Coast Guard returns as Bribie emergency dredging works finalised

 The emergency restoration works to protect the Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage coastal system has achieved a major milestone, with dredging completed to help restore access from late March. 

The dredging was completed ahead of schedule and crucially also marks the return of the Caloundra Coast Guard to its permanent headquarters at Bulcock Beach, as well as better access through the passage for boaties. 

The emergency works have replenished the beach to provide a buffer against erosion, deepened the channel and improved the tidal exchange at the PumicestonePassage entrance, supporting safer, more reliable conditions. 

This latest major milestone follows the successful closure of two Bribie Island breakthroughs located south of the entrance, Breakthroughs 2 and 3, in November last year. 

The Crisafulli Government moved quickly to urgently address the deteriorating situation. Since then, restoration works by local business Hall Contracting have been running 24/7, dredging more than 1.1 million cubic metres of sand to close the two breakthroughs, reinforce the coastline and deepen the internal northern channel. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the emergency works were delivering immediate protection and restoring passage conditions, while the Crisafulli Government progressed a long-term solution to protect Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage. 

“These works are improving access and conditions for boaties and supporting better water circulation and water quality in the passage - important immediate benefits while we develop the long-term protections this system needs,” Deputy Bleijie said. “The final stage is to stabilise the newly constructed erosion barrier with sand fencing and vegetation, so it can perform over the long term and help build resilience along the coastline. “We’ll keep working to deliver a long-term solution that protects Bribie Island, strengthens Golden Beach and keeps the Pumicestone Passage open and resilient, guided by the recommendations of the independent Bribie Island Erosion and Breakthrough Expert Review.” 

Queensland’s Coordinator-General, Gerard Coggan said the emergency works were successfully addressing the risk of erosion and breakthroughs. 

“Now we will prepare a plan for the long-term works,” Mr Coggan said. “Following the recommendations of the independent Bribie Island Erosion and Breakthrough Expert Review, we are progressing planning and investigations to develop options, supported by engineering advice, coastal modelling and broader economic and environment considerations, with community engagement also playing a key role.” 

To view the government’s response to the independent Bribie Island Erosion and Breakthrough Expert Review, visit www.coordinatorgeneral.qld.gov.au/work-with-us/project-and-infrastructure-delivery/project-delivery/bribie-island-emergency-works