The state government has backed recommendations for bold large-scale works to help protect coastal communities.
Authorities have endorsed a spate of suggestions in an independent review that was conducted after multiple tidal breakthroughs split Bribie Island and left Golden Beach and surrounds exposed to the elements.
One of the recommendations – to fill the largest breakthrough – has been supported “in principle”, while there are also plans to reopen the sand-clogged Caloundra Bar.
The announcement follows a $20 million emergency works project that reached a milestone last week when one of the breakthroughs was plugged. More than 370,000 cubic metres of sand were used to fill the 450m gap, which can be seen in Damien Lange’s video below.
A second dredge is set to arrive in the Pumicestone Passage within a month, to close a smaller breakthrough and reinforce dune protection on the island. A channel will also be created in the passage to provide safe navigation for boaties.
But Mr Bleijie said, on Wednesday, that a further $25 million had been secured to expand operations, including preparatory work for recommended long-term solutions.
The recommendation to “reinstate Bribie Island/close first breakthrough” represents a bold challenge.
That breakthrough occurred in early 2022. It changed tides, shifted sand and exposed a large section of the mainland to the elements. It also led to the closure of the nearby Caloundra Bar, which became clogged with sand.
Mr Bleijie said the recommendations were “complex works that will require federal approvals and detailed planning”.
“But it’s important to start now so the residents of Golden Beach and Caloundra know there is a long-term plan.
“Breakthrough No.1 is more complex. It’s 2km long. Closing it will require access to the ocean from Pumicestone Passage.
“The government has accepted this in principle.
“We’ll also reopen the northern bar (Caloundra Bar), near Bulcock Beach, and continue dredging and buffering.
“The timeline for these long-term solutions is measured in years.
“We’ll establish the Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority next year to oversee ongoing maintenance.”
Mr Bleijie heralded the ongoing emergency works.
“For six weeks, dredging has been happening 24/7,” he said.
“To stand on Bribie Island today, which just two weeks ago had gushing water jeopardising homes and businesses in Golden Beach, is pretty emotional.
“The emergency works demonstrate what can be achieved when warnings are heeded and action is taken promptly.
“The buffer (ie section of restored island) will require ongoing maintenance but it is now in place ahead of the storm season to protect lives, homes and businesses.”
Pumicestone Passage Catchment Management Board spokesperson Jen Kettleton-Butler said the emergency works and the potential for further works were “incredible”.
“We’re essentially rebuilding an island, something that hasn’t happened on the Sunshine Coast before,” she said.
The review recommends to: reinstate Bribie Island/close first breakthrough; enhance Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage for improved resilience; develop and implement long-term management pathways; reassess environmental zoning and permitting; retain and continuously improve understanding of this complex coastal system; proactively manage, not passively protect, Pumicestone Passage and Bribie Island; establish appropriate management operations; develop a forward works program that considers part 3 and 4 recommendations; view the Port of Brisbane Channel Enhancement as an opportunity.
The first recommendation was supported by the government in principle and the others were supported.
For more information visit Bribie Island Emergency Works.
