A major landslip repair project has been completed, restoring public access and strengthening a section of coastline that was damaged during severe weather.
Sunshine Coast Council secured the cliff face at First Bay at Coolum Beach after it was battered by the elements in early 2022.
The completed works provide long‑term protection for the foreshore and a safer experience for people who walk, ride or drives along the scenic stretch.
Councillor Maria Suarez welcomed the finished product, after the project started in early 2025.
“We are so pleased to see First Bay fully reopened and safe for people to enjoy again,” she said.
“Thank you to our local community for your patience and understanding while these essential works were underway. We know the project extended beyond the original timeframe and appreciate the cooperation shown by residents, commuters and visitors.”
Cr Suarez said the repairs were critical to long‑term safety and resilience.
“While the extended construction period was frustrating at times, the works were essential to stabilise the cliffs and protect people, vehicles and surrounding infrastructure along David Low Way,” she said.
“The completed repairs significantly reduce future risk and help safeguard this important coastal route, while restoring the enjoyment of travelling through one of our most beautiful stretches of coastline.”
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The completed works include 145m of newly rebuilt pedestrian pathway along the eastern side of David Low Way, along with major stabilisation of the cliff face above First Bay.
Cast‑in‑place piles and steel‑reinforced capping beams have been installed to lock the hillside in place and protect public infrastructure, creating a more resilient slope designed to better withstand future severe weather.
The project also improves safety and access for walkers, runners and beachgoers who enjoy this well‑used coastal route.
Behind the scenes, this was a significant engineering effort to secure the cliff for the long term.
Crews installed 92 deep foundation piles, some reaching up to 18 metres below ground, to anchor the slope in place. The project used more than 1100 cubic metres of concrete – enough to fill around 450 backyard swimming pools – along with over 110 tonnes of reinforcing steel to strengthen the structure.
Around 1000 tonnes of asphalt was also laid to rebuild the road surface, and more than 12,500 plants were added to help restore the natural landscape.
Council listened to community feedback about a gap in the pedestrian fence on the ocean side of David Low Way. While this gap existed before the landslip and repair works, council will install additional fencing to close it for safety and amenity.
Cr Suarez said the outcome reflected strong collaboration between the council, specialist contractors and funding partners.
“First Bay is a special place for locals and visitors, and we are delighted to hand it back to the community, safer and more resilient than before.”
The council delivered the works in partnership with specialist contractors and jointly funded through the Commonwealth‑State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the repairs would safeguard the area.
“These works at First Bay will make this scenic coastal area safer for locals and visitors, while improving the resilience of the foreshore and surrounding infrastructure for the future,” she said.
Queensland Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said it was important work.
“This project has restored safe access to a much-loved stretch of coastline while delivering long-term protection for the community and this important coastal corridor,” she said.
“Works like these show how vital disaster recovery funding is to help Queensland communities rebuild stronger and stay resilient.”
The First Bay project is one of 15 landslip repairs completed across the Sunshine Coast with disaster recovery funding.
