The state government is fast-tracking $20 million of emergency works for the Bribie Island breakthrough.
The works were recommended by independent experts RPS Consulting, in partnership with International Coastal Management, who are reviewing environmental conditions at the northern end of the island.
The Coordinator-General – who is an independent officer of the state overseeing the provision of public infrastructure – will manage the roll-out of works.
Planned works include a focus on closing the southern breakthroughs, buffering the island and dredging a temporary channel link to the northern Pumicestone Passage.
The works will be designed to improve water quality and marine navigation safety in the passage ahead of the annual severe weather season.
The office of the Coordinator-General has fast-tracked an expressions of interest process for the dredging, which closed on July 28, with the successful contractor expected to be appointed by early August, with the emergency works to begin soon after.
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Sunshine Coast-based firm Hall Contracting and RN Dredging, the Australian subsidiary of global Danish dredger Rohde Nielsen A/S, are the preferred tenderers to enter into early contractor involvement contracts to complete the detailed design, schedule, methodology development and management plans.
Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said delivery of the works was a priority ahead of the upcoming storm season.
“These emergency works are designed to mitigate further damage to the local environment, including the internationally listed Ramsar wetland, ensure protection of property and community infrastructure, and improve community safety ahead of the upcoming storm season,” he said.
“Whilst these emergency works will be conducted within a dynamic environment, they will be conducted under a range of adaptive management plans to ensure both the protection of the environment, and that community safety is maintained during dredging.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the government had responded quickly to local concerns.
“We promised Caloundra residents that we would urgently address erosion issues on Bribie Island and the impacts on Pumicestone Passage and we are delivering on that promise,” he said.
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“The 2025-26 Queensland budget made a $20 million commitment to plan and deliver these emergency actions and respond to community concern.
“Dredging works will soon begin to start the restoration and stabilisation of the area ahead of the annual storm season.”
Almost 1200 submissions were made to the government during a community consultation phase for the breakthrough review.
The northern tip of the island was split in early 2022 and created a volatile environment that included changed tides and shifting sands. A second breakthrough occurred in March as Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought heavy swells, and a third breakthrough threatens.
