A seawall has been reconstructed to protect a Sunshine Coast foreshore from the elements, after the Bribie Island tidal breakthrough caused flooding.
The wall at Golden Beach is expected to safeguard the parkland and footpath from damage caused by storm surges, sea level rises and coastal erosion.
It also includes specially designed tiles that mimic the natural coastal habitat.
Council rebuilt the aged section of the wall, which was degraded and no longer effective, between Jellicoe and Nelson streets.
The project included reconstructing and raising about 80m of the existing seawall using grouted rock and installing special concrete tiles, to create a “living seawall” with habitat for marine creatures.
Council also reconstructed and upgraded the coastal footpath with matching hardwood and stainless-steel handrail, a new stairway to access the foreshore, and reinstated the barbecue shelter, benches and a wheelchair accessible binoculars station for locals and visitors to enjoy the views out to Bribie Island and the shorebirds.
Sunshine Coast councillor Terry Landsberg detailed why the works were done.
“This work to protect the Golden Beach foreshore and community areas is in response to the Bribie Island breakthrough,” he said.
“The breakthrough (in early 2022) has resulted in this part of the foreshore becoming frequently inundated adjacent to the barbecue shelter.
“Council is acting now to protect our coastline and coastal communities from the impacts of climate change.
“Here on the Sunshine Coast, our coastline is such an integral part of our lifestyle.
“This project is one of the ways council is carefully managing our coastline to protect and preserve it now and into the future.
“With the Sunshine Coast officially recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere, we remain committed to projects such as this, to showcase how we can live harmoniously with nature.”
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Council has attached 100 tiles to the side of the wall to create a home for sea creatures.
Because the constructed seawall surface is relatively smooth, the aim of the tiles is to help mimic the natural coastal habitat, encouraging seaweed to grow and creating a home for fish and other marine life.
The project is part of a trial with the University of the Sunshine Coast and the Queensland Government-funded QCoast2100 Program.
A $300,000 grant was provided to council from the LGAQ towards building the new raised seawall and including the living seawall elements.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell supported the project.
“By creating a ‘living seawall’, we are enhancing the environment while providing safe, accessible pathways so visitors and locals alike can enjoy the spectacular foreshore,” he said.
“This is another great example of the collaboration between state and local Governments delivering for Queensland.”
