The impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred have promoted extra sand replenishment efforts on Maroochydore Beach.
Sunshine Coast Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said the beach was usually replenished over winter every two years, but due to its current depleted condition, it had been determined it couldn’t wait another 12 months to start the routine nourishment.
Cr Natoli said while the latest campaign wouldn’t restore sand levels to exactly what they were before Tropical Cyclone Alfred, it would help strengthen the beach and provide better protection against erosion during the summer months.
He said council was urging the community to stay off the dunes to support recovery efforts and prevent plant trampling and dune collapse.
“Sand dunes act as natural barriers to coastal erosion. Dune plants, such as grasses, trap wind-blown sand and have deep roots that stabilise the dunes, helping them recover more quickly.”
Cr Natoli said it was expected that about 50,000m3 of sand, enough to fill the equivalent of 5000 trucks, would be pumped in from the lower Maroochy River.
He said the campaign, which would run from June to September, would strategically place sand in eroded areas between the Maroochydore and Alex surf clubs.
“The campaign may run through the winter school holidays. We will work closely with both Surf Lifesaving Clubs, Surf Lifesaving Queensland and business owners in the area to manage disruption to our community and holidaymakers where possible.”
Cr Natoli said beach access would still be available around the construction site and lifesavers would be stationed at the dredge site in Cotton Tree for public safety.
