Seawall design retains Norfolk pine trees

The seawall needs to be reconstructed after the western section was damaged by severe weather and rainfall in 2022, and the middle section damaged in early 2024.

The reconstructed seawall needs to be made wider, with a gentler slope to meet safety and engineering standards.

In the coming days, the application will be referred to the Queensland Government’s State Assessment and Referral Agency and Sunshine Coast Council’s Development Services to be assessed against the relevant acts and codes.

The community is invited to a drop-in session on Saturday November 30, from 8.30am to 12 noon, at the Moffat Beach Park, to learn more information about the project.

Preserving local favourites
Sunshine Coast Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said Council had sought to protect what made Moffat Beach special and its unique coastal atmosphere.

“We know our community values its great surf breaks, stunning beach, ocean views and the cherished activities like picnics, yoga, walking, running, dog walking, surfing events and Norfolk pine trees – and have kept this front of mind throughout the process,” Cr Landsberg said.

“Council has worked hard to find an alignment that attempts to retain the much-loved Norfolk Pine Trees, while minimising beach loss and disruption to the bay’s coastal processes.

“To do this, Council has proposed a hybrid seawall design, that moves the wall out onto the beach between the central and the eastern end and then back into the parkland at the western end.”

Cr Landsberg said the hybrid option provided the best chance of preserving the Norfolk trees with the least impact to the beach and the park.

"The reconstructed seawall footprint is larger than the existing seawall to meet engineering standards, ensure the safety of our community and to ensure it lasts a long time.

“So, it is inevitable that we will lose a little of both the park and the beach – Council has done it’s best to balance the impact to these areas.

“I want to be clear that Council’s proposed alignment has not yet been approved and there may be some further changes.

“Our community is likely to have lots of questions, so we have developed frequently asked questions which can be found on Council’s website or they can attend the drop in session this Saturday.”

Changes with the new seawall
A new ramp will be built at the western end of the seawall, to be used by Council and emergency vehicles accessing the beach. It is planned to be less steep than the existing ramp and will also be available for people who are unable to use the stairs.

The beach access stairs will be replaced with slightly wider sets so two people carrying surfboards can pass each other.

Council is working on a draft plan for the landscaping elements behind the seawall such as new trees, updated pathways, picnic tables and beach showers. The community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on this early next year.

Thanks to Community Focus Group
Cr Landsberg thanked the Moffat Beach Community Focus Group for its valuable contribution to the project.

“Council and its expert Coastal Engineering Consultant have worked diligently over the last few months to reach this point,” he said.

“The Community Focus Group members have volunteered their time to represent the community and meet with Council.

“Group members vary from longstanding Moffat Beach locals to business representatives.

“They have shared local insights and values and had constructive discussions on the project’s issues and opportunities.”

Drop in session
You are invited to a drop-in session to learn more information and ask questions.

DATE: Saturday 30 November 2024
TIME: 8.30am – 12 noon
LOCATION: Moffat Beach Park, Queen of Colonies Parade.
WHAT: This is an informal chat to learn more from Council. There will not be any specific presentation so drop in at any time.

Assessment timeframe
Once submitted, the application will go through a rigorous assessment process which is expected to take six months. Construction is planned for winter 2025, pending approvals.

A link to view the application will be available on Council’s website once it’s been submitted.

More information on the Moffat Beach Seawall reconstruction project, including frequently asked questions is available on Council’s website. Search ‘Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction project’.