A firm with international experience in coastal engineering has been appointed to lead an independent review into persistent shoaling at the entrance to the Mooloolaba Harbour.
RPS Consulting, which led the Bribie Island breakthrough review, will investigate options to improve safety at the Mooloolah River mouth. The group will consult with local stakeholders before providing recommendations to the state government in coming months.
It follows the death of experienced skipper Robert Smith in August.
The harbour entrance faces ongoing challenges from sand build-up, making it difficult and dangerous for boaties to cross the bar.
The appointment of RPS comes after the state government announced an independent review had been commissioned for the harbour entrance, with a Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority to also be established to give locals a greater say in how their waterways are managed.
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The Mooloolaba Boat Harbour Entrance Stakeholder Reference Group, which is made up of representatives from across the community, met with RPS Consulting last week to discuss recent events and help provide advice to inform the review.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie welcomed the appointment of RPS.
“The Crisafulli Government is listening to the residents of the Sunshine Coast with this independent review to explore short- and long-term solutions for managing shoaling at the Mooloolah River bar crossing,” he said.
“We are taking immediate action to address the dynamic and challenging nature of this bar and make our waterways as safe as possible.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the independent review would provide valuable advice to support the harbour’s future.
“Safe access to the Mooloolaba Boat Harbour is essential for our community and economy,” he said.
“This review will bring together the best technical expertise, independent assessment and local stakeholder input to help guide our next steps.”
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson also welcomed the appointment of RPS.
“There are diverse views in the community regarding the Mooloolah River bar crossing and harbour entrance because it’s a well-loved and used area, but it’s very complex and needs a solution that gets it right,” she said.
“This independent review will help to provide clarity around the best outcome for safety, accessibility for recreational and commercial marine operators, and environmental factors.”
