Major Bribie Island breakthrough closed as passage is 'restored back to how it should be'

Crews have sealed the second breakthrough at Bribie Island, but the race is still on to get the final job done before storm season hits.

Bribie Island breakthrough number two was closed early this morning. Picture: Caloundra MP Kendall Morton’s office.

The Bribie Island breakthrough number 2 has officially been closed early this morning on November 13, with Pumicestone Passage “restored back to the way it should be”.

Caloundra MP Kendall Morton said this was a “huge milestone for this entire project”.

“What we saw last night is the closing up of breakthrough number two - it is a milestone,” Ms Morton said.

“There is ongoing works but this is a huge step forward for all of the people in Caloundra that have gotten by this project and advocated for it.”

Ms Morton said this had been a “genuine concern” for Caloundra residents for more than two decades.

“Now combined with weather events the island was really at risk of the northern tip completely disappearing,” Ms Morton said.

“We ended up with breakthrough one, breakthrough two and breakthrough three.”

Ms Morton said the work was not over, with crews now shifting their work towards closing break through number three.

“There are time issues around storm season approaching, so in order to accelerate that process of closing up breakthrough number three, locals can expect to see a second dredge arrive.”

The second dredge could be arriving as early as next week to see the closure of breakthrough number three.

The long term recommendations will also be released by the end of this year.

Caloundra MP Kendall Morton said a second dredge could be arriving as early as next week. Picture: Caloundra MP Kendall Morton’s Office.

“So part of the works includes additional sand to secure and stabilise along the coastal edges of Bribie Island in the event of storm seas and storm surges, king tides,” Ms Morton said.

“That infrastructure will be put in place to absolutely give Bribie Island the best chance of being able to withstand some of those weather events that we’ve witnessed over decades, but in particular over the last 12 months.”

The second breakthrough closing is a part of the second stage of the three stage plan.

Ms Morton said it was “reassuring and comforting” to see Pumicestone Passage restored.

“A big congratulations to the people of Caloundra that have worked tirelessly fighting and advocating for this project,” Ms Morton said.

It has been a real community-led project, but also a big thank you to the Deputy Premier in particular for listening, not just to me, but for the people of Caloundra.

“What we’ve achieved here is something we can all be incredibly proud of.”

Caloundra MP Kendall Morton said this is “something we can all be incredibly proud of”. Picture: Caloundra MP Kendall Morton’s Office.

People expressed their excitement on Facebook at the gap being closed.

“Congrats all on a great job well done. So much for all the nay-sayers saying it couldn’t be done. You don’t really know until you try,” Mike Penrose commented.

“Look forward to seeing the transformation in the passage now,” Gem Lewis commented.

“Thank you everyone for your work ethic. Job well done,” Janette Scott commented.