Stage Two

Stage Two includes a large, new beachfront park, new community facilities and the replacement of an existing seawall which dates back to the 1960’s.

Features include:

• new public toilets and showers (to replace the ageing Loo with a View) including facilities for people with high support needs
• an all-abilities beach access ramp
• new shaded event and meeting space
• open grassed areas, and new landscaping with plants and shade trees
• variety of beach-front and shaded seating options, plus picnic areas
• an ocean viewing deck 
• public artwork
• new coastal pathway
• replacement of the existing vertical seawall. The new seawall will feature wide terraced steps which provide direct access to the beach and double as community seating.

What is happening to the Loo with a View?

Stage Two includes building new public toilets and showers to replace existing, a ‘Changing Places’ facility for people with high support needs, and a new all-abilities ramp to provide easy access to the beach.

The Loo with a View’s cantilevered deck section has reached the end of its life and will be closed to public to ensure community safety. Following expert advice, a pedestrian barrier – which will not affect the views – has been installed to restrict access to the front of the cantilevered deck and the area underneath the deck. Our community can still access public toilets and Council staff will continue to monitor and inspect the facility and undertake routine maintenance.

What is a Changing Places toilet facility? 

A Changing Places toilet facility allows people with high support needs to participate in all elements of community life, without having to limit their time out due to concerns about being able to access a suitable toilet.

Changing Places toilets provide: 

• a height-adjustable adult-sized change table 
• a constant-charging ceiling track hoist system 
• a centrally located toilet 
• circulation spaces
• an automatic door
• a privacy screen. 

Learn more about Changing Places here: https://changingplaces.org.au/

There are two elements of Stage Two which require urgent replacement:

1. The ageing Loo with a View which has served the community in the past but is now in very poor condition and does not meet community needs.
2. The current seawall which was built in the 1960s and is no longer adequate to protect the foreshore for the next 50-plus years, particularly if impacted by multiple extreme weather events.

When will Stage Two construction start?

Exact details are not yet known. Council is currently tendering for a construction contractor to build Stage Two.  Once a contractor is appointed Council will work closely with the successful contractor to make sure that our community, including the local business operators, is kept well informed of construction plans.

Currently, construction is expected to start early 2025.

Will the beach be closed during construction?

For safety reasons some areas of the beach will be fenced off BUT beachgoers can be assured that there will always be public access to the beach and surf lifesaver patrol flagged areas.

Will replacing the existing seawall mean there is less beach area?

In everyday conditions there will be a similar amount of beach area for our community to enjoy.

Like all coastal areas, Mooloolaba Beach will continue to be subject to the impacts of weather conditions and tidal sand movements.

Will the seawall have any impact on beach sand levels or dunes? 

Expert assessment has shown sand levels in this area of Mooloolaba Beach are subject to the normal changeability of weather conditions.

The replacement seawall is expected to have a negligible impact on sand levels under normal weather conditions.  As is currently the case in times of extreme weather, some sand loss would be expected, followed by beach renourishment. 

Dunal revegetation will form part of Stage Two works. 

Council will continue to monitor beach conditions during and post construction. 

How far away will the seawall foundations be from the high tide line?

Based on sand survey levels (since 2016), the furthest part of the replacement seawall foundations will be approximately 23 metres away from the average king tide (Highest Astronomical Tide, HAT). Its foundations will be buried deep under the sand to ensure it provides adequate protection for Mooloolaba and fulfils its design life of approximately 50 years.

See a graphic representation of highest astronomical tide locations based on 2016-2023 sand survey data at bottom of this web page.

Will I be able to visit businesses along Mooloolaba Esplanade and nearby during construction?

Yes. Access will remain to our community’s favourite shops, cafes and other businesses on the esplanade and other nearby streets. .

What will this mean for local businesses?

The revitalisation project will deliver many benefits to support Mooloolaba’s future.

Council respects that local businesses will have questions about how Stage Two construction might affect the trading environment and will continue to liaise with businesses and business groups.

Council is conducting business activation planning to support local businesses in the lead up to construction. An activation program will be valuable in assisting businesses to help retain and attract locals and visitors to Mooloolaba throughout this project.

Will I still be able to park close to the beach at Mooloolaba? 

Yes, parking will remain available near the beach, including at the ParkNGo Mooloolaba Central car park just 300 metres to Mooloolaba Beach and the foreshore. 

What about people with disability parking, drop off areas and loading bays?

People with disability car parks, loading bays and drop off areas will remain along the foreshore as part of all stages of the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation project.

Why is Council relocating the parking from Beach Terrace? 

The 2015 community supported Placemaking Mooloolaba Master Plan (with 82 per cent support) included removing the Beach Terrace roadway and relocating approximately 150 foreshore car parks to make way for increased public open space. The removal of the roadway and relocation of the car parks was supported by 84 per cent of participants.   

The master plan also included building an undercover parking station to provide additional parking for our community’s convenience. 

Opened in December 2020, the ParkNGo Mooloolaba Central car park features over 700 public car parking spaces (and 13 accessible parking bays). The undercover parking facility is 300 metres to Mooloolaba Beach and the foreshore. 

Read the community consultation feedback report for the Placemaking Mooloolaba Master Plan.