Golden Beach Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precinct Planning Investigation

While Council plays a key role in managing coastal hazards, the effective management of these hazards requires a collaborative approach. Working together will become even more important as we respond to the hazards of a changing climate. Proactive measures taken today will ensure that we are better equipped to face future challenges, minimise damage and ensure a more resilient Sunshine Coast for everyone. To find out more information about a collaborative approach to successful adaptation please see Fact Sheet 3 – Working together.

Adaptation approaches seek to safeguard the values (social, environmental and economic) and character of the region. The coastal lifestyle that is critical to the identity of the Sunshine Coast is defined by the local values and character of our coastal places. We need your input on how you currently use these places and what you value about them. Your input will be considered in the development and analysis of potential adaptation solutions. 

Reducing coastal hazard and flood risks is complex due to the dynamic nature of the coastal environment and the way we use the coast. This complexity means that no single adaptation element can effectively reduce the risks from flooding and coastal hazards. It will require multiple targeted and integrated actions that can evolve and change with our needs over time. Options will need to be developed by considering the specific challenges and unique nature of each location. To find out more about adaptation elements please see Fact Sheet 2- Adaptation to manage impacts from coastal hazards.

Erosion and inundation are natural processes that shape the coastline. However, they can become hazards when they impact on coastal values and how we use and enjoy the coast. Coastal hazard exposure is expected to increase with changes in wave action, storm activity and sea level rise associated with climate change. Coastal hazards include inundation of low-lying coastal areas and erosion of the shoreline. In Southeast Queensland, significant coastal hazard impacts are typically associated with East Coast Lows and tropical cyclones. To find out more about coastal hazards please see Fact Sheet 1 - Common coastal hazard adaptation and flooding terminology.

Investigation areas are determined by Council's endorsed Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS). The Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy assigned an adaptation response and pathway for each locality across the Sunshine Coast. Adaptation responses and options are considered by locality which is based on four zones and 28 associated beach units.

Investigations are currently underway in Golden Beach and Caloundra (Bulcock Beach), Maroochydore and Mooloolaba. These areas are already experiencing the impacts of coastal hazards, including inundation. Familiarise yourself with the adaptation pathway outlined for your local beach or area by visiting the endorsed Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS).

Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precinct Planning investigations will identify and assess potential adaptation options to reduce the impacts to our community and environment caused by coastal hazards and flooding.

Council has defined three core goals for adaptation. These are:

• trafficable road access
• private and public realm areas are able to drain
• public realm is protected from erosion.

Each adaptation option will be measured against five key criteria to determine their suitability. These are:

• viability, i.e. considers technical soundness, environmental impacts and sustainability, and upfront capital and ongoing maintenance costs
• feasibility, i.e. considers practicality and integration with existing networks and processes, availability of economic resources required for implementation, and legal and regulatory constraints affecting implementation
• functionality, i.e. considers dependability and consistency, how well the option improves resilience to coastal hazards, avoids/minimises adverse impacts, the ability to adapt to future conditions, and the ability to satisfy the three core goals defined for successful adaptation
• urban design, i.e. considers visual appeal and design quality and how the option complements the existing urban landscape, integration with existing infrastructure
• alignment with values and character of the area, i.e. considers alignment with community needs, preferences and social cohesion, preservation of cultural heritage, and economic benefit to the area.

Bribie Island is part of a National Park, and Pumicestone Passage lies within the Moreton Bay Marine Park, both managed by the State Government.

The Queensland Government is responsible for managing and monitoring Bribie Island. Sunshine Coast Council offers support to the Queensland Government as needed.

Any requests about the management of Bribie Island should be directed to the State Government’s Department of Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation (DETSI).

The northern Pumicestone Passage is being closely monitored by the Department, Maritime Safety Queensland, within the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and Sunshine Coast Council. The breakthrough has altered the tidal range in Pumicestone Passage, exposing parts of the Golden Beach foreshore to coastal erosion.

Sunshine Coast Council is responsible for shoreline protection of Council managed land at Golden Beach, and actions are guided by the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS), Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP), and the Bribie Island Breakthrough Action Plan.

Our actions focus on protecting the Golden Beach foreshore and the important community assets like roads, parks and playgrounds.

Any proposal involving works on Bribie Island would be deferred to the State Government for their consideration, with their response informing the planning investigations.