A new seawall at a Sunshine Coast main beach is coming together, with the first section expected to open before winter.
Construction of the wall at Mooloolaba is well underway, with the terraced design clearly visible in one area in front of the Surf Club Mooloolaba.
Councillor Tim Burns told Sunshine Coast News that the project had benefited from favourable weather conditions, and it was “tracking well” for completion in early 2027.
The 290m-long structure will replace an old vertical rock-pitched seawall.
It will be a light-coloured concrete structure with wide steps that will double as community seating, and it will feature a sinuous curved design and an all-abilities access ramp.
The project is set to reach a milestone at the end of the month with the last underground foundation piles installed.
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A total of 550 piles will form the deep structural footing of the wall that will help protect Mooloolaba from intense coastal conditions.
Construction will take place in different locations along the project site during the next couple of months.
Works will continue on the wall, pathway preparation and underground services at the southern end, while seawall preparation and footing works continue at the northern end.
The first section of seawall, in front of the surf club, is expected to open in May, with the entire project set to be completed in about a year.
The works are part of Stage 2 (Central Meeting Place and Southern Seawall) of the four-stage Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project, which includes a renewal of almost 1km of foreshore.
There were fears that local businesses and the tourism industry could be impacted by construction works but Cr Burns said people could still access Mooloolaba Beach and that visitor numbers had increased at a neighbouring stretch of beach.
“The (Mooloolaba) beach has stayed open throughout construction. Clear wayfinding signage and regular communications have ensured locals and visitors can easily access more than a kilometre of beach south of the surf club.”
“Beach attendance data from Surf Life Saving Queensland shows Mooloolaba Spit continues to be one of the Coast’s most popular destinations, with more than 235,000 people enjoying the beach between October and December, around 35,000 more than the same period the previous year.”
“(And) throughout the Stage 2 works, the project team has worked closely with Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce and key stakeholders so major events and local activations could continue seamlessly.
“This collaboration has helped protect Mooloolaba’s vibrant calendar including iconic events such as the Mooloolaba Triathlon, Ironman 70.3 and New Year’s Eve celebrations, while construction progresses.
“To minimise local business impacts, Council and SEE Civil previously revised the construction methodology so that community access to the beach could be maintained throughout Stage 2.
“This has resulted in a more constrained construction footprint but has proven effective in keeping the beach open and supports continued visitation and trade.”
The council’s ongoing business activation initiatives also include four hours free parking, fairy lights to enhance atmosphere and enhanced signage.
Stage 2 also included the removal of the iconic but weathered Loo with a View. It will be replaced by modern amenities and parkland.
