Frequently asked questions

The foreshore revitalisation project is an outcome of the 2015 Placemaking Mooloolaba Master Plan. The purpose of the Master Plan is to provide a clear, compelling and unique vision for Mooloolaba over a possible 20 year period (to 2035).

The Master Plan references four areas of Mooloolaba for revitalisation namely:

• the foreshore and esplanade (this project)
• heart of Mooloolaba
• wharf precinct
• southern gateway.

The revitalisation of the foreshore is being undertaken in four stages.

The first stage, the Northern Parkland was opened in June 2022 and includes one hectare of revitalised parkland incorporating a raised boardwalk, viewing areas, a playground, accessible coastal pathways, undercover barbeque areas,  seating and landscaping.

The second stage includes the Central Meeting Place and the Southern Parkland seawall. Construction is expected to start by early 2025.

Future stages include the remainder of the Southern Parkland and the Central Parkland. A timeframe or sequencing has not been determined for these stages.

See map of each stage at bottom of this webpage.

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
• 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.

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.

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.

These new facilities will replace the ageing Loo with a View, which has served the community in the past but which is now in very poor condition and does not meet community needs.

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.

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/

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 bottom of this webpage for a graphic representation of highest astronomical tide locations based on 2016-2023 sand survey data.

Visiting businesses along Mooloolaba Esplanade and nearby during construction

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

What this means 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. 

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. 

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

Will there be lighting along the foreshore?

As part of Stage Two works, lighting will be included from the Central Meeting Place/Brisbane Road area to the Surf Club.

Community safety is a consideration, as well as beach volleyball and other sporting activities.

Our region’s turtles and their hatchlings have also been considered in determining the lighting design.

New shade trees and plants form an integral part of the Stage Two design, including as part of the replacement seawall. 

Providing more shade and shelter was a key theme shared by our community through the extensive period of community engagement. You can learn more about our community’s feedback and read the community engagement report available on the project website.

Beach volleyball and other sporting activities have been considered as part of the Stage Two Design. 

Lighting will be included, from the Central Meeting Place/Brisbane Road area to the Surf Club. The replacement seawall’s wide terraced steps will double as spectator seating. 

Why does the existing seawall need to be replaced?

A range of expert and independent assessments has confirmed that the existing seawall (built in the 1960’s) is not of a suitable height, design or condition to withstand future major storm events. Council’s 2021 Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy and Shoreline Erosion Management Plan indicate that areas of the foreshore, transport infrastructure and underground services are at significant risk of rising sea levels, natural disasters, coastal erosion, storm surges, coastal inundation and cyclones.  

In 2013 the remnants of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald caused significant damage to our region’s coastline due to the impacts of high rainfall, cyclonic winds, large waves and extreme sea levels. At Mooloolaba, significant coastal erosion was experienced impacting the existing vertical seawall, lifeguard tower and access to the Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving Club.

Undermining of the seawall and significant sand loss meant that emergency works were required to stabilise the site, reinstate the lifeguard tower and provide public and emergency services access back to the beach.

Some 10 years later it is predicted that extreme weather events will become more frequent in our region.  Based on future climate change predictions much of the existing seawall is unlikely to adequately protect the foreshore for the next 50-plus years, particularly if impacted by multiple extreme weather events.  

See bottom of this webpage for image of 1968 Mooloolaba Beach Aerial showing existing seawall, and images from ex-TC Oswald from 2013.

Why does it need replacing now? 

Replacing the seawall now will better protect the community parklands, paths, roads and underground services (such as power, telecommunications and water supply) from climate change impacts as well as provide improved access from the foreshore to the beach.  

Combining the Central Meeting Place and Southern Parkland seawall construction as Stage Two is expected to deliver significant cost and time efficiencies for our community as part of the foreshore’s overall revitalisation.  

The seawall is the first critical step required to protect community infrastructure and allow the revitalisation of ageing community facilities and assets.  

How is the replacement seawall being funded?

The replacement of the seawall is funded by Council's Capital Works Program and the Federal Government. 

In June 2023, it was announced the project would receive $7.95 million in funding from the Federal Government’s National Emergency Management Agency Disaster Ready Fund toward replacing the seawall. 

This significant financial contribution will minimise the cost to ratepayers while providing enhanced protection for Mooloolaba.

What will it look like? 

The replacement seawall has been designed predominately as wide terraced steps that will double as community seating, with no railings. It will include a beach access ramp, viewing deck and feature attractive landscaping, including plants and shade trees, along with revegetation of the adjacent dunal areas. 

The terraced steps/seats will be the perfect place to watch the waves or attend major Mooloolaba events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations, festivals, the ANZAC Day service and beach sports like volleyball and rugby. 

Importantly the new seawall will provide enhanced access to the beach for our community, including an all-abilities access ramp for people using wheelchairs, prams or mobility devices. 

See 'before and after' images at bottom of this webpage showing existing seawall and replacement terraced seawall and parkland. 

How does the design benefit this location? 

Different environments require different seawall treatments. For Stage Two, the predominate use of a terraced seawall is considered the best design. 

When compared to the existing vertical seawall the benefits are: 

• enhanced beach access including an all-abilities access ramp for people using wheelchairs, prams or mobility devices 
• increased stair access and seating opportunities 
• reduced potential fall hazard 
• improved visual amenity and connection with the beach 
• greater wave energy dissipation 
• improved adaptability for future climate conditions. 

Building another vertical seawall in the same location would mean a physical and visual barrier would exist between the beach and the foreshore, complete with a one-metre-high fence and railings. It would not allow for seating areas or landscaping opportunities (including shade trees and plants for greening the foreshore) or fulfill the accessibility expectations of our community or Council. Some vertical elements will be required to allow ramp access to the beach and a viewing deck to enjoy the beach and ocean views. 

The terraced steps/seats will be the perfect place to watch the waves or attend major Mooloolaba events such as New Year’s Eve celebrations, festivals, the ANZAC Day service and beach sports like volleyball and rugby. 

The seawall will be further enhanced by attractive landscaping, including plants and shade trees, along with revegetation of the adjacent dunal areas. 

How did Council develop the design? 

The replacement of the seawall in this location has been identified in the 2021 Council’s Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy and Shoreline Erosion Management Plan.  

It has been modelled and designed by a qualified coastal engineer and structural engineer as part of the project’s design team, both Registered Professional Engineers of Queensland.  

The coastal engineering design has been peer reviewed by an Australian and International expert with a Master of Engineering Science degree, majoring in Coastal Engineering and Physical Oceanography with over 30 years of experience.  

The replacement seawall has been approved by State Government approval agency SARA including referral departments. 

As part of the seawall design process a range of information is considered including: 

• Astronomical tides, extreme storm tide levels, and tidal planes 
• Waves including historic wave data, wave buoy analysis, design wave data, wind-driven waves, and wave overtopping 
• Sand levels and beach variability 
• Beach and parkland usage 
• Access to the beach, including all abilities access 

These investigations, in addition to Council’s Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy have guided the design for Stage Two. 

Why can’t the seawall be buried under parkland or closer to the buildings?

Seawalls provide erosion protection. They are designed to protect community infrastructure and services (parklands, paths, roads and underground services such as power, telecommunications and water supply) from the impacts of severe weather events and climate change.   

If community infrastructure and services were located on the ocean side of the seawall they would be vulnerable to erosion during severe weather events. Based on current climate change predictions the community infrastructure and services would eventually be lost to the elements. This would cause significant economic, environmental and social impacts to Mooloolaba, particularly for businesses, residents and tourism.

The seawall is considered our ‘last line of defence’ and the alignment of the replacement seawall has been carefully considered to protect our community’s coastal infrastructure in this location. In other locations different seawall design treatments may be considered.  

How was the community involved in shaping the design for the foreshore’s revitalisation? 

Our community has been extensively engaged on a range of Mooloolaba projects starting in 2012 with the development of the Placemaking Mooloolaba master plan.

Since then our community has helped inform the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation project via a range of projects all of which underwent significant community engagement including: 

• 2015 Placemaking Mooloolaba master plan 
• 2014 Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) 
• 2019 Mooloolaba Foreshore Detailed Design release 
• 2021 Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS)  
• 2022 Central Meeting Place engagement as part of Stage Two 
  2022 Central Meeting Place Community Engagement Have Your Say webpage and  2022 Central Meeting Place Community Engagement Report 
• 2024 – Business Activation Group and Community Stakeholder Interest Group formed

Council has met with a range of key stakeholders including local community and businesses groups on numerous occasions to discuss the project. 

What is the history of community engagement for the foreshore revitalisation project?

 2012-15 – Placemaking Mooloolaba master plan 

The Master Plan which incorporates the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation project has been subject to extensive community engagement since its initial development. The Master Plan shows seawalls in all stages of the project – the Northern Parkland (now complete), Central Parkland, Central Meeting Place and Southern Parkland. 

More than 3,000 participants took part in the community engagement exercise for the Master Plan. This established a clear understanding of core community values, as well as needs and aspirations and helped to generate the vision, principles and strategies of the plan. The Master Plan received a very high level of community support (82 per cent). 

2019 –Detailed Design release  

The 2019 Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation project detailed design release, which evolved from the Master Plan, included full media coverage, a launch event, pop up sessions and a street walk where Council handed out project information. This project information release clearly showed the terraced seawall in the southern parklands.  

See image at bottom of this webpage showing 2019 Mooloolaba Foreshore Detailed Design.

2021 – Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy  

Extensive community engagement was undertaken in the lead up to Council’s 2021 Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy. That strategy, together with the Shoreline Erosion Management Plan, signified that areas of Mooloolaba’s foreshore public land, transport infrastructure, and underground services are at significant risk of rising sea levels, cyclones, coastal erosion, storm surges and coastal inundation.  

2022 – Central Meeting Place 

As a result of extensive community engagement over numerous stages between April and October 2022, 75 per cent of survey respondents agreed on a preferred Central Meeting Place design which was adopted by Council in January 2023.  

The preferred concept includes a terraced seawall featuring wide terraced steps in the option which was supported by 75 per cent of the public and approved by Council in January 2023 at its Ordinary Meeting. 

See image at bottom of this webpage showing terraced seating seawall depicted in Mooloolaba Foreshore Central Meeting Place Concept Blue.

The community stated a clear preference for improved inclusion and accessibility. The new seawall will incorporate a new easy-access ramp to the beach for everyone that is disability compliant, the first of its kind on the Sunshine Coast. 

Stage Two has been extended from the Central Meeting Place to the Mooloolaba Surf Lifesaving Club to include the Southern Parkland seawall section.  Replacing this section of seawall as part of the Stage Two works will deliver significant cost and time efficiencies as part of the foreshore’s overall revitalisation.

Design continuity will also provide optimal amenity and enhanced protection for Mooloolaba. 

Learn about the extensive community engagement on our Have your say site.

2024 - Community Reference Groups 

To assist with sharing two-way information, insights and ideas about the endorsed project, Council has established two community reference groups; a Community Stakeholder Interest Group and a Business Activation Group.

More information about the process, groups and meeting updates can be found on the Expression of Interest website.  

The project team is committed to keeping the community informed throughout all stages of the project.

Community members can email the project team at mfr@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Keep up to date on the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project as it progresses by subscribing for emailed updates.