The first stage of a seawall reconstruction project is on track for completion within weeks, but a mature pine tree on the foreshore has been removed in the process.
The seawall at Moffat Beach is being rebuilt after the western section was damaged by severe weather and rainfall in 2022, and the middle section was impacted in early 2024, contributing to rock falls at the cliff of the headland.
Work commenced in May and stage one – which includes upgrading the western seawall, beach access ramp and car park – is scheduled to be completed before Christmas.
But a Cook Island pine beside the ramp at Moffat Beach Park has been removed after it was found to be in poor condition and at risk of falling.
The removal of the tree, which it’s understood happened on December 4, has prompted a response from local residents who highlighted concerns over the lack of community engagement and called it “a matter of poor planning”.
Sunshine Coast Council had devised a ‘hybrid’ design for the seawall that attempted to retain the park’s iconic Norfolk Island pines and Cook Island pine, after locals voiced concerns last year that the trees could be lost during works.
“However, we can’t guarantee this, and the safety of our community will always be our highest priority,” the council’s project page stated.
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A council spokesperson said every effort had been made – and would continue to be made – to protect trees during construction.
“Working in the coastal environment is complex and challenging,” they said.
“We have worked carefully around the trees and had expert arborists onsite throughout construction to ensure all steps were taken to protect the trees during construction.
“A Cook Island pine, located close to a new junction of the coastal footpath and new beach access ramp, needs to be removed to ensure public safety.
“As part of our construction process, arborists inspected the tree to monitor its stability and health. Unfortunately, important structural roots of the tree were unavoidably compromised during seawall works.
“To ensure public safety, the decision was made to remove the tree.
“While the tree looks healthy above the ground, this disruption beneath the surface means that there is an unacceptable risk of the tree falling over.
“Community safety is our priority and we won’t ignore this risk.
“This decision was made after all options were carefully considered and reflects council’s commitment to community safety – and is consistent with council’s advice throughout the project that trees may need to be removed if safety is compromised.”
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Local resident Miles Easton contacted Sunshine Coast News after the tree’s removal to say he was “heartbroken” and “disgusted”.
“Despite the resistance of the community, the council continues ‘on its way’, removing mature trees and creating an overly manicured ‘Aura-like’ environment. When will this madness stop?” he said.
“The council has had years to plan this properly and could have made contingencies to save said pine. This is simply a matter of poor planning, and a lack of oversight by those in control of the project.
“Please stop this madness before the character of Moffat is permanently destroyed.
“I am heartbroken and, quite frankly, disgusted at the lack of care on the part of the council as to the protection the unique character of this special place.
“If you tried to this in Sydney there would be riots on the street.”
Fellow local resident John Stark wrote to SCN to criticise the council’s lack of engagement on the removal of tree.
“I have seen and witnessed tree clearing on farms and in my opinion and observation there is no way that the Cook Island pine was in danger of falling. One only has to look at the pines at the northern end of Moffat to know how much root disturbance the pines can take,” he said.
“Sadly the Cook Island pine has been removed and while we cannot turn the clock back, perhaps the council can replace it with another pine and do the same to replace the pines removed in 2022.
“We also ask the council to demonstrate a more serious due diligence and commitment to protection of the remaining pines.
“More worrying is the fact that we have been promised improved community engagement by the mayor and the CEO. We have not yet seen that cultural shift here in operation at Moffat Beach.”
The council spokesperson said a replacement tree would be planted to maintain the character and greenery of Moffat Beach.
“The species will be carefully selected to suit the coastal environment and preserve the beach’s unique character. This is currently being reviewed by the project team, and we’ll share details with our community soon,” they said.
“We know this news will be disappointing for those who love these trees, and we truly appreciate our community’s understanding as we work to keep the beach safe for everyone.”
The spokesperson confirmed stage one of the works was on track to finish before Christmas, although a section of the Coastal Pathway would have a temporary asphalt finish rather than concrete but is still useable.
Stages two to five are scheduled to be completed around Easter, subject to weather conditions, with landscaping, planting and establishment to follow.
“This includes progressing works on the seawall from west to east along the beach, completing the critical zone near the pine trees and relocating the site compound to the Queen of Colonies car park on January 6.”
Construction works will pause from December 19 to to January 5. The beach in front of the central and eastern seawalls and the Queen of Colonies car park will stay open until works resume.
