Cassowary Coast First North Qld Council to Investigate Bypass System for Coastal Erosion

South Mission Beach and Cardwell foreshores will receive protection against coastal erosion thanks to over $300,000 in Queensland Government funding administered through the LGAQ’s Coastal Hazard Adaptation Program - QCoast2100.

Cassowary Coast Councillor for Environment Jeff Baines explained how the funding is vital to ensuring the region’s coastal areas are 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,” said Cr. Baines

“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.”

QCoast2100 supports the implementation of priority actions identified in the Cassowary Coast Coastal Hazard Adaption Strategy (CHAS) adopted by Council at the May 2023 Local Government Meeting.

Funded by the Department of Environment and Science, QCoast2100 has been supporting coastal local government areas across Queensland since 2016. The program was developed to ensure the long-term resilience and sustainability of coastal communities and assets through planning and preparing for the potential impacts of rising sea levels and other coastal hazards along Queensland’s coastline.

Extensive advocacy has been undertaken regarding coastal hazards through the Cassowary Coast Regional Council 2023 Advocacy Plan, and Council thanks the Queensland Government and Local Government Association of Queensland for recognising the importance of this issue to coastal communities

Beach nourishment activities are set to commence 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 Council’s website, Facebook page and local news. Affected residents will be directly notified by Council prior to works commencing.

For more information visit www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/beachnourishment  or email Council enquiries@cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au.

Photo caption: Coastal erosion area, South Mission Beach