EROSION-PRONE beachfront homeowners will have to weather at least two more years of storms and swells before work begins to bring sand back on to heavily eroded Palm Beach.
In the next 12 months ratepayers will fork out $13 million to save the Gold Coast’s beaches from being swallowed by the ocean, with $4 million going towards an artificial reef 300m off Palm Beach.
Work on the reef, in line with Fourth Avenue, will begin in late 2018 or early 2019, with the reef composed of rock. It will cost $21 million in total and the council says the heavily researched structure will produce a quality surf break.
Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club treasurer Scott Rowlings said the area was crying out for better beach protection.
“We’ve been getting hit with erosion for years – a few more isn’t going to hurt too much,” he said yesterday.
Beach Erosion at Palm Beach. Ray Wilkie sits on the beach access stairs to his Jefferson Lane property and surveys the damage. Picture: Glenn Hampson
In 2004, a $17 million series of “dog bone”-shaped reefs was planned for the area but the idea was quashed after protests over a lack of public consultation and warnings the ‘‘poorly investigated” reef could cause dangerous currents.
Mr Rowlings said he felt more confident the proposed 200m wide and 600m long structure running parallel to shore would not be dangerous to swimmers.
Work on the reef, in line with Fourth Ave, will begin in late 2018 or early 2019 with the reef composed of rock. Photo: David Clark
“The dog bone (reef) would have been a risk to the public,” Mr Rowlings said.
“I’m a lot more confident this time around because surfers have also been consulted.
“Obviously we (lifesavers) are a major stakeholder and if it appears the plans will be dangerous, we will definitely have our input.
Work on the reef, in line with Fourth Ave, will begin in late 2018 or early 2019 with the reef composed of rock. Photo: David Clark
“We want sand on our beach for the Nippers and a nice surf break for the boardriders.”
Mr Rowlings said he wanted more sand pumped from Currumbin Creek to help widen the beach while residents and lifesavers waited for work to begin.
Beach Erosion at Palm Beach. Dephine de Comarmend, a Jefferson Lane resident, surveys the damage. Picture: Glenn Hampson
Council workers have been given $5.6 million to battle erosion on the northern beaches with sand pumped from the mouth of the Nerang River.
But a council spokeswoman said this would not begin until next year at beaches from North Burleigh to Main Beach.
Work on the reef, in line with Fourth Ave, will begin in late 2018 or early 2019 with the reef composed of rock. Photo: David Clark
“It’s scheduled for completion in 2017 during the seasonally calm weather period between May and October,” she said.
She said at the same time, more than $600,000 would be spent to repair sandbags used in the artificial reef at Narrow Neck, built in the early 2000s, which has sunk into the sea floor and been torn to shreds by boat anchors.
A Jefferson Lane resident has marked out the land he’s lost, to the confusion of beachgoers. Picture: Glenn Hampson