Sunshine Coast Council has outlined its strategies to counter treacherous sections of a popular foreshore.
Severe weather has battered a seawall at Moffat Beach and contributed to rock falls at the cliff of the headland, prompting investigations and initial reparations.
Council has now unveiled the latest information and plans for both areas.
A seawall repair project update stated that soil failure was “continuing along the seawall” and the western and middle sections were “showing significant signs of movement”.
Council has restricted access to the north-facing 250m wall for safety reasons, while a fence has been installed and will stay in place until the wall is reconstructed.
“We strongly urge you to stay off the seawall completely and avoid the beach area at the base of the rock wall,” the update said.
Council stated that the 80m western section will be made “wider, with a gentler slope”.
“The works will also include relocation of the vehicle access ramp to the westernmost part of the wall, a new pedestrian ramp, a new shower, a new staircase leading off the pedestrian ramp, a wider coastal pathway, and the associated landscaping elements,” it said.
Design and approvals are underway, and construction is due in mid-2025. The project has funding from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority under a Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement agreement last year.
Meanwhile, cracks have appeared at the top of the middle section of the wall, rocks have become displaced and some sections are starting to subside.
“Independent geotechnical and coastal engineers are being engaged to assess the damage and recommended solutions,” council stated in the update.
The eastern section of the wall is showing small signs of movement, so access to this section has been restricted and monitoring of the section will continue.
Meanwhile, a council spokesperson told SCN of its approach to the crumbling headland, which is just to the east.
They said council was evaluating safety barrier options and they urged people to stay on the paths.
“The changes to the cliff face are a naturally occurring event due to the impact of weather and waves over time,” they said.
“Council has no current plans to intervene.
“Existing fencing is already in place to try and keep our community safe by restricting access to unstable areas.
“Other safety barrier options are being considered and we will keep the community updated when more information is available.
“We encourage our community to look after their own safety and to protect our much-loved coastal environment by using the designated paths.”
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