Restoring beach access for lifesavers is one of the priorities as Sunshine Coast Council continues recovery efforts following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Deputy Mayor and Sunshine Coast Local Recovery Group Chair Maria Suarez said the region’s coastline suffered significant damage in the severe weather event.
“We’re prioritising repairing beach access at surf lifesaving towers to ensure lifesaver and emergency vehicles can get through and to help with opening up patrolled areas as soon as we can,” Cr Suarez said.
“Crews are out conducting coastal inspections, checking seawalls, canals and revetment walls and assessing dune erosion impacts.”
She said erosion across the coastline had caused beach scarping, which was a natural event.
“Our beaches will eventually repair themselves, however, depending on future weather conditions, this could take some time.
“Please stay off the dunes to allow this natural regeneration process to occur.”
Cr Suarez said Council was working with volunteer groups involved in beach clean-ups to ensure a coordinated and efficient clean-up operation.
She said as soon as it was safe to operate a clean-up, Council would provide information on how members of the community could register to help.
“From beach clean-ups to volunteering and donating essential items, there are lots of ways the community can help.”
Cr Suarez said GIVIT had partnered with the Queensland Government to manage donations of essential goods and services for people impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
“While your generosity is appreciated, we ask that you do not establish your own donation collection and distribution points or donate to charities who have not requested this assistance.
“It can make our volunteer work more difficult as goods may not be suitable or able to be stored properly.”
She said council crews were out checking roads across the region, especially those that were inundated by flood water, while council staff were also working with Chambers of Commerce, industry associations and individual businesses to understand Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred impacts.
