The Trud-R offshore dredge has returned to the Gold Coast today to replenish sand on the city's beaches between Miami and Main Beach.
The specialised sand dredging vessel will be continuing the recovery works following Tropical Cyclone Alfred and forms part of the City's overall beach nourishment program.
The dredge will continue to build a buffer of sand that helps protect against erosion and storms, starting with Miami and Mermaid Beach as a priority before moving north to Surfers Paradise and Main Beach.
It is expected to replenish another 800,000 cubic metres of sand back to our most vulnerable beaches before the next upcoming storm season.
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said Gold Coast beaches are one of our most important assets for tourism, local businesses and the community contributing around $3.4 billion into our economy each year.
"Dredging operations reduce erosion and result in faster recovery following storms while supporting the city's reputation and our enviable lifestyle," said Mayor Tate.
"Taking proactive action is crucial for the long-term sustainability of our beaches.
"Last year we focused on the most at-risk areas of Surfers Paradise and Main Beach and we have seen that these beaches have fared much better than those further south during recent conditions.
"This year the majority of the dredging will focus on Miami to Broadbeach, which were all significantly eroded during Tropical Cyclone Alfred and haven't recovered well."
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said the return of the Trud‑R offshore dredge to the Gold Coast represents a critical phase in ongoing recovery operations following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
"Reinstating protective sand buffers is essential to safeguarding coastal communities, critical infrastructure and local economies from future severe weather events," Minister McBain said.
"Importantly, this project is not only about recovery – it is a key investment in future preparedness, ensuring coastal communities are better equipped to withstand and respond to increasingly frequent and severe weather events.
"Strengthening natural defences now helps reduce the impact of future disasters, supporting safer communities and more resilient coastlines over the long term."
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government had delivered funding to support coastal recovery.
"We're investing in councils to bring Queensland's beaches back to their best," said Minister Powell.
"Beaches are the lifeblood of coastal towns – attracting visitors, driving jobs, and shaping the lifestyle that draws people to live by the coast, while also protecting communities and supporting vital ecosystems.
"We're focused on lasting recovery, especially on the Gold Coast, where erosion has hit hardest."
The dredge is a cost-effective way of moving large volumes of sand efficiently, creating wider beaches and reducing risk to seawalls, parks and beachfront assets.
The overall beach recovery works funded by both the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements are estimated to cost $37.2 million.
Approximately $13 million will be spent on this year's dredging operations between May and September.
