A popular Sunshine Coast beach will receive a bonus winter sand boost.
Maroochydore Beach is usually replenished over the cooler and usually calmer months every two years because surveys show on average, this beach loses more sand than it gains.
It was bolstered last year, but due to its current depleted condition, Sunshine Coast Council has determined it can't wait another 12 months to start our routine nourishment.
While the latest campaign won't restore sand levels to exactly what they were before Tropical Cyclone Alfred, it will help strengthen the beach and provide better protection against erosion during the summer months.
Council is 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.
Council is working with the Queensland Government to find funding pathways outside of normal business operations to help restore the beach to pre-Alfred conditions.
What to expect
It is expected that about 50,000m3 of sand - enough to fill the equivalent of 5,000 trucks - will be pumped in from the lower Maroochy River.
The campaign, which will run from June to September, will 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.
Beach access will still be available around the construction site and lifesavers will be stationed at the dredge site in Cotton Tree for public safety.
Sunshine Coast Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said the Maroochydore Beach Renourishment Project had been successfully protecting the well-loved location since it began in 2013.
"The buffer protects important community infrastructure such as the surf lifesaving towers, viewing decks, car parks, roads, park and playgrounds from severe erosion caused by storms, swells and weather events," Cr Natoli said.
"Sand renourishment, dune revegetation and protection, and limiting beach access points are all part of the current shoreline management approach on Maroochydore Beach, which is expected to continue for many years to come.
"Since Tropical Cyclone Alfred, our community has commented on how much sand has been lost from our beaches, which are was a great concern for them.
"I know how much our community love their beaches and to have it replenished will be welcomed news to many local residents.
"Please keep clear of the works for your own safety and the safety of the workers."
Sand renourishment: how it works
The project uses an existing pipeline that has been in place since 2013.
A small cutter suction dredge and two booster pumps are used to move the sand from the river to the beach.
The dredge will remain in the river throughout the project.
The booster pumps are needed to push the sand up the entire length of the beach.
The booster pumps are stored in an insulated storage container to minimise noise and are located in the southeast corner of the carpark at the end of Cotton Tree Parade and Memorial Avenue, and opposite 6-8 Aerodrome Road.
Sand will then be pumped onto Maroochydore Beach, beginning at Memorial Road in the south and will then moving to north to the Maroochydore SLSC.
Access to some parts of the following areas will be restricted to ensure community safety:
• the car park at Cotton Tree Parade and Memorial Avenue
• sections of Maroochydore beach during nourishment operations
• the spit near the Cotton Tree Holiday Park
• beach accesses 143, 152 and 154
• park area opposite 6-8 Aerodrome Road.
Work will take place between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and on Saturdays if required.
