Gold Coast ratepayers paying $10 million annually to maintain city beaches, new report shows
Gold Coast ratepayers are paying a massive annual sum to maintain beaches – and four beach spots still need constant attention, see the report >>
Council
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Ratepayers are outlaying $10 million a year on maintaining the city’s beaches but it is paying off with a stunning report card on the health of Gold Coast’s biggest tourism asset.
Despite shocking weather including torrential rain and cyclonic winds, 19 of 23 beach “compartments” are ‘on track’ with those sections of foreshore having enough sand to beat future erosion events.
The Bulletin has obtained a report card, to be presented to councillors at a committee meeting on Tuesday, which warns only four beach spots — The Spit North, The Spit South, Main Beach and Kirra — fall with the “monitor” range and require constant attention.
The La Niña climate with its heavy rainfall and flooding events meant beaches linked to creeks had reduced water quality, the report found.
“These impacts are temporary only and are not reflective of longer term trends,” the report says.
From Narrowneck to The Spit, about 350,000 cubic metres of additional sand was dumped offshore from June to December 2021 to boost the northern beaches “in the coming years”
Mayor Tom Tate told the Bulletin: “In 2013, ex tropical cyclone Oswald ravaged our beaches. I called on the then State Government to support us financially in repairing the beaches as they were in poor shape and we were attracting negative media nationally.
“Beaches are a tourism beacon for our city and the state, worth an estimated $3.6 billion in annual revenue.
“Unfortunately, the State did not back us and we had no choice but to get on with repairs at our expense, given the enormous economic value beaches provide to our city.
“Annually, we spend around $10 million to keep our 52km of beaches in great condition. That cost obviously escalates when storm surge impacts our coastline.”
The city would utilise the $9 million bypass system to provide greater sand volumes between Surfers and the sand pumping jetty, the Mayor added.
“It is fantastic to see this report card reinforce the work of staff, our universities, volunteer groups and individuals,” he said.
“Palm Beach and Kirra were once seen as vulnerable but the $30 million Palm Beach Artificial Reef has been a huge success in minimising storm surge impact along that stretch.
“Residents, particularly our surf community, will recall that I also oversaw the Kirra Groyne extension in 2012-13 to help protect that area as well as restore some surf amenity along Kirra.
“In 2017, we undertook the ambitious “sand rain bowing” project to relocate sand from deeper offshore waters back on to our beaches. I recall the critics at the time but it has been a huge success.
“Overall, the report gives us an 82 per cent pass mark for 19 of our 23 beaches — meeting all beach health targets set for the year. “
The positive report results shows why the city had been leader in coastal management for more than 50 years, Mr Tate said.
“Our magnificent coastline and abundance of marine life is a blessing – and our continued investment and effective management ensures they can be enjoyed for years to come,” he added.
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