Sunshine Coast Council has backed the design and construction of a new terraced seawall at the region’s most popular beach amid worries it could be too hot and people might fall.
Work is well underway on the structure along the Mooloolaba foreshore, with the first section open in front of the surf club.
Thousands of beachgoers packed the area during the September school holidays.
But some people have questioned whether the wall will be unbearably hot in coming months.
“Won’t be sitting on that concrete in summer,” one said in response to council’s project update on social media in August.
“Looks awesome but it will be hot on the concrete” another added.
“Concrete. Eek. Looks very uninviting. Hot. Hard. Glary”, one said.
“Will have to put up a sunshade and block people’s view of the water,” one commented.
“Very hot and the graffiti artists will love that concrete?” another asked.
Others expressed concerns it could be unsafe.
“Someone will fall down those steps,” one said.
“Steps too steep for older people. Very disappointed,” one commented.
A council representative said the Mooloolaba structure has been generally well received.
“The first section of the seawall is already proving popular with residents and visitors, and we look forward to progressively opening further sections as construction continues.”
“The new terraces are constructed from reinforced concrete to provide coastal protection, with the added benefit of seating for the community.”
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The spokesperson said the wall was designed with temperature in mind.
“The light sand-coloured concrete blends with the natural surrounds and helps reflect light, rather than absorb heat.”
“The foreshore design also incorporates extensive landscaping, including trees and vegetation throughout the seawall and parkland, which will provide additional shade and cooling as the landscape matures.
“Like any outdoor surface exposed to direct sunlight, such as footpaths, playground equipment or beach sand, surface temperatures will vary depending on weather conditions.
“The seawall has been designed, independently reviewed and approved in accordance with relevant engineering and safety requirements.
“Council will continue to monitor the foreshore as sections are progressively opened to the community.”
The representative also addressed safety concerns.
“The replacement seawall has been designed primarily to protect community assets, infrastructure and public spaces from coastal impacts.”
“The majority of the seawall’s terraces have been designed as 900mm wide and 450mm high which is the standard seating height.”
“Our community can step up and down these terraces if required or access them from the beach stair location once completed.
“Four sets of beach access stairs will be installed along the foreshore over the coming months. They will provide access to the beach and seawall terraces and be progressively opened as construction continues.
“The seawall and parkland design includes an all-abilities access ramp and an ocean viewing deck for people using wheelchairs, prams or mobility devices.
“Accessibility and safety considerations and standards have been incorporated throughout the design process.”
The project web page stated that the terraced wall was designed to be “safer” with “reduced fall hazard” than the old vertical seawall.
Several members of the public supported the new wall, via social media.
“Well done. I think it looks awesome. Take a towel to sit on, people,” one said.
“Awesome. Fantastic for Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast. Embrace it, be positive and enjoy it,” one added.
“How good! Such an improvement. Bring on summer,” another commented.
New safety measures were recently added to a seawall at Golden Beach after a legally blind pensioner fell from it.
