Droves of people have expressed their concerns about the impacts of a tidal breakthrough at an island off the Sunshine Coast.
Almost 1200 submissions were made to the state government during a community consultation phase for the Bribie Island breakthrough review.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said many people were worried about the area, after the ocean split the isle in early 2022 and created a volatile environment that included changed tides and shifting sands (see the area in the footage below, by Bluey’s Photography).
A second breakthrough occurred in March and a third breakthrough threatens.
“The initial phase of the public consultation has just closed,” Mr Bleijie told state parliament. “(It gave) local residents and business owners an active role in shaping a resilient future for the northern Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage, local waterways and the broader Caloundra community.
“The government received 1197 individual submissions from the public to now review.”
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He revealed the issues that mattered most.
“From this initial phase of consultation, locals have been most concerned about the potential for storm surge impacts, the impact of the breakthrough on local infrastructure, environmental impacts on the island and access for the Coast Guard and related emergency service workers,” he said.
“Independent expert reviewers RPS and International Coastal Management will take this initial community feedback into consideration to develop tangible solutions, with further public consultation about immediate and long-term responses to the issue.”
“I want to thank … local residents for taking the time to submit their important and valuable feedback.”
A review of the breakthrough was announced by Mr Bleijie in April.
He said it would “help safeguard the future of the island, as well as the safety and prosperity of nearby communities, particularly in Golden Beach, Caloundra.”
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Mr Bleijie explained how conditions had developed in the area.
“Ongoing erosion has severely narrowed the width of the northern tip of Bribie Island, creating several weak points.
“Concerns were first raised in 2021.”
“In 2022, large waves cut a channel through the weakest part of the northern tip of Bribie Island opposite Nelson Street, Golden Beach.
“This channel rapidly widened and became a new opening to the ocean.
“Soon after, the original Caloundra bar closed over.
“The body of water has constrained the Caloundra Coast Guard, preventing access from their base to the southern passage and open ocean.”
He said authorities were determined to help.
“Our government is getting on with the job, listening to locals and finding solutions in response to community concerns and local impacts of the Bribe Island breakthrough,” he said.
“We have heard locals loudly and clearly … Caloundra residents, Sunshine Coast residents, want action,” he said.
“That’s why, following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the government took swift action by commissioning an independent expert review specifically tasked to have a strong focus on public consultation with the local community to ensure their concerns are heard.”
