Far North beaches bounce back following TC Jasper, flood

Cairns’ beautiful coastline will receive some well-deserved pampering with works to stop erosion and restore sand dunes to finally start this week. VOTE ON YOUR FAVOURITE CAIRNS BEACH HERE.

The view of the Palm Cove Beach in sunny days. Escape 25 May 2025 Doc updates Photo - iStock

Cairns’ beautiful coastline will receive some well-deserved pampering with works to stop erosion and restore sand dunes to finally start this week — almost two years after Tropical Cyclone Jasper and flooding “smashed” the region.

The state government will tip in $2m to rehabilitate multiple sites at Holloways Beach, Trinity Beach, Palm Cove, Kewarra Beach, and Ellis Beach.

The funding was “better late than never” with Deputy Mayor Brett Olds praising council officers’ efforts in seeking funds since the wettest cyclone in Australian history struck in late 2023.

Kewarra Beach is one of Cairns’ most stunning getaways. Picture: Supplied.

“It was two years ago that Jasper came through, and we’re still getting some money coming through for these works,” the Division Nine councillor said.

“Some of its reimbursement for immediate works that we did but … I know it’s only $2m but these works will be valued by residents.

“Kewarra Beach is looking a lot better now. But I think next week they’re starting sand nourishment (works). Palm Cove will get some (sand) and there are revegetation works too.”

Sunrise around Trinity Beach Rocky Lookout. Picture: David Draycott

Sand nourishment works at Palm Cove, Kewarra Beach, and Trinity Beach, delivered by Cairns Works, will restore foreshore stability, natural dune form, and long-term coastal resilience.

“It’s been a couple of years since our beaches were absolutely smashed and devastated, and new waterways were created and sculpted,” Division Eight councillor Rhonda Coghlan said.

“They’re very different to what they were two years ago. We have seen some beach nourishment, not enough.

“So it’s great to see this couple of million dollars, although we all know that it doesn’t go very far with sand nourishment.

“It will be lovely to see our beaches returning to some kind of normality.”

An aerial view of Ellis Beach on the northern beaches of Cairns, taken at sunrise. Picture: Brendan Radke

Revegetation and dune stabilisation works at Holloways Beach, Palm Cove to Kewarra Beach, and Ellis Beach, will be delivered by Cairns Conservation Services.

The project is funded by the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation’s Environmental Recovery Grant.

Originally published as Far North beaches bounce back following TC Jasper, flood