A community group dedicated to protecting local beaches has called on officials to re-evaluate a major project that is due to get underway later this month.
Beach Matters has urged Sunshine Coast Council to delay starting works on Stage 2 of the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project.
A new-look area, dubbed the Central Meeting Place, will include a rebuilt terraced seawall, new public amenities, beachfront parkland, accessible pathways and viewing deck, access to the beach and community spaces.
Sunshine Coast deputy mayor Maria Suarez said the upgrade would benefit the region.
“(It) will deliver valuable open space for recreation and play and provide areas for our community to meet, gather and celebrate, as well as watch and participate in beach sports and public events,” she said.
But Beach Matters president Rachael Bermingham called for a halt to proceedings.
“The Beach Matters believes this project should be paused to allow for further and essential environmental studies,” she said.
She said some of the beach would be lost to the project, and a seawall would “create maladaptation”.
“Mooloolaba is a north-facing beach, which is rare in this region. Protecting it and preserving it should be our highest priority, not infrastructure or placemaking.
“We believe the council is making a massive mistake.”
In response, Councillor Tim Burns told Sunshine Coast News that a replacement seawall was identified as necessary in the 2021 Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy and Shoreline Erosion Management Plan, and it would provide a sturdy buffer.
“The seawall has been modelled and designed by a qualified coastal engineer and structural engineer,” he said.
A coastal systems expert has also backed the building of a seawall.
The project webpage stated that a replacement wall was a “critical step required to protect community infrastructure” and it was expected to have a “negligible impact on sand levels under normal weather conditions”.
It confirmed that Stage 2 would reduce the useable beach space by 171sqm (less than half a basketball court) between Alexandra Headland and The Spit, but dunal revegetation would be part of works.
Cr Burns said community consultation since 2012 had helped inform a range of aspects for the project, including the design and erosion management.
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson last year expressed concerns that local businesses could be hurt by works.
But Cr Burns said efforts were being made to minimise the impact on the tourism industry.
“After almost a year of collaboration between local business owners, council and specialist consultants Reactivate, a Business Activation Plan has been completed,” he said.
“This plan will support traders during construction with a range of ideas, exciting events and initiatives planned, aimed to inspire visitation, drive business growth, enhance economic resilience and community support before, during and after Stage 2 construction.
“Some elements of the plan have already been delivered, including the refreshed decorative fairy lighting along The Esplanade and the ‘Friday Night Lights’ beach volleyball series, entertainment and after-party.”
“Council will work closely with the successful contractor to make sure that our community and local business operators are kept well informed of construction plans.
“The preparatory works (from January 28 to April) are not expected to significantly disrupt Mooloolaba residents, businesses or visitors and will ensure a smooth transition to the major works period (May into 2026).”
To make it more convenient and to support local businesses during the construction period, council has extended the free parking period at PARKnGO Mooloolaba Central from one hour to four hours free parking, from January 28 until the completion of Stage 2.
Stage 2 is one of four stages of the MFRP. Stage 1, the Northern Parkland, was completed in 2023. Future stages include a Central Parkland that will include the removal of a renowned car park on the foreshore, and a Southern Parkland.
“These stages are currently unfunded, and a timeframe or sequencing has not been determined for these stages,” Cr Burns said.
The Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce has been contacted for comment.
