Sunshine Coast Council is examining the potential for revetment walls, landscaped berms, seawalls and raised open spaces and roads for four coastal communities.
Investigations are underway at Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Golden Beach and Bulcock Beach at Caloundra.
Councillor Maria Suarez said council was looking at possible solutions, as part of the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precinct Planning (CHAPP), to help protect the areas from the increasing threats of flooding and erosion caused by a rising sea level and more severe storms.
Cr Suarez said options would need to be developed by considering the specific challenges and unique nature of each location.
“Possible adaptation elements that are part of our investigations include revetment walls, landscaped berms, raised open space, raised roads, seawalls and increased stormwater outlet capacity,” she said.
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“It is important to note that not all adaptation elements highlighted through our investigations are within council’s jurisdiction to deliver.
“Proposals for adaptation solutions that fall outside of council’s jurisdiction would be deferred to the relevant authorities for their consideration, with their response informing the planning investigations.”
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred highlighted the vulnerability of coastal stretches.
“The Sunshine Coast coastline suffered quite significant damage,” Cr Suarez said.
“Events like TC Alfred demonstrate the importance of our nourishment and coastal maintenance programs to complement repair through natural process.
“The event further highlights the need to plan for the future and identify long term adaptation options to reduce the impacts of future coastal hazards and flooding.”
Cr Suarez said the investigations were being informed by what the community valued about the areas.
“We invited our community to share their thoughts on coastal spaces, their value, and ideas for adaptation against coastal hazards and flooding,” she said.
Councillor Tim Burns emphasised the importance of the community feedback.
“Overall, the engagement was really positive and constructive, highlighting how our community is passionate about the issues affecting their region, particularly those related to coastal hazards,” he said.
“Respondents identified numerous spots they visit regularly for activities such as exercise, leisure, recreation, water-based activities, social interaction and nature observation.
“It’s encouraging to see community support for council’s investigations, with 72 per cent of Golden Beach respondents, 70 per cent of Maroochydore respondents and 74 per cent of Mooloolaba respondents agreeing that the adaptation elements being investigated met their expectations.
“This input is crucial as we develop and analyse adaptation options.”
In Golden Beach and Bulcock Beach, the community shared concerns regarding coastal hazard impacts, stormwater flooding, water quality and marine safety in Pumicestone Passage.
In Maroochydore, the concerns centred on erosion, stormwater flooding, rising tidal levels and water quality.
For the Mooloolaba community, their concerns were erosion, sedimentation in canals and waterways, stormwater runoff and tidal changes.
Some seawalls have already been built or are planned for sections of Mooloolaba, Golden Beach, Kings Beach and Moffat Beach.
Cr Suarez encouraged the community to stay informed about upcoming project stages, including future consultation opportunities.
The engagement summaries for each CHAPP investigation area can be seen via Have your Say Sunshine Coast.
The Golden Beach and Bulcock Beach CHAPP investigation has received funding from the federal government’s Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program.
The Mooloolaba and Maroochydore CHAPP investigations received grant funding from the federal government.
