The State Government is asking the community to help find a solution to the treacherous entrance to Mooloolaba Harbour, which has been labelled an “urgent” problem.
So much sand has been building up at the entrance that fishing boats were running aground, waves were breaking and sailors considered it too dangerous.
Since the issue came to a head earlier this year, dredging has been completed and now the State Government is looking for a long-term solution.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) would form a Stakeholder Reference Group to guide and inform the project.
“The Mooloolaba entrance suffered significant disruption to dredging activities earlier this year due to extreme weather and turbulent sea conditions,” Mr Bailey said.
“With conditions improved and dredging works completed, the focus can now shift to a long-term solution with key stakeholders helping guide the way.
“A stakeholder reference group offers mutual benefits – allowing members to represent the needs of their community and provide grassroots insights, while the project team can draw on local knowledge and experience.
“This group will also provide a pathway for the project team to answer questions and provide details directly back to the stakeholders.”
Mr Bailey said the reference group would invite representatives from the Coast Guard, commercial and recreational fishing groups, harbour business owners, residents and community groups.
One prominent local community group, Beach Matters, has previously floated the idea of an artificial reef as part of a three-pronged plan to safeguard the waterway.
MSQ has also spoken about a 60m extension of the breakwater.
Mr Bailey said wider community engagement would be undertaken after the formation of the Stakeholder Reference Group.
“It’s important we hear from the wider community and an opportunity will be provided for all to have their say during a period of online engagement,” he said.
The Mooloolaba Harbour and entrance training walls were built in the late 1960s and sand shoaling had occurred regularly in that time.
Mr Bailey said there were a number of options for the area that had been investigated over time however it was important the community could get behind a final option.
“Maintaining a safe navigable entrance is crucial for all users, which is why we undertake dredging activities to keep the entrance clear to a design depth of at least 2.5 metres below Lowest Astronomical Tide,” he said.
“Recent conditions made it far too unsafe to operate a dredge of any size and would have placed workers at extreme risk, highlighting a need for a more permanent fix.”
For more information, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au and search ‘Mooloolaba Boat Harbour entrance’.
