- The Crisafulli Government appoints RPS Consulting to independently review the Mooloolaba Boat Harbour Entrance.
- The independent review is tasked with providing expert advice on short and long-term solutions to deliver safe harbour access.
- A draft report is due back to the Queensland Government later this year.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering solutions after a decade of inaction by Labor.
The Crisafulli Government has appointed RPS Consulting as the independent reviewer to investigate short and long-term solutions for managing shoaling at the Mooloolah River bar crossing on the Sunshine Coast.
The harbour entrance faces ongoing challenges from naturally occurring sand build-up, making it difficult and dangerous for boaties to cross the bar.
RPS Consulting bring international experience in coastal engineering and previously led the independent review of the Bribie Island breakthrough.
The review will provide valuable advice for the future of the harbour entrance, bringing together technical expertise, independent assessment, and input from local stakeholders.
This appointment comes just weeks after the Crisafulli Government announced that an independent review had been commissioned for the Mooloolah River bar crossing with a Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority to also be established to give locals a greater say in how their waterways are managed.
The Mooloolaba Boat Harbour Entrance Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG), which is made up of representatives from across the community, met with RPS Consulting last week to discuss recent events and help provide advice to inform the review.
Deputy Premier and Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie said he welcomed this appointment following a decade of advocacy about the dangers of the Mooloolah River bar crossing.
"The Crisafulli Government is listening to the residents of the Sunshine Coast with this independent review to explore short and long-term solutions for managing shoaling at the Mooloolah River bar crossing following a decade of inaction by the former Labor Government," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"For nearly a decade, myself and the Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson have been raising safety concerns and calling for action – now we are taking immediate action to address the dynamic and challenging nature of this bar and make our waterways as safe as possible."
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the independent review would provide valuable advice to support the harbour's future.
"Safe access to the Mooloolaba Boat Harbour is essential for our community and economy," Minister Mickelberg said.
"This review will bring together the best technical expertise, independent assessment and local stakeholder input to help guide our next steps."
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson welcomed the appointment of RPS Consulting to provide recommendations to government on the best solutions and pathway forward.
"There are diverse views in the community regarding the Mooloolah River bar crossing and harbour entrance because it's a well-loved and used area, but it's very complex and needs a solution that gets it right," Ms Simpson said.
"This independent review will help to provide clarity around the best outcome for safety, accessibility for recreational and commercial marine operators, and environmental factors."
A draft report is due to be handed to Department for Transport and Main Roads later this year.
