Local authorities have released footage of crews realigning a “dynamic” beachside creek as part of ongoing efforts to manage erosion and protect nearby infrastructure.
Noosa Council footage showed heavy equipment realigning the lower reaches of the Burgess Creek at Sunrise Beach.
It was the third time in 18 months crews have undertaken the work, after previous operations in December 2024 and July 2025.
The council stated that the dynamic nature of the creek presented challenges to managing coastal erosion.
Director of Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh said a range of natural factors influenced the creek mouth, which can prompt council intervention.
“Rainfall events in the catchment and seasonal wave patterns associated with El Nino and La Nina cycles can significantly alter the creek’s alignment and contribute to dune erosion,” he said.
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The creek mouth realignments are governed by a state government environmental permit, which includes conditions permitting the council to intervene where there is a significant risk to public safety and infrastructure.
The council stated that the work was conducted “to ensure the protection of a frontal dune that is fundamental coastal defence system, and to protect the nearby beach access route and structure”.
Mr Walsh said it was important to manage the timing and tides to complete the work.
“The scale and complexity of the realignment work requires heavy machinery and must be carefully planned and justified under the environmental guidelines,” he said.
“We utilise a contractor, a 13-tonne excavator, dumper truck, posi-track plant, and council staff are involved in overseeing and supporting the works.”
Beach Access 38 is inspected every three months by a civil operations asset inspector.
The council’s natural areas, environment and coastal officers are also aware of the mobility of the creek mouth and undertake additional inspections when required.
The Burgess Creek catchment is a small coastal creek catchment that discharges directly into the sea.
It drains from the back of residential developments at Noosa Heads, through bushland and community facilities near Eenie Creek Road, and then through a council-managed bushland reserve and a national park.
