Another tidal breakthrough could become established at an island off the Sunshine Coast.
The Pacific Ocean has battered a third section of Bribie Island, opposite Golden Beach on the mainland.
Drone operator Damien Lange has filmed water flowing through the area at high tide, and geographer Associate Professor Javier Leon said a genuine split could emerge – potentially within days.
“It depends on the upcoming wave conditions,” he said.
“If further large easterly or south-easterly swells keep coming, especially during higher tides, then a new breakthrough is certainly possible.
“The forecast is showing some large waves for this Tuesday that could significantly erode Bribie Island and trigger a third breakthrough.”
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The site is about 500m south of the almost-100m-wide second breakthrough, which occurred in March due to the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
It’s about 1.3km south of the more-than-1.2km-wide first breakthrough, which occurred in early 2022 because of ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth.
Mr Leon explained what was happening in the area.
“Autumn is usually a period of high-energy southerly and south-easterly swell events along the coast,” he said.
“This year, we have had a peculiar run of large easterly and south-easterly swell events with a more summer or La Nina signature. Some of these have coincided with elevated water levels due to large high tides, causing considerable erosion and sediment movement.
“This has been particularly evident at Bribie, where Tropical Cyclone Alfred had already impacted the beach and vegetation.
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“We are seeing a positive feedback or reinforcement cycle mechanism, where already-eroded areas are being eroded even more by subsequent events.
“It is very important to monitor these changes, and the processes driving them, so we can better manage and mitigate future coastal hazards.”
The first breakthrough created a range of changes in the Pumicestone Passage, including shifting sands, altered tides and new routes for vessels.
It’s unclear what impacts the second breakthrough and possible third breakthrough could have.
A Department of Environment spokesperson said authorities were keeping an eye on the area.
“We continue to monitor these changes, assessing the environmental impacts, and working to ensure public safety around the affected areas,” they said.
“To help safeguard the future of Bribie Island, as well as the safety and prosperity of nearby communities, the Queensland Government is currently undertaking a review of the Bribie Island erosion and breakthrough.
“The review responds to community concerns raised before, during and after Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s impact on the coast.”
Mr Lange was unsure if a third breakthrough would become established.
“I don’t think it will be like the second break, just a wash-over,” he said.
“You can see the sand build-up on the inside.”
Mr Lange’s video also showed a kangaroo bounding through the shallows of the possible third breakthrough.
A Department of Environment spokesperson said animals in the area were “adapted” to the changing conditions.
“The department is not aware of any evidence of increased impacts on the survival or welfare of wildlife inhabiting the northern tip of Bribie Island that would warrant any form of intervention,” they said.
“These animal populations are adapted to a highly dynamic coastal environment with rapid and unpredictable changes.”
