Council taking action on coastal erosion at Amity Point

Redland City Council is taking action to manage erosion along the Amity Point coastline on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah).

Mayor Karen Williams said the works were being undertaken in accordance with Council’s Implementation Plan for the Amity Point Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP).

“Council allocated $550,000 this financial year towards recommended actions in the Implementation Plan to help manage and respond to current and future erosion issues,” she said.

“This includes a university-led coastal research project and an application for preliminary approval from the State Government for recognition of all of the rock wall that runs along the coastline behind public land and private properties at Amity Point.

“The university-led project is into its second phase, with the team looking into the causes of flow slides (or ‘sinkholes’) at Amity Point and analysing their link with the Rainbow Channel that flows between the northern end of North Stradbroke Island and the southern end of Moreton Island (Moorgumpin).”

Cr Williams said the process to obtain preliminary approval of the rock wall (also known as a flow slide barrier) began earlier this year.

“Council contractors are now preparing to undertake on-ground surveys of the rock wall this month to collect data on marine plants, take measurements and monitor the structure’s condition,” she said.

“This work is a big step forward in ensuring Council land and assets and the Amity Point community remain protected against coastal hazards.

“Obtaining preliminary approval of the rock wall, which has been recognised as an effective measure against coastal hazards, will help landowners secure the development permits they need to maintain sections of the rock wall protecting their properties.”

Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said Council had also commenced the planning phase for a separate foreshore project in Amity Point’s southern section.

“Council allocated funding in this year’s budget towards the design and approvals phase for a ‘buried’ seawall to be constructed on the foreshore near Minjerribah Campground at the township as recommended in the Amity Pont SEMP,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Following construction, which is planned for a future year, the seawall will be concealed with sand to ensure access to the foreshore and beach aesthetics are maintained.

“While I have been advised this seawall will be constructed slightly differently to the more common exposed seawall, it takes into consideration the recreational and environmental values of Amity Point and will further assist in protecting the foreshore from coastal erosion.

“On behalf of Council, I’d like to thank the community for their input as Council works towards delivering foreshore projects to help keep public land and assets safe from coastal hazards.”

The Amity Point SEMP Implementation Plan, which was adopted in January this year, outlines works along three distinct sections or ‘reaches’ of the coastline.

It also outlines the obligations of foreshore property owners in the central reach who are responsible for funding and maintaining sections of the rock wall that protect their land.

For more information on the Amity Point SEMP and Implementation Plan, visit Council’s Your Say web page.