Fears for northern tip of Bribie Island as Tropical Cyclone Alfred looms off Queensland

An iconic Qld island is at risk of ripping in half, leaving suburbs facing a “real life nightmare”, while one of the state’s biggest tourist islands is under an evacuation warning, as Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s threat grows.

• 230km/h winds: How Alfred will impact SEQ

The iconic Bribie Island is at risk of ripping in half and leaving parts of the Sunshine Coast facing a “real life nightmare”, while campers have been strongly advised to leave K’gari, Inskip and Cooloola camping areas, as the threat of Tropical Cyclone Alfred grows.

A Sunshine Coast community group has raised concerns that Tropical Cyclone Alfred could have a devastating impact on the northern tip of Bribie after water was seen gushing over the island.

Meanwhile, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is not accepting camping bookings in the protected areas, with refunds available for those who have already booked.

While Tropical Cyclone Alfred has not made landfall, K’gari and Inskip have experienced significant coastal erosion due to worsening weather conditions, the Department of Environment and Science said.

Increased rainfall and strong gale force winds are expected to impact the region over the weekend.

It comes as Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton MP organised a visit to the northern section of Bribie Island yesterday alongside Pumicestone Passage Catchment Management Body (PPCMB) members, amid fears a part of the island could break through as a result of severe weather generated by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Drone photos of the northern part of Bribie Island where water has flowed through. Picture: Shane T Reynolds

However, on arrival at the island, the group observed a huge tide surge and more than a metre of water running over the area of concern, just south of Lions Park.

The northern tip of Bribie Island was broken into two in January 2022 after Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth, and then a king tide, generated waves that smashed through the landmass to create two separate islands.

PPCMB spokeswoman Jen Kettleton-Butler described witnessing the moment on Thursday as “incredibly shocking”.

“When we arrived (Thursday) at 7.30am, the area we have been monitoring, just south of the Lions Park, was running over with a metre of water and a huge tide surge,” she said.

“We couldn’t get there because a metre deep and 10m wide channel had formed.

“It had literally just broken through and a torrent of water was rushing through.

“The moment was incredibly shocking to witness.

“What we took Kendall (Morton) there to show no longer exists.”

The Bribie Island breakthrough. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Ms Kettleton-Butler added that if a further significant breakthrough occurs it puts Sunshine Coast suburbs Caloundra and Golden Beach at risk to significant storm surges and coastal erosion.

“The PPCMB is incredibly concerned for the future of Caloundra and Golden Beach if urgent action is not taken to restore and stabilise our waterway,” she said.

“Golden Beach and Caloundra were developed from the 1950s onwards under the assumption of the ongoing protection from Bribie Island – a natural barrier island that has protected the Caloundra suburbs … from inundation, erosion, and storm surge.

The narrow section of Bribie Island where water has flowed through. Picture: Shane T Reynolds

“What’s even more concerning is that within a week, we may see that risk crystallise into a real-life nightmare, as Golden Beach and Caloundra would be sitting ducks if Tropical Cyclone Alfred crossed or lingered near the Sunshine Coast.

“Emergency action needs to be taken in the next few days to shore up the fragile sections of Bribie Island that will be next to go in a storm event, making fixing the problem even harder and more expensive.”

The PPCMB has called on the state government to install a rock wall or dredge sand to strengthen and protect the island.

The northern part of Bribie Island. Picture: Shane T Reynolds

Ms Morton said local authorities are monitoring the area of concern on Bribie Island.
“With the threat of Cyclone Alfred on the horizon, I initiated a visit to Bribie Island on Thursday 27th Feb to see firsthand what state the Island was in,” Ms Morton said.

“With the assistance of the Caloundra Coast Guard and with Jen Kettleton-Butler from PPCMB, we inspected not only the existing 1.4 kilometre breakthrough but also walked a 1.2 kilometre section of badly eroded primary dune.

“All our waterways on the Sunshine Coast are a natural part of the eco-system, which is why the Crisafulli Government committed to making a Waterways Authority just for the Sunshine Coast.

“After a decade of inaction from the former government on this issue, we are now watching this ever-changing environmental situation very closely.

“I’m obviously aware that with the possibility of strong storm surges due to Cyclone Alfred, residents are concerned. I’ll continue to work as hard as I can to support our community.”

Ms Morton added that she has been aware of issues impacting the Pumicestone Passage, prior to being elected last year.

“I’ve been aware of the worsening problem in the Pumicestone Passage since the breakthrough on Bribie Island,” she said.

“I’m in constant communication with many relevant community groups. They hold fears of damage to property and infrastructure due to the loss of the natural breakwater.”

A report by Core Logic released in March 2022 listed Caloundra and Golden Beach in the top 10 suburbs nationally at most risk of coastal erosion and significant storm surge.

Originally published as Fears for northern tip of Bribie Island as Tropical Cyclone Alfred looms off Queensland