Community
26 January, 2024
Seaside erosion repairs
A SAND bypass system is to be used for the first time in the Far North at South Mission Beach.
South Mission Beach and Cardwell foreshores will receive protection measures against coastal erosion using a $300,000 Queensland Government grant through the Local Government Association of Queensland’s Coastal Hazard Adaptation Program – QCoast2100.
Cassowary Coast councillor for the environment Jeff Baines said the funding was vital to ensuring the region’s coastal areas were protected for years to come, including a first for north Queensland councils.
“The funding will be split into two key projects, the first of which will include beach nourishment, dune revegetation and restoration activities at both South Mission Beach and Cardwell,” he said.
“Cassowary Coast Regional Council will also be the first in north Queensland to investigate the viability of installing a sand bypass shifter system, something which has only been undertaken in southeast Queensland in high energy coastal situations where beach nourishment programs are too costly.
“This investigation will be conducted at South Mission Beach to address the long-term erosion at this location where ongoing beach nourishment and other activities have been occurring since 2007.
“We hope our findings will assist other north Queensland councils looking for long-term sustainable solutions to mitigate erosion and sand-depleted coastal areas.”
Beach nourishment activities are set to start at South Mission Beach and Cardwell in the coming months which may result in some restricted beach and road access. The community is advised to be on the lookout for project updates through the council’s website, Facebook page and local news.
Affected residents will be directly notified by the council prior to works starting. Visit https://www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/beachnourishment or email: enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au
