Lost trees will be replanted as seawall works start

Works to protect billions of dollars of public and private infrastructure continue in Surfers Paradise, with the city’s seawall being rebuilt.

Division 7 Cr Gary Baildon said the loss of trees along the Surfers foreshore was disturbing – but replanting will ensure vegetation returns to the area.

“I don’t want to see trees lost anywhere but the fact is, these were planted many decades ago, right on top of the seawall,’’ he said.

“We have to weigh up the value of doing this significant project against the loss of the trees. I am assured that additional trees will be replanted as soon as the project is over.

“Without these works, storm erosion could severely impact the Surfers Paradise foreshore including roads, footpaths, buildings and community assets. I accept some residents see the loss of trees as unacceptable but we needed to remove them to complete the seawall rebuild.’’

The $1.5 million project involves: constructing 300m of seawall from Higman Street to Ocean Avenue, Surfers Paradise; excavating the existing seawall and placing new armour rocks (up to four tonne each); removal of around 42 mature trees from the foreshore area including cook pines and banksias (planted over the seawall); and restoration of the foreshore, including revegetation of the dunes and reinstatement of furniture and footpaths.

“Pedestrian access to the beach will be maintained through alternative access points,’’ he said.

The project is part of the City’s broader Narrowneck Seawall program which has seen significants works north of Higman Street, towards Main Beach.

Link: http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/higman-street-seawall-surfers-paradise-47840.html

Media note:  Some species planted along the foreshore are not ideal species to have within the active beach area and have experienced slower than usual growth rates. The City will be undertaking revegetation works of the foreshore park area and dune systems as a part of this project. This will include planting increased numbers of young trees in the foreshore park to replace the mature trees. The new species installed will be consistent with the existing species of the area that are suited to such an exposed coastal location.