Construction is advancing across a $42 million foreshore project that is expected to improve coastal protection, beach access and public facilities.
Work is moving forward on Stage 2 (Central Meeting Place) of the four-stage Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project, with the progression of a replacement seawall, all-abilities access ramp, viewing deck and “state-of-the-art” amenities block.
The wall will be 290m long and mostly tiered. A section was opened in front of the surf club in September.
A Sunshine Coast Council representative explained the current phase of works.
“Seawall construction is progressing north of the surf club, with construction focusing on the terrace steps, sandblasting the concrete terraces and sealing the inbuilt planter boxes within the seawall.”
“There’s also continued construction of the remainder of the terraced seawall, all-abilities beach access ramp and ocean viewing deck north of the surf club. This includes stone facing works to the vertical seawall section.”
The wall will vary in height and footprint. It will be higher (about 0.5m) in most locations than the old seawall to ensure adequate foreshore protection. Four sets of beach access stairs will be constructed within the wall in coming months.
“The replacement seawall has been designed primarily to protect community assets, infrastructure and public spaces from coastal impacts,” the representative said.
The spokesperson also detailed the design and materials for the wall.
“The previous vertical seawall was a mixture of grouted rock in some areas and a concrete wall with a rock facing in other areas. The replacement seawall will be made of a light-coloured concrete, which predominantly features wide terraces that gradually span from the parkland to the beach and will double as community seating.”
“Sections of the seawall terraces will be landscaped with shade trees and plants.
“The design connects our community from ‘beach-to-business’ by reducing physical and visual barriers between the beach, parkland and Mooloolaba Esplanade traders. It also includes enhanced access with an all-abilities access ramp for people using wheelchairs, prams or mobility devices, plus four staired beach access points.
“Some vertical seawall sections will be required to allow for the all-abilities ramp access to the beach and a viewing deck to enjoy the beach and ocean views. These sections are concrete walls that are rock-faced using Glass House quarry stone, which reflects existing stone seating and retaining walls used throughout Mooloolaba Esplanade and the Northern Parklands.”
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SEE Group is leading the construction of Stage 2. Stonemason Living Style Stone has played a key role in creating the rock face on the walls of the ramp and viewing deck.
“Every rock in this project has been hand-picked and shaped to meet the specifications and requirements,” LSS stated on social media.
“The team are doing an amazing job keeping up with those standards, tight project deadlines and the logistics involved in a project of this scale.”
The council representative also provided an update on the new public facilities.
“The concrete slabs have been poured and the structure and roofing are being installed for new state-of-the-art public amenities, set to transform access and convenience for all to the foreshore.
“The modern facilities will include a best-practice Changing Places facility, providing fully accessible public amenities for people with high support needs and their carers.”
The building is a replacement for the 35-year-old Loo with a View, a renowned building that was on the edge of the beach and “nearing the end of its life”.
Meanwhile, road works are also continuing along a 150m section of Brisbane Road, from the corner of First Avenue to Mooloolaba Esplanade. The section is temporarily closed to through traffic until mid-December to undertake underground services works, including power, lighting and stormwater works, ahead of new road, kerb and pedestrian crossing construction.
Construction activities will pause over the peak holiday season, from about December 18 to January 3.
Stage 2 is being funded by local, state and federal governments. Stage 1 of the revitalisation, the Northern Parkland, is already complete, while future stages, including the Southern Parkland and Central Parkland, are still to come.
