Golden Beach Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precinct Planning Investigation

Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precinct Planning investigations will identify and assess potential adaptation options to reduce the impacts to our community caused by coastal hazards and flooding, now and into the future. 

Proactively planning for future adaptation is the best way to minimise the impacts that coastal hazards will have on the things we value about our coastal places.

Investigation areas are determined by Council's endorsed Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS). The Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy assigned an adaptation response and pathway for each locality across the Sunshine Coast. Adaptation responses and options are considered by locality which is based on four zones and 28 associated beach units.

Erosion and inundation are natural processes that shape the coastline. However, they can become hazards when they impact on coastal values and how we use and enjoy the coast. 

Coastal hazard exposure is expected to increase with changes in wave action, storm activity and sea level rise associated with climate change. Coastal hazards include inundation of low-lying coastal areas and erosion of the shoreline. In Southeast Queensland, significant coastal hazard impacts are typically associated with East Coast Lows and tropical cyclones. 

To find out more about coastal hazards please see Fact Sheet 1 - Common coastal hazard adaptation and flooding terminology.

Investigations are currently underway in Golden Beach and Caloundra (Bulcock Beach), with preliminary investigations completed at Maroochydore and Mooloolaba. 

These areas are already experiencing the impacts of coastal hazards, including inundation. 

Familiarise yourself with the adaptation pathway outlined for your local beach or area by visiting the endorsed Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS).

Reducing coastal hazard and flood risks is complex due to the dynamic nature of the coastal environment and the way we use the coast. Adaptation options will need to be developed by considering the specific challenges and unique nature of each location and combining adaptation elements that create a bespoke adaptation option for each area. 

To find out more about adaptation elements please see Fact Sheet 2- Adaptation to manage impacts from coastal hazards.

Adaptation options will need to be developed by considering the specific challenges and unique nature of each location and combining adaptation elements that create a bespoke adaptation option for each area. 

We seek to safeguard the values (social, environmental and economic) and character of the region by implementing adaptation options that provide a good balance between functional outcomes and protection of community values.

While Council plays a key role in managing coastal hazards, the effective management of these hazards requires a collaborative approach. 

Working together will become even more important as we respond to the challenges posed by a changing climate. Proactive measures taken today will ensure that we are better equipped to face future challenges, minimise damage and ensure a more resilient Sunshine Coast for everyone. 

To find out more information about a collaborative approach to successful adaptation please see Fact Sheet 3 – Working together.

Council has defined three core goals for adaptation. These are:

• Protecting our coastal spaces from erosion.
• Keeping our roads accessible during high tides.
• Ensuring effective drainage across the area.

These proactive measures help minimise future damage, maintain vital access and strengthen the resilience of our coastal communities. 

To find out more about adaptation goals please see Fact Sheet 4 - Core Adaptation Goals.

Each adaptation option will be measured against their ability to meet the core adaptation goals as well as five key criteria to determine their suitability. These are:

• viability, i.e. considers technical soundness, environmental impacts and sustainability, and upfront capital and ongoing maintenance costs
• feasibility, i.e. considers practicality and integration with existing networks and processes, availability of economic resources required for implementation, and legal and regulatory constraints affecting implementation
• functionality, i.e. considers dependability and consistency, how well the option improves resilience to coastal hazards, avoids/minimises adverse impacts, the ability to adapt to future conditions, and the ability to satisfy the three core goals defined for successful adaptation
• urban design, i.e. considers visual appeal and design quality and how the option complements the existing urban landscape, integration with existing infrastructure
• alignment with values and character of the area, i.e. considers alignment with community needs, preferences and social cohesion, preservation of cultural heritage, and economic benefit to the area.

Bribie Island is part of a National Park, and Pumicestone Passage lies within the Moreton Bay Marine Park, both managed by the Queensland Government.

The Queensland Government is responsible for managing and monitoring Bribie Island. Sunshine Coast Council offers support to the Queensland Government as needed.

Any requests about the management of Bribie Island should be directed to the State Government’s Department of Environment, Tourism, Science, and Innovation (DETSI).

The northern Pumicestone Passage is being closely monitored by the Department, Maritime Safety Queensland, within the Department of Transport and Main Roads, and by Sunshine Coast Council.

Bribie Island erosion and breakthrough review

The Queensland Government is leading the Bribie Island erosion and breakthrough review because they manage Bribie Island. Please refer to their website for more information. 

Part 1: Desktop review. 

Part 2: Immediate recommendations.

Part 3: Long-term recommendations have been published and can be viewed here: Bribie Island erosion and breakthrough review | State Development, Infrastructure and Planning.

View Sunshine Coast Council’s first submission to the Bribie Island erosion and breakthrough review [205.4KB].

Other ways we are continuing to support the review:  

• being part of the technical review process providing background information
• providing findings of the Golden Beach Coastal Hazard Adaptation Project to the review including feedback provided by the community about the values of the area
• contributing vital local knowledge and being on hand to offer more support if it’s needed.

Emergency package for Bribie Island dredging works
The Queensland Government has announced that a package of emergency works is being prioritised for delivery ahead of the upcoming storm season. 

This will be managed by the Office of the Coordinator General. 

Further information can be found here: Emergency package for Bribie dredging works fast-tracked - Ministerial Media Statements.

The breakthrough has altered the tidal range in Pumicestone Passage, exposing parts of the Golden Beach foreshore to increased coastal erosion and inundation.

Sunshine Coast Council is responsible for shoreline protection of Council managed land at Golden Beach. Our actions are guided by the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS), Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP), and the Bribie Island Breakthrough Action Plan.

Our actions focus on protecting the Golden Beach foreshore and the important community assets like roads, parks and playgrounds.

Fact Sheet 2 outlines a long list of adaptation elements to mitigate against coastal hazards, including offshore structures. These offshore elements are not within Council's remit, and not within Council's ability to deliver. 

Any proposal arising from the CHAPP process involving works offshore would be deferred to the State Government for their consideration, with their response informing the planning investigations.

The Queensland Government is leading the Bribie Island erosion and breakthrough review because they manage Bribie Island. Please refer to their website for more information.

Part 1: Desktop review.

Part 2: Immediate recommendations.

Part 3: Long-term recommendations have been published and can be viewed here: Bribie Island erosion and breakthrough review | State Development, Infrastructure and Planning.

View Sunshine Coast Council’s first submission to the Bribie Island erosion and breakthrough review [205.4KB].

Other ways we are continuing to support the review:

• being part of the technical review process providing background information
• providing findings of the Golden Beach Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precint Planning Project to the review including feedback provided by the community about the values of the area
• contributing vital local knowledge and being on hand to offer more support if it’s needed.

Emergency package for Bribie Island dredging works - The Queensland Government is implementing a package of emergency works, including infilling the 2025 breakthrough in the island. This is being managed by the Office of the Coordinator General.

Further information can be found here: Emergency package for Bribie dredging works fast-tracked - Ministerial Media Statements.

The seawall design reflects Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precinct Planning principles and incorporates adaptation options to ensure long-term resilience, while preserving the function and character of this coastal area. 

This includes a shoreline system to protect Diamond Head from erosion, and stormwater provisions, ensuring effective drainage across the area.

Ensuring this public space is protected from erosion and well drained helps to safeguard a vital community asset, ensuring these areas remain safe, functional and enjoyable into the future.

Council has prepared new guidance on the design of resilient homes which can be found on the Sunshine Coast Council Flood Resilience Guidelines webpage.

It is expected that new development will play an important part of coastal hazard adaptation, as shown on the working together fact sheet. 

Developers will rely on the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme to inform them of the special outcomes for coastal hazard adaptation. Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precinct Plans will inform detail in the planning scheme relating to coastal hazard adaptation. This detail will sit in planning scheme policies and local plans and other relevant provisions.

Feedback obtained from our community in this round of engagement will be reviewed and considered in the refinement of adaption options and further development of the precinct plan.

Golden Beach is currently exposed to hazards including tidal inundation, coastal erosion, storm tide inundation, wave action, stormwater flooding and river and creek flooding - these hazards will continue to increase in the future, as we respond to a changing climate. 

Not all of these hazards can be mitigated against by the restoration of Bribie Island.  We need to ensure our coastal areas remain liveable, safe and functional places for our community. To achieve this, we need to protect these areas through effective adaptation, ensuring a good balance between functional outcomes and preservation of community values.