Gold Coast Council makes multi-million dollar commitment to beach protection

Gold Coast City Council has announced backing for its ongoing coastal protection program, with construction underway on the $18.2 million Palm Beach Artificial Reef and the $1.1 million Kurrawa Park seawall at Broadbeach.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the ongoing investment into the coastline cemented the importance of the City’s beaches to the community, commenting “our beaches are an important asset that contributes to both our economy and lifestyle.

“We’ve invested more than $30 million into a range of beach measures over 2018/19 to ensure our beaches are protected against coastal hazards and here for future generations to come,” said Mayor Tate.

The $1.5 million seawall rebuild at the southern end of Narrowneck is nearing completion, with works expected to finish this month subject to weather conditions.

Construction and management of seawalls is part of the City’s shoreline response to coastal erosion, with 14 kilometres of public urban shoreline that require seawall protection.

Seawall construction for private properties remains the responsibility of the property owner.

The City also conducts an annual $1 million dredging operation at both Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creek to replenish beaches at Burleigh and Palm Beach.

Dredging of Tallebudgera Creek will commence next week, with works expected to finish in time for the September school holidays. Once complete, the dredge will move onto Currumbin Creek.

Approximately 1000 cubic metres of sand will be pumped from Tallebudgera Creek onto southern Burleigh Beach daily, with natural processes assisting with transporting additional sand north.

A further 30,000 000 cubic metres of sand from Currumbin Creek mouth will be used to nourish southern Palm Beach.

The City previously delivered a $13.9 million beach nourishment project in 2017 in the lead up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, with a specialised dredge depositing sand along vulnerable sections of the area’s coastline.

For information visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/beaches