Bribie Island breakthrough: Drone photos show extent of changes to passage

Aerial photos have revealed the full extent of changes created by the Bribie Island breakthrough as authorities warn boaties to use “extreme caution”.

Drone photography has revealed the full extent of environmental changes to the Pumicestone Passage following the breakthrough at Bribie Island.

Authorities have warned against crossing the Caloundra bar with “washing machine” like conditions created in the channels since the breakthrough.

The dangerous conditions were formed earlier this month when an astronomically high tide and ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth combined to send seas surging through the island.

Drone photo of the breakthrough at Bribie Island. Picture: Patrick Woods

The 300m-wide gap continues to swallow up vegetation, debris and sand into the passage.

Take Action for Pumicestone Passage president Paul Harney said the opening had sent waves washing up on to mangroves.

Mr Harney said the mangroves had “suffered badly”.

A king tide and huge swells combined to break through part of Bribie Island at the start of January, smashing the previous breakthrough.

“Some say that this is all a natural process and that over time it could close over but the new channels are changing and make a whole safety concern,” Mr Harney said.

“The mangroves have suffered badly and the erosion is great.”

Drone photo of the breakthrough at Bribie Island. Picture: Patrick Woods

Mr Harney said he was encouraged by a preliminary meeting between state government, Sunshine Coast Council and community groups.

He said it was vital that everyone was on the same page.

“We just want to see the passage managed well, that’s one of the main reasons why we live here,” Mr Harney said.

Drone photo of the breakthrough at Bribie Island. Picture: Patrick Woods

Maritime Safety Queensland warned people of “severe” erosion from the breakthrough and urged caution crossing the bar.

“There is a large amount of floating debris, shifting sandbars and strong tidal flows,” the warning read.

“This new bar is unsurveyed and mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution if attempting to cross the bar.”

It comes after the Caloundra Coast Guard assisted in the rescue of two jetskiers in separate incidents at the weekend with one swept out to sea by more than 1.5km after being overturned crossing the bar.