall in 2022 and the middle section was damaged earlier this year.
Division 2 councillor Terry Landsberg said the council had worked hard to minimise the impact of the reconstructed wall on the beach and the pines.
“We know our community values its great surf breaks, stunning beach, ocean views and the cherished activities like picnics, yoga, walking, running, dog walking, surfing events and (the) Norfolk pine trees – and have kept this front of mind throughout the process,” Cr Landsberg said.
“Council has worked hard to find an alignment that attempts to retain the much-loved Norfolk pine trees, while minimising beach loss and disruption to the bay’s coastal processes.
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“To do this, council has proposed a hybrid seawall design that moves the wall out onto the beach between the central and the eastern end and then back into the parkland at the western end.”
The new wall will involve the loss of some beach and park space, as well as two trees plus some of the cottonwoods at the western end of the beach.
“The reconstructed seawall footprint is larger than the existing seawall to meet engineering standards, ensure the safety of our community and to ensure it lasts a long time,” Cr Landsberg said.
“So, it is inevitable that we will lose a little of both the park and the beach – council has done its best to balance the impact to these areas.”
The plan for the seawall shows a new boat ramp for council and emergency service vehicles at the western end, which the council says will be wider and not as steep as the existing ramp.
There will be two staircases wider than the current ones and rock wall seating, which was described in a community focus group as terracing, along the eastern end of the beach.
Cr Landsberg pointed out that the proposed alignment had not yet been approved and could change.
He thanked the Moffat Beach Community Focus Group for its contribution to the project.
The council will host a drop-in session at Moffat Beach Park this Saturday, November 30, from 8.30am to noon to provide information and answer questions about the proposal.
The proposal is due to be submitted to the State Development Assessment and Referral Agency and the council’s Development Services team for assessment within days, with a view to construction in mid-2025 pending a decision.
