Protecting our coastal areas for the future

Sunshine Coast Council is acting now to safeguard our coastline and coastal communities from the impacts of climate change.

Council is carefully investigating how to manage important coastal areas through Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precinct Planning (CHAPP) investigations at Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Golden Beach and Caloundra (Bulcock Beach).

Acting now for a resilient future

Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said Council was looking at solutions to help safeguard our region from the increasing threats of flooding and erosion caused by sea level rise and more severe storms.

Cr Suarez explained that no single adaptation option would suit all coastal urban areas, and options would need to be developed by considering the specific challenges and unique nature of each location and combining adaptation elements that created a bespoke response for each area.

“Possible adaptation elements that are part of our investigations include revetment walls, landscaped berms, raised open space, raised roads, seawalls and increased stormwater outlet capacity,” Cr Suarez said.

“It is important to note that not all adaptation elements highlighted through our investigations are within Council’s jurisdiction to deliver.

“Proposals for adaptation solutions that fall outside of Council’s jurisdiction would be deferred to the relevant authorities for their consideration, with their response informing the planning investigations.

“Our beaches and beautiful foreshore areas are a huge part of what makes our region special and a great place to live.

“We are planning now to make sure our coastal areas have a healthy natural environment, contribute to our quality of life, and are resilient to climate change impacts such as coastal hazards.

“During Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the Sunshine Coast coastline suffered quite significant damage.

“Events like TC Alfred demonstrate the importance of our nourishment and coastal maintenance programs to complement repair through natural process.

“The event further highlights the need to plan for the future and identify long term adaptation options to reduce the impacts of future coastal hazards and flooding.’’

Cr Suarez said the investigations were being informed by what our community valued about these areas and how people used them.

“We invited our community to share their thoughts on coastal spaces, their value, and ideas for adaptation against coastal hazards and flooding.

“It’s another way we are working with our community to nurture and enhance our environment and quality of life.”

What the community values

Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns emphasised the importance of community feedback on what they valued about coastal areas and their priorities.

“Overall, the engagement was really positive and constructive, highlighting how our community is passionate about the issues affecting their region, particularly those related to coastal hazards,” Cr Burns said.

“Respondents identified numerous spots in Golden Beach, Bulcock Beach, Mooloolaba and Maroochydore they visit regularly for activities such as exercise, leisure, recreation, water-based activities, social interaction, and nature observation.

“Feedback confirmed our community places a high recreational and wellbeing value on the foreshore and coastal environments, appreciating their natural state and accessibility.

“These areas are seen as critical community assets that must be protected while remaining accessible for people to use and enjoy.

“It’s encouraging to see community support for Council’s investigations, with 72 per cent of Golden Beach respondents, 70 per cent of Maroochydore respondents, and 74 per cent of Mooloolaba respondents agreeing that the adaptation elements being investigated met their expectations.

“This input is crucial as we develop and analyse adaptation options.”

Community concerns

Community concerns varied across the investigation areas.

In Golden Beach and Caloundra (Bulcock Beach), the community shared their concerns regarding coastal hazard impacts, stormwater flooding, water quality and marine safety in Pumicestone Passage.

In Maroochydore, the concerns centred on erosion, stormwater flooding, rising tidal levels and water quality.

For the Mooloolaba community their concerns were erosion, sedimentation in canals and waterways, stormwater runoff and tidal changes.

Next steps and staying informed

Cr Suarez encouraged the community to stay informed about upcoming project stages, including future consultation opportunities.

“Keep an eye on Council’s website on the CHAPP web page and register for regular updates which will include invitations to a range of further opportunities to have your say and provide feedback to Council,” Cr Suarez said.

“We look forward to continuing to work together with our community on this important project to protect our beloved beaches and coastal areas for future generations.”

You can read the engagement summaries for each CHAPP investigation area on Have your Say Sunshine Coast.

This feedback, along with financial, functionality and viability criteria, will be used to assess the adaptation options for each investigation area.

Council will update the community on progress later in 2025.

Consultation was open from October 28 to November 25, 2024, with participants contributing their feedback via online submissions, workshops, pop-up events, and emails.

The Golden Beach and Caloundra (Bulcock Beach) CHAPP investigation has received funding from the Australian Government’s Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program.

The Mooloolaba and Maroochydore CHAPP investigations received grant funding from the Australian Government.