Works to fix the Woodgate erosion issue is underway

Work has started to fix erosion at a small town’s beautiful beach after public protests regarding the issue, as debate rages about what has caused it.

It was believed flooding and storms caused significant erosion at Woodgate Beach for over ten years.

Work to fix erosion at Woodgate Beach has begun as the Bundaberg Regional Council starts much-needed sand nourishment works and the construction of a rock wall.

The project aims to protect the foreshore land vulnerable to erosion and is part of a broader shoreline erosion management plan.

Work has started at a section of eroded beach south of the Woodgate boat ramp.

Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn said that the plan addressed community concerns by replenishing the shoreline, preventing future erosion and investigating the root causes.

“With state government permits now obtained, work can begin towards safeguarding Woodgate Beach’s coastline,” Ms Blackburn said.

The sand nourishment project will cover a 700m stretch south of the boat ramp, with plans to extend further towards Second Ave, pending future state government permits.

Woodgate Beach erosion has been a concern among locals for many years.

Additionally, a rock wall will be built on either side of the boat ramp and will be buried under half a metre of sand to maintain the beach’s natural appearance.

Division 2 Councillor Bill Trevor emphasised the importance of addressing the longstanding issue of beach erosion.

Division 2 Councillor Bill Trevor.

“The erosion at Woodgate Beach has been a persistent problem and we’re taking proactive measures to protect the coastline,” he said. “Council has spoken directly to nearby residents and the community to gain a better understanding of the historic issue and provide solutions and future-proofing for the area.”

LCB Civil Pty Ltd was appointed as the principal contractor for the works, which are expected to be completed by mid-December 2024.

Beach access restrictions will be in place around the immediate work site.

“This comprehensive project will ensure that Woodgate Beach remains a vibrant and resilient community hub, balancing the need for erosion control with the preservation of natural coastal processes,” Ms Blackburn said.

Around 100 residents have turned out at a previous LNP/Bundaberg Regional Council media conference calling for the Qld government to "urgently" approve works on the Woodgate beach sea wall project to protect the beach from further erosion.

However, not everyone agreed with the council’s approach.

Kevin Berghofer, a vocal critic, posted a comment on Facebook regarding the erosion issue.

Mr Berghofer said the council was responsible for the environmental damage and claimed the outflow of the Rubyanna Sewerage Treatment Plant was the cause.

Mr Berghofer insisted that the erosion would continue until the cause was rectified.

In response to the criticism, infrastructure general manager and acting council chief executive officer Stuart Randle said the council recycled most of the treated wastewater from Rubyanna.

“The outfall is only required for a small percentage of the treated wastewater,” he said.

“The quality of the discharge is actually better than the river water itself.

“By design, the pipeline discharges into a section of the river with high streamflow velocities.”

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Originally published as Works to fix the Woodgate erosion issue is underway