The first stage of the Bribie Island erosion and breakthrough review has been released, after almost 1200 submissions were made to the state government inquiry.
Stage one of the review – which is led by coastal engineering experts RPS and ICM – brings together more than 200 historical and technical sources to map the natural, social and policy context of the breakthrough events over recent years.
A state government media release said the publication of stage one would enable the independent review to zero in on the next stage, which will consider the actions available to address the concerns.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the review was a crucial step towards addressing the erosion challenges facing Bribie Island, the Pumicestone Passage and surrounding communities.
“Locals know the area better than anyone and their views will directly shape the next stages of the review,” he said.
“This process is about delivering practical solutions that reflect both expert advice and community priorities.
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“Working in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council also brings together other levels of government that can support our focus on fixing the impact of the erosion for the community and the safety of residents using the Pumicestone Passage.”
The preface to the report outlines the terms of reference for the review and encourages stakeholders to “consider, discuss and debate what it means”.
“We believe that the path to a feasible solution requires more than technical excellence; the ‘best’ solution will be the one that can be implemented, which in this case requires reasonable consensus,” it says.
The 69-page report goes on to consider the history of the area, as well as protection measures, management actions and more recent responses to the breakthrough.
“Nature is dynamic, including short-term changes that may be familiar, such as seasonal weather patterns, or the cycling of sand from shorelines to offshore bars, as well as longer-term changes, such as fluctuations in sea levels,” the executive summary for the section titled ‘Pre-history’ states.
Under ‘Exploration’ it says: “Erosion issues of the northern Bribie spit and Kings Beach, as well as shoaling of Pumicestone Passage, were a community concern from at least the early 1960s.”
From the 1980s, declining water quality in the passage was identified as a concern, with integrated catchment management recommended. The report says it is unclear whether changes to the bar may have been a contributing factor.
In the ‘Management’ section, covering 1994-2021, it states: “Despite a number of investigations, uncertainties remain regarding sand transport processes in this area, as well as debate, an inherent element of the scientific process, regarding the most appropriate models for predicting likely future changes arising from climate change.”
During community consultation, the review received nearly 1200 submissions with key concerns raised including the potential for storm surge and its impacts; the environmental impact of the breakthroughs on Bribie Island; and the effects on local infrastructure, including homes, parks and roads.
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said she was focused on action and outcomes.
“I will continue to champion this issue on behalf of my community,” she said.
“This is an important issue for the local community and we are working together with the independent experts to focus on outcomes and urgent action.
“It isn’t just another review that will set on the shelves to gather dust like we saw under Labor.”
The report can be read here.
