- The Crisafulli Government marks milestone in $20 million Bribie Island restoration package, as the dredge is scheduled to commence large-scale works.
- Project will address erosion and tidal breakthrough impacts on Bribie Island to ensure long-term resilience of the Pumicestone Passage.
- Queenslanders have now seen 10 months of delivering under the Crisafulli Government, after 10 years of decline under Labor who ignored the erosion and its impacts on the Sunshine Coast community.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its $20 million emergency commitment to address erosion and breakthrough on Bribie Island, with the commencement of dredging works this week.
Commencement of dredging works will support the restoration and stabilisation of the area ahead of the annual storm season.
In preparation for dredging, crews have commenced welding together 100-metre-long pipe strings and floating them out to the dredger via the Golden Beach foreshore, north of the Caloundra Power Boat Club.
Breakthroughs 2 and 3 are scheduled to be closed and nourishment of the island between breakthrough 1 and 3 commenced by the end of November 2025, with all dredging and associated construction works scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2026.
On water dredging activities will occur up to 24 hours a day with most on-land construction activity occurring between 6am and 6pm, seven days a week.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for the Sunshine Coast community, after the former Labor Government ignored the impacts of erosion and the Sunshine Coast community during their decade of decline.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the works were critical in safeguarding the local community following years of erosion.
"While Labor ignored the concerns of the local community for years and did nothing to address the worsening erosion, the Crisafulli Government is taking action ahead of the upcoming storm season," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Without intervention, remaining sections of the island may be lost entirely, creating significant safety and infrastructure risks to the Caloundra community and users of Pumicestone Passage.
"This emergency package is delivering real action now, while laying the foundations for the long-term restoration and protection of this iconic part of Queensland's coastline.
"The Crisafulli Government is committed to restoring and protecting Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage for generations to come and these emergency works are an important milestone for the Bribie Island community and the broader Sunshine Coast.
"We know how important Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage are – not just for locals, but for tourism, the environment, and the safety of nearby communities as we head into storm season."
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said the Crisafulli Government's package delivered immediate action to protect the coastline communities of Caloundra and beyond.
"Residents of Golden Beach and surrounds have seen firsthand the impact of erosion and changing tidal flows," Ms Morton said.
"Through this important work, the Crisafulli Government is delivering real outcomes for the community and securing the Sunshine Coast's future."
Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan said the Crisafulli Government's investment in the package showed it was serious about preserving it for generations to come.
"Protecting our passage means protecting our community's lifestyle, our economy and our future, and I'm proud to be part of a government that delivers investment to safeguard what matters most to all of us."
Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said fast-tracking dredging was a priority to safeguard this unique environment and the local community.
"These emergency works are critical to mitigating further damage to the internationally recognised Ramsar wetland, as well as protecting property, community infrastructure, and public safety with the storm season approaching," Mr Coggan said.
"We recognise the temporary disruptions these works may cause, including changes to access and increased activity in the area. We appreciate the community's patience and cooperation as we work to protect and restore this unique part of Queensland's coastline for future generations."
