The Department of Environment and Science (DES) will conduct an urgent assessment of the heavily-eroded northern section of Bribie Island after what it said was an unprecedented ocean break-through.
Fragile Bribie Island was breached by pounding seas Monday, with waves carving a channel through to the Pumicestone Passage at Caloundra.
DES said Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) officers would inspect the site as soon as conditions allowed.
“The northern section of Bribie Island has eroded due to unusually high tides and large waves associated with the weather system currently affecting Queensland east coast,” a DES spokesperson said.
“This section of Bribie Island has a long history of erosion and it is part of the natural process for the area, however this is the first time this section of the island has had waves break through the dune.
“There are no planned remedial actions but QPWS will undertake a site assessment as soon as it is safe to do so, and implement any actions required to ensure visitor safety.”
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DES said this section of Bribie Island was closed to vehicle traffic and boaties were advised to stay away from the area.
“The Department of Environment and Science is monitoring the situation and working closely with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council in relation to the ongoing management of erosion and tidal breakthrough,” a spokesperson said.
“This is a natural occurrence. The entrance to the Pumicestone Passage used to be 700 metres south of where it is – right about at the point of this breakthrough.
“Bribie Island at this breakthrough location used to be 80m wide, and erosion is a natural part of the coastal area.”
Sunshine Coast Council is assessing the impacts of significant rainfall and localised flash flooding arising from the weather events.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson praised the efforts of council staff in responding to issues in rain-affected areas and in responding to requests made by members of the community.
Mayor Jamieson said rapid damage assessments and emergency works were underway from early Monday.
“I take my hat off to our crews whose response has been exemplary, and who have been on the ground since early this morning clearing vegetation and assessing the coastline,” Mayor Jamieson (pictured) said.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and assistance as our crews continue to work on the clean-up.”
Mayor Jamieson said council crews would determine and prioritise coastal repair works that may be required following a full assessment as king tides receded.
Wet weather and above average tides are predicted to continue throughout the week.
Queensland Police Service Senior Sergeant Gary Brayley warned drivers to take care in wet conditions.
“I would really like to reiterate, please don’t drive unless you have to and don’t drive into flooded roads,” Snr Sgt Brayley said.
“There is a lot of water out there, and there’ll be a lot more before this rain event finishes plus a lot more people coming to our Sunshine Coast for the holidays, so we all need to take extra care.”
Residents seeking assistance relating to private property are reminded to contact the State Emergency Service on 132 500 or their insurance provider.
To request a non-urgent service or to report an issue to council please visit council’s website www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
COAST WILD WEATHER FACTS:
- Sunshine Coast region received more than 200mm of rain over the last three days and wind gusts reached up to 90 km/h.
- Northern Bribie Island “overtopped” during the inundation and council crews are monitoring closely. Council’s management approach in this area includes regular monitoring, sand renourishment along Golden Beach, existing and planned protection structures such as rock walls and groynes. A groyne on the corner of Leichardt Street and The Esplanade, Golden Beach was upgraded in September.
- Residents and visitors should avoid low lying areas in tidal zones during flash flooding – particularly Bradman Ave in Maroochydore, River Esplanade Mooloolaba and Golden Beach which are all prone to king tide inundation.
- Council crews are clearing vegetation from roads, checking storm drains and assessing coastal erosion.
- Be mindful when driving on our roads: slow down, stay off the road during wet weather if you don’t have to be out, drive to the weather conditions and if it’s flooded forget it.
- Beaches are closed, so please don’t go swimming in hazardous surf conditions.
- Please keep a close eye on children to be sure they don’t swim and play in flood waters.
- Make sure your home is storm ready, tie down loose objects and have a disaster plan in place.
- Keep an eye on Sunshine Coast Council’s Disaster Hub for important information regarding road closures, power outages and warnings and for information on how to prepare for a disaster and storm events http://disasterhub.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
To report a council-related urgent matter or emergency, please call (07) 5475 7272 or 1300 007 272.
