Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction project

This update is about the ongoing discussions between Council and Moffat Beach community focus group and the project status.

Moffat Beach community focus group

Council and the Moffat Beach community focus group have had two meetings to date (2 and 23 October) to share updates on the seawall design progress and seek feedback from members on the project.

Our groups are sharing insights and having constructive discussions on the issues and opportunities the seawall reconstruction project presents.

As a Council, we appreciate the time and commitment each member has made to these meetings and the seawall project.

We’ve uploaded two presentations to the webpage as a summary of each meeting. You can view these here.

• Community focus group presentation 1 - 2 October 2024
• Community focus group presentation 2 - 23 October 2024

Project update summary

Investigations: Most of the key investigations required to inform the seawall design and alignment of the seawall have been completed. These include the coastal erosion modelling, seawall overtopping modelling and geotechnical assessments.

We have also engaged a specialist to do a wave/surf impact study to understand any impacts of the seawall alignment on the wave and surf conditions in the bay and expect those results soon.

Alignment: We know the Norfolk Pine trees are important to the Moffat Beach community. This is why we are evaluating three options for the alignment of the seawall.

1. Seaward of the Norfolk pine trees – this would move the wall further out onto the beach to retain the Norfolk pine trees.
2. Landward of the Norfolk pine trees – this would move the wall back into the parkland, starting at the existing toe of the seawall, and require removal of the Norfolk pine trees.
3. A hybrid alignment option that would be part landward and part seaward to retain the Norfolk pine trees and balance any impacts on parkland and beach at the western end.

These options are being evaluated using a Multi-Criteria Analysis for each section of wall (western, middle and eastern), which ranks and weights different social, environmental and economic values and considerations against each other.

We also need to ensure the final seawall design complies with the Coastal Management and Protection Regulation 2017. This is because we are committed to ensuring the reconstructed seawall meets engineering standards and is lawfully constructed meeting all necessary statutory approvals.

Next steps: Consideration of the alignment options and design of the seawall is still underway. We have more meetings scheduled with the Moffat Beach community focus group to share information about these options.

We aim to identify the preferred seawall alignment and submit seawall design for State assessment and approvals in late November.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available.

Community update 5 November 2024

This update is to let you know there will be a small repair done to the seawall tomorrow, October 16. 

As previously advised, we continue to monitor the seawall for signs of movement. 

A recent inspection has uncovered a small sinkhole due to a tear in the geofabric behind the wall. 

While the sinkhole isn’t visible to people in the area, it could get worse if it is not repaired. 

There will be a small team onsite to do this work and we don’t expect there to be a need for any machinery. 

This work will take place outside of the structural root zone of the Norfolk Pines. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available. 

Community update 15 October 2024

This update is to let you know that invitations have been sent to community and business representatives inviting a nomination for the Moffat Beach community focus group.  

Moffat Beach community focus group 

We are committed to transparent and honest communication with our community throughout the Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction project. Our goal is to foster community collaboration to ensure voices are heard and acknowledged. 

The purpose of the Moffat Beach community focus group is to: 

• involve the key community groups and stakeholders and understand everyone’s views 
• ensure key community and business stakeholders are appropriately engaged with clear and accurate information regarding the seawall reconstruction project 
• engage with local community/interest/resident groups around topics related to the seawall, environment, beach, open space and community facilities and values 
• share two-way information between the community and Council relevant to the Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction project 
• provide a forum to bring local community groups and stakeholders together to share the details and values of their groups as relevant to Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction project 
• to foster positive ongoing relationships between Moffat Beach stakeholders. 

The primary objectives of the Moffat Beach community focus group are to: 

• share local knowledge between community and stakeholders regarding Moffat Beach and the seawall reconstruction project 
• encourage the development of collegiate and cooperative relationships between all community groups and stakeholders 
• act as conduit to the local community to share information and generate understanding about the project within the terms of the Moffat Beach community focus group. 

Member groups 

Invitations have been sent to the following groups that represent the local Moffat Beach community. 

Each identified group has been asked to nominate one representative for their group to be a member of the community focus group. 

One nominated representative per group: 

• Save Moffat Beachfront 
• Make Moffat Shine Page 
• Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation 
• Caloundra Residents Association 
• Caloundra Chamber of Commerce 
• Veteran Wheelies Association (accessibility) 
• Windandsea Boardriders Club 
• The Moffateers 
• Tooway Lake BushCare Group 
• nominated local cultural heritage representative 
• nominated local business/retailer representative. 

Council will review the nominations for each group and finalise the membership of the community focus group. 

The panel will seek approximately 10-12 members consisting of community representatives from a range of ages and backgrounds within the project area, to select a diverse representation across demographics, cultures and interests promoting a diversity of voices and a balance of interests. 

Council reserves the right to final decisions on appointment of members to the community focus group, based on achieving a balanced approach to community representation. 

Additional invitations for nominations for representatives will be considered by the community focus group panel on an as needs basis and in consultation with the community focus group membership. 

Members will be kept up to date throughout the project, including during design and construction, unless members advise they wish to be removed from project mailing lists. 

Attendees of the community focus group meetings will also include the Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction project team, place plan team, other relevant Council officers, elected officials and independent consultants or subject matter experts. 

Details 

The Moffat Beach community focus group will be facilitated by a nominated chairperson. 

Membership is voluntary. 

Members will be representative of the demographic and geographic makeup of the project area. 

Council staff will provide support through the chairperson in managing the Moffat Beach Community Focus Group. 

For more details please read the Terms of Reference – Moffat Beach Seawall Reconstruction Project Community Focus Group on Council’s website. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available. 

Community update 17 September 2024

This update is to let you know that geotechnical investigations to test soil strength and thickness will take place tomorrow, August 29, in the park next to the seawall. 

Soil samples will be collected using a small drill rig and Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) testing, which looks like a small probe going into the ground.   

The boreholes will be small in size and made outside of the structural root zones of the Norfolk trees. All holes will be backfilled.  

Hand augering will also be performed on the beach to determine the rock shelf levels. 

This information is required to inform the seawall design. Please be aware that we continue to monitor the seawall for signs of movement, so from time to time you may see workers on site with drones, cameras or survey devices to do this work. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available. 

Community update 28 August 2024

Thanks for subscribing to stay updated on local projects at Moffat Beach, including the seawall reconstruction project.  

We’ve been receiving your emails with questions and comments and this update aims to provide information on the Norfolk trees. 

Norfolk trees 

We hear your concerns about the Norfolk trees. We are committed to ensuring the safety at, and beauty of, our beloved Moffat Beach. 

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the reconstructed seawall – and the safety of our community and health of the beach – we are seeking the advice of experienced, independent expert engineers who specialise in coastal engineering projects.  

They will use localised data and modelling to assess what is most appropriate for this specific location. Until such time as this analysis is complete, and the potential implications for the existing open space and vegetation behind the seawall is understood, Council will not have sufficient information to make an informed decision on the Norfolk trees.  

Once the options analysis is complete and we have the consultants’ recommendations, we will update our community. 

Thank-you for taking the time to read this update. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available. 

Community update 7 August 2024 

Dear Moffat Beach Community, 

We are committed to ensuring the safety and beauty of our beloved Moffat Beach.  

As part of this commitment, we are exploring all options for reconstructing a seawall that will protect our community, their values and the beach environment. 

Our goal is to make well-informed decisions and avoid repeating past approaches that have not lasted.  The existing seawall, expected to last 50 years, unfortunately only endured for 17 years.  

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the new structure – and the safety of our community – we will seek the advice of experienced, independent expert engineers who specialise in coastal engineering projects and will utilise localised data and modelling in assessing what is most appropriate for this specific location. 

Once we have their recommendations, we will update our community. 

We are committed to providing updates and information to the community as planning for the reconstruction progresses. 

About the project 

The Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction project is a crucial initiative to protect our community parklands, paths, roads and facilities from the impacts of future climate change, while also keeping our coastline healthy and maintaining access to the beautiful beach. 

The seawall has faced significant challenges, with the western section being damaged by severe weather and rainfall in 2022 and the middle section being damaged again in early 2024.  

We are scheduled to begin rebuilding the western and middle sections in mid-2025 subject to design and approvals being completed. We want to assure you that we are exploring all options to construct a new seawall that will stand the test of time. 

Expert coastal engineering advice 

Expert engineers will soon be engaged to conduct a full geotechnical investigation and coastal modelling process. They will then use this information to design the final seawall type and alignment. This process will be peer reviewed by another expert in the field. 

This advice will guide us in choosing the best course of action that prioritises community safety and the health of our coastline. 

We want to create a seawall design robust enough to withstand future climate events. The final design will also need to meet the Queensland Government’s criteria for seawall design and be approved by Council and the State.   

Once the Seawall Reconstruction Project team receives approval, construction can begin.  

Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction project  We expect this investigation, design and approval stage to be completed by the end of 2024 to make way for construction mid-2025 during winter when there are less storms and swell.  This is an important timeframe and is driving our efforts towards investigations and designs through 2024, as seawall works through the summer months should be avoided due to significantly increased risks for safety, time and costs. 

We know many of you are very interested in the outcomes. Once we have this expert advice, we will share our plans with you.  

We encourage you to subscribe for updates. 

How is this funded? 

A total of $4.55 million has been allocated for the project, with $1.7 million from the Queensland Government for the western section and $2.85 million through Council's 2024-25 capital works program budget for the middle section. This also includes landscaping elements to reinstate any areas impacted by construction of the seawall. The funding from Council was approved on June 20, 2024, and will enable us to rebuild both sections simultaneously, minimising impacts on our community. 

Seawall approval process 

The application process 

The steps that must be followed to submit an application are:  

1. seek pre-lodgement advice from the Queensland Government before the application is lodged 
2. obtain the landowner’s consent (Queensland Government) 
3. lodge the application with Council as the assessment manager 
4. refer the application to the Queensland Government’s State Assessment and Referral Agency 
5. answer any information requests from either Council (the assessment manager) or the State 
6. wait for the State’s review response 
7. Council (the assessment manager) makes the final decision on the application and, if approved, issues the decision notice inclusive of any conditions from the State’s referral agencies. 

Submitting an application 

The reconstruction of the seawall is considered assessable development under the Queensland Government’s Planning Regulation 2017. Assessable development requires an approval before any work can begin.   

This involves the Seawall Reconstruction Project Team submitting a development application for assessment and decision by an assessment manager.  

The seawall application will be for Operational Work (Prescribed Tidal Works) because it involves activities in the tidal zone (as defined by the Queensland Government’s Coastal Management and Protection Act 1995).   

There are two categories of assessment for assessable development: code and impact. The seawall is a code assessable application. 

Assessment manager 

As per schedule 8, table 2, item 1 (c) of the Planning Regulation 2017, the local government is the assessment manager for development applications for prescribed tidal works within the tidal area for a local government area. 

This means Sunshine Coast Council is the assessment manager. 

Assessing the application – Sunshine Coast Council 

Council (the assessment manager) will assess the application against the Queensland Government’s prescribed tidal works code in Schedule 3 of the Coastal Management and Protection Regulation 2017. 

The Seawall Reconstruction Project team will also refer the application to the Queensland Government’s State Assessment and Referral Agency for assessment as the project will impact on Matters of State Environmental Significance. 

Matters of State Environmental Significance – Queensland Government 

The Seawall Reconstruction Project Team understands that as part of this process the project will require assessment of:  

• maritime safety – assessed by Maritime Safety Queensland  
• tidal work – assessed by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation  
• removal, destruction or damage of marine plants – assessed by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry. 

The Queensland Government has a list of requirements for each aspect listed above and the seawall project must make sure that the application adheres to these requirements.  

The requirements are in the following State Development Assessment Provisions:  

• State Code 7 – Maritime safety 
• State Code 8 – Coastal development and tidal works 
• State Code 11 – Removal, destruction or damage of marine plants. 

Moffat Beach place plan project 

Additionally, later this year, we will embark on the Moffat Beach Place Plan project, which will help shape the future of this much-loved local place. 

We encourage everyone with an interest in the Moffat Beach to subscribe for updates.  

By doing so, you will stay informed about our plans and have the opportunity to share your ideas regarding future landscaping and recreation areas, traffic safety and streetscape elements across Moffat Beach’s commercial and surrounding areas.  

Together, we can ensure a safe and thriving Moffat Beach for generations to come. 

What happens next?  

Work to stabilise the seawall 

You may notice Council machinery working at the seawall. This is to reposition rocks that have become unstable to prevent the rocks falling onto the beach. It won’t fix the wall or lessen the risk of more rocks falling. The fencing will still be required after that work has been completed.  

Traffic and parking issues 

While the Place Plan will holistically assess traffic and parking issues and recommend solutions across the Moffat Beach suburb, we are currently reviewing traffic and parking issues around the commercial area, and Eleanor Shipley and Moffat Beach parks with the view to making safety improvements in the short term.  

Ramp access 

We are exploring options to improve access to the beach for all users. 

Your safety 

Beach access, chairs and tables remain open however we strongly urge you to stay off the seawall completely and avoid the beach area at the base of the rock wall. 

Rocks can fall onto the beach at any time, and quickly – within about 10-20 seconds. Anyone standing at the base of the rock wall may be injured. 

The safety signage and fencing will remain in place for the time being. 

Community update July 2024

We are committed to transparent and honest communication with our community throughout the Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction project. Our goal is to foster community collaboration to ensure voices are heard and acknowledged.

The purpose of the Moffat Beach community focus group is to:

• involve the key community groups and stakeholders and understand everyone’s views
• ensure key community and business stakeholders are appropriately engaged with clear and accurate information regarding the seawall reconstruction project
• engage with local community/interest/resident groups around topics related to the seawall, environment, beach, open space and community facilities and values
• share two-way information between the community and Council relevant to the Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction project
• provide a forum to bring local community groups and stakeholders together to share the details and values of their groups as relevant to Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction project
• to foster positive ongoing relationships between Moffat Beach stakeholders.

The primary objectives of the Moffat Beach community focus group are to:

• share local knowledge between community and stakeholders regarding Moffat Beach and the seawall reconstruction project
• encourage the development of collegiate and cooperative relationships between all community groups and stakeholders
• act as conduit to the local community to share information and generate understanding about the project within the terms of the Moffat Beach community focus group.

Invitations have been sent to identified community/business groups that represent the local Moffat Beach community. Each identified group has been asked to nominate one representative for their group to be a member of the community focus group.

Member groups (1 nominated representative per group):

1. Save Moffat Beachfront
2. Make Moffat Shine
3. Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation
4. Caloundra Residents Association
5. Caloundra Chamber of Commerce
6. Nominated local accessibility representative’
7. Windandsea Boardriders Club
8. The Moffateers
9. Tooway Lake BushCare Group
10. Nominated local cultural heritage representative
11. Nominated local business/retailer representative.

Council will review the nominations for each group and finalise the membership of the community focus group.

The panel will seek approximately 10-12 members consisting of community representatives from a range of ages and backgrounds within the project area, to select a diverse representation across demographics, cultures and interests promoting a diversity of voices and a balance of interests.

Council reserves the right to final decisions on appointment of members to the community focus group, based on achieving a balanced approach to community representation.

Additional invitations for nominations for representatives will be considered by the community focus group panel on an as needs basis and in consultation with the community focus group membership.

Members will be kept up to date throughout the project, including during design and construction, unless members advise they wish to be removed from project mailing lists.

Attendees of the community focus group meetings will also include the Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction project team, place plan team, other relevant Council officers, elected officials and independent consultants or subject matter experts.

• The Moffat Beach community focus group will be facilitated by a nominated chairperson.
• Membership is voluntary.
• Members will be representative of the demographic and geographic makeup of the project area.
• Council staff will provide support through the chairperson in managing the Moffat Beach Community Focus Group.

For more details please read the Terms of Reference – Moffat Beach Seawall Reconstruction Project Community Focus Group

Reconstructed seawall requirements

The Moffat Beach seawall needs to:

• adhere to modern coastal engineering standards
• be designed for the specific Moffat Beach coastal conditions
• keep our community safe
• balance the protection of the park and the health of our beaches and coastline
• be constructed lawfully with all necessary statutory approvals obtained.

The current seawall has failed and a new design for the reconstructed seawall will alter the footprint. 

This change to the seawall’s footprint means the Seawall Reconstruction Project Team will need to submit a development application and receive approval for the new design before any work can begin.

The application process

The steps that must be followed to submit an application are:

1. seek pre-lodgement advice from the Queensland Government before the application is lodged
2. obtain the landowner’s consent (Queensland Government)
3. lodge the application with Council as the assessment manager
4. refer the application to the Queensland Government’s State Assessment and Referral Agency
5. answer any information requests from either Council (the assessment manager) or the State
6. wait for the State’s review response
7. Council (the assessment manager) makes the final decision on the application and, if approved, issues the decision notice inclusive of any conditions from the State’s referral agencies.

Submitting an application

The reconstruction of the seawall is considered assessable development under the Queensland Government’s Planning Regulation 2017. Assessable development requires an approval before any work can begin. 

This involves the Seawall Reconstruction Project Team submitting a development application for assessment and decision by an assessment manager.

The seawall application will be for Operational Work (Prescribed Tidal Works) because it involves activities in the tidal zone (as defined by the Queensland Government’s Coastal Management and Protection Act 1995). 

There are two categories of assessment for assessable development: code and impact.

The seawall is a code assessable application.

Assessment manager

As per schedule 8, table 2, item 1 (c) of the Planning Regulation 2017, the local government is the assessment manager for development applications for prescribed tidal works within the tidal area for a local government area.

This means Sunshine Coast Council is the assessment manager.

Assessing the application – Sunshine Coast Council

Council (the assessment manager) will assess the application against the Queensland Government’s prescribed tidal works code in Schedule 3 of the Coastal Management and Protection Regulation 2017.

The Seawall Reconstruction Project team will also refer the application to the Queensland Government’s State Assessment and Referral Agency for assessment as the project will impact on Matters of State Environmental Significance.

Matters of State Environmental Significance – Queensland Government

The Seawall Reconstruction Project Team understands that as part of this process the project will require assessment of:

• maritime safety – assessed by Maritime Safety Queensland
• tidal work – assessed by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation
• removal, destruction or damage of marine plants – assessed by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

The Queensland Government has a list of requirements for each aspect listed above and the seawall project must make sure that the application adheres to these requirements.

The requirements are in the following State Development Assessment Provisions:

• State Code 7 – Maritime safety
• State Code 8 – Coastal development and tidal works
• State Code 11 – Removal, destruction or damage of marine plants.

Timeframes

The Queensland Government assessment process has several steps and timeframes for approval that can often take between six and nine months, with no limit on how many information requests the State can ask about the application.

It is important that the seawall design meets the performance outcomes of the relevant codes. If the application is refused or the design requires large changes then the Seawall Reconstruction Project Team may need to reapply. This starts the process again which could mean a delay of up to 12 months.

Definitions

Assessable development under section 28 is operational works that are:

(a) tidal works, or

(b) any of the following carried out completely or partly in a coastal management district:

(i) interfering with quarry material, as defined under the Coastal Act, on State coastal

land above high-water mark

(ii) disposing of dredge spoil, or other solid waste material, in tidal water

(iii) constructing an artificial waterway

(iv) removing or interfering with coastal dunes on land, other than State coastal land, that is in an erosion prone area.

Operational work means work, other than building work or plumbing or drainage work, in, on, over or under premises that materially affects premises or the use of premises

Prescribed tidal works means tidal works of a type prescribed under the Coastal Act, section 167(5)(d).

Seawalls help to prevent the loss of land caused by coastal erosion and act as a barrier against storm surges and high tides. They safeguard important community infrastructure like roads, parks, car parks, pathways, playgrounds and amenity blocks.

Coastal seawall design needs to consider several key factors to be effective and long lasting.

Be location specific: Seawalls need to consider the unique coastal process and aspects of their specific coastal location, adhere to modern engineering standards, comply with legislative requirements and be approved by the relevant authorities.

Breaking waves: The seawall design should aim to dissipate wave energy rather than reflect it. The wall should make the waves interact gently instead of hitting it hard. This can be achieved by using a sloped profile and/or include voids the water can go into. Either will reduce the force of the waves hitting the wall.

Community safety: The seawall should be high enough to reduce “overtopping’’ by waves during a weather event and mitigate damage to the area behind the wall and potential risks to anyone on the foreshore.

A healthy coastline: A seawall should minimise the impact on the area’s coastal process and not significantly change the amount of sand moving in and out with storms and the tide.

Strong materials: It should use durable, non-corrosive materials such as stone or concrete, to withstand harsh coastal conditions, keep the maintenance low and not break down in the water.

Height and strength: The seawall should be strong enough to withstand the maximum expected wave forces for its location and be able to stand up on its own. For a sloped seawall, current engineering standards consider this to be a minimum of 1:1.5 profile which is for every 1 metre high, the seawall should be 1.5 metres wide and have big enough rocks that can not move in  storm events.

Strong foundations: A deep and stable foundation is crucial to prevent undermining and collapse of the seawall so it does not get washed away. The foundation should be buried deep in the sand and below the expected erosion levels.

Be future proof: Designs must adhere to modern engineering standards and consider future sea-level rise and increased storm intensity due to climate change.

Drainage and erosion control: Proper drainage systems need to be incorporated into the design to prevent water from accumulating behind the wall and causing structural failure.

Consider amenity: Seawall designs should consider the visual impact on the coastal landscape and incorporate features that help it to blend with the surroundings. They can incorporate steps or places where people can sit, watch the waves and enjoy the beach.

Cost-effectiveness: A seawall design should balance initial construction costs with long-term maintenance needs.  Making use of locally available materials is one such avenue for cost effectiveness.

We are committed to ensuring the safety at, and beauty of, our beloved Moffat Beach and we are aware of our community’s concerns about the Norfolk trees.

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the new structure – and the safety of our community and health of the beach – we are seeking the advice of experienced, independent expert engineers who specialise in coastal engineering projects.

They will use localised data and modelling to assess what is most appropriate for this specific location.

No specific design outcome or seawall alignment has been pre-determined or selected.

There may be multiple solutions, or a single outcome and we have asked the consultants to look at options that could support retention of the Norfolk Trees.

Whatever the final design may be, we must ensure it complies with the Coastal Management and Protection Regulation 2017. This is because we are committed to ensuring the reconstructed seawall meets engineering standards and is lawfully constructed meeting all necessary statutory approvals. 

Until such time as this analysis is complete, and the potential implications for the existing open space and vegetation behind the seawall is understood, Council is uncertain as to the impact this will have on the Norfolk Trees

Once the options analysis is complete and we have the consultant’s recommendations, we will update our community.

We encourage our community to subscribe to receive updates.