Bribie Island at the crossroads: Growth, protection and the soul of our coastal community

Bribie Island and Sandstone Point have always represented the best of southeast Queensland living — accessible yet unspoiled, a place where families fish, 4WD enthusiasts explore and retirees find peace right next door to the Pumicestone Passage. In 2026 however, this special corner of Moreton Bay stands at a tipping point. A $250 million luxury resort proposal, ongoing erosion challenges, surging tourism pressures and plans for a second bridge are converging. The question isn’t whether change is coming, but what kind of change we choose — and whether we can manage the trade-offs without losing what makes this area unique. 

Towers at the gateway: Economic lift or character killer? 

The Comiskey Group’s ambitious expansion of the Sandstone Point Hotel site proposes two 10-11 storey towers with 202 five-star rooms, plus retail, entertainmentand parking upgrades. Proponents paint a compelling picture: nearly 1000 construction and ongoing jobs, a major boost to overnight tourism in a region long dominated by day-trippers and elevated status for Moreton Bay as a destination. 

Yet many locals see red flags. At 10+ storeys, the development would dwarf the area’s low-rise coastal character and existing height limits in parts of the locality. Concerns include exacerbated traffic on the already congested Bribie Island Road, storm water and coastal hazard risks in a vulnerable zone and impacts on views and sensitive habitats across the passage. Groups like BIEPA have mobilised submissions, arguing it risks turning the serene gateway into something resembling busier Gold Coast strips. 

In my view as Chameleon, both sides have merit. Responsible tourism growth can fund better services and create opportunities, especially for younger residents. But scale matters. Poorly managed development can erode the very lifestyle that draws people here in the first place. 

Erosion and breakthroughs: Nature’s warning and our response 

Bribie Island’s role as a natural shield for Caloundra and Golden Beach has been tested harshly. Multiple breakthroughs in recent years exposed mainland communities to greater wave energy and erosion. Emergency works — closing breaches, placing more than 550,000 cubic metres of sand and deploying dredgers — have provided short-term relief into 2026, with further stabilisation continuing. 

This isn’t just about sand. It raises deeper questions about long-term coastal resilience amid more frequent severe weather. Should we invest in engineered solutions like rock walls or ongoing nourishment, or accept some natural realignment? Taxpayers rightly ask about costs, while residents on both sides of the passage demand protection for homes, businesses and the island’s national park values. Climate adaptation demands pragmatism — neither denial nor panic, but evidence-based action that balances ecology and safety. 

Tourism overload: Freedom versus fragility on the beaches 

Bribie’s national park draws thousands with its 4WD-accessible beaches, camping and wildlife. On peak days, convoys create a spectacle — and problems. Overcrowding at hotspots leads to litter, dune damage, speeding and risks to nesting loggerhead turtles. Many visitors are respectful, but the sheer volume strains the environment and resident amenity. 

Calls for vehicle caps, stricter permitting or seasonal restrictions clash with traditions of open beach access that define the island for many. Banning 4WDs entirely would alienate a core user group and hurt local businesses. Yet doing nothing risks irreversible harm to a protected area. A middle path — better enforcement, targeted limits during turtle season and improved facilities — could preserve enjoyment while protecting the asset everyone values. 

The second bridge: Relief or accelerator? 

The existing bridge is a notorious bottleneck. Plans for a second eastbound structure with active transport links, alongside upgrades to Caboolture-Bribie Island Road, promise safer access, better emergency response and support for growing resident numbers. Detailed design is advancing, with construction potentially starting around 2028. 

Supporters see it as essential infrastructure for a maturing community. Critics fear it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy — inviting more development and visitors, worsening the pressures above. Infrastructure should serve existing needs first, not simply unlock unchecked growth. 

These issues are deeply intertwined. A bigger resort and new bridge could amplify tourism and traffic, just as erosion reminds us of environmental limits. The path forward requires honest conversation, not slogans. We can pursue smart, scaled growth that brings jobs without sacrificing character. We can protect the coast and park while allowing responsible recreation. And we can build necessary infrastructure without treating it as a blank cheque for unlimited expansion. 

Ultimately, Bribie and Sandstone Point’s future should reflect the community’s collective vision — one that honours its relaxed coastal soul while adapting to 21st-century realities. Councils, state government and developers must prioritise genuine consultation over rushed approvals. Residents owe it to themselves to engage constructively, weighing personal preferences against the greater good. 

What do you value most here? Economic vitality, environmental stewardship or preserving the laid-back lifestyle? The answers we give now will shape whether Bribie remains a special escape — or becomes just another crowded coastal corridor. The time for balanced, forward-thinking decisions is now. 

I am a local observer who believes thoughtful debate strengthens our community. Tell me your thoughts through our ‘Letters to the Editor’ section of our paper. 

Happy days 

Chameleon