Community groups slammed over Mooloolaba Beach seawall, with council unable to confirm works details

Community groups have been criticised for sharing ‘misleading’ views on a concrete seawall that will transform a world-renowned beachfront. Read what the council claims here.

A stoush unfolding over speculation Mooloolaba Beach could be closed for months to build a concrete seawall has flared as the local council declares recent commentary “misleading”.

Sunshine Coast Council has defended its proposal to build a concrete seawall at Mooloolaba Beach as part of the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project amid public backlash.

Community groups have expressed fears over a proposed 290m-long seawall that will be buried underneath the sand that they say could see the iconic beachfront and car parking spaces closed off for up to 18 months during construction, while Sunshine Coast MPs Andrew Wallace and Fiona Simpson have vowed to fight for more community consultation over the works.

In a statement, a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said that it was “misleading” of community groups to make remarks about the nature of the works.

“For community groups to be commenting on those factors is misleading and causing undue concern and distress to Mooloolaba businesses, residents, our community and visitors,” the spokesperson said.

“We will be updating all stakeholders as further expert input is received from contractors.”

Details regarding the proposed works had emerged in recent weeks with speculation a section of the main beach could be closed from April until the start of Christmas holidays next year.

Mooloolaba Alliance and Beach Matters members Benny Pike, John Burke, Paula McGrath and Graeme Juniper at the spot where a sea wall is to be built starting in 2024, where a 200m section of Mooloolaba Beach will be closed during construction. Picture Lachie Millard

The Sunshine Coast Daily then put a series of questions to council, seeking confirmation of those details.

A council spokesperson responded that the beach will be accessible during the works.

“We reassure our community that during construction, adjacent access to the beach will be provided and access to businesses will remain available,” the spokesperson said.

A section of the beach on the eastern side of the lifeguard tower will still be patrolled during that time.

Current rock wall at Mooloolaba main beach. Picture Lachie Millard

“Council will continue to work with the lifeguards and Surf Life Saving Club to plan for and ensure suitable areas on the broader Mooloolaba Beach are patrolled for swimmers,” the spokesperson said.

“Businesses will continue to be accessible during the construction period.”

It was understood there would also be a loss of car parks on the beach terrace, parkland along the foreshore would be shut down and about 500 concrete truck movements would take place over the course of 18 months during construction.

The council spokesperson was unable to confirm the timeline of the works.

“We must await the outcomes of the expressions of interest from expert contractors which will guide the project’s timing, how it will be constructed and the sequencing,” the spokesperson said.

Artist's impression of the new terraced seawall at Mooloolaba integrated from Brisbane Road to the Surf Club, part of Stage Two - Central Meeting Place and Southern Parkland seawall. Picture: Sunshine Coast Council

Council also backed the engineering team that designed the terrace-stepped seawall, that will span from the surf life saving tower ramp to the pedestrian crossing opposite Mantra Sirocco.

“It has been modelled and designed by a qualified coastal engineer and structural engineer as part of the project’s design team,” the council spokesperson said.

“Both are Registered Professional Engineers of Queensland, the coastal engineering design has been peer reviewed by an expert with a Master of Engineering Science degree, majoring in Coastal Engineering and Physical Oceanography with over 30 years of Australian and international experience.”

The spokesperson said the seawall was “in accordance with the community’s chosen design” for the central meeting place, and was in response to the council’s coastal hazard adaptation strategy and shoreline erosion management plan.

“It is therefore absolutely crucial we complete this vital project as soon as practical to renew and protect Mooloolaba prized foreshore assets, to benefit residents, businesses and visitors and to make it as cost effective and streamlined as possible,” the spokesperson said.