Coast beach under threat
Thu 30 March 2006
Hayley Doblo, Journalism
Maroochy Shire Council is fast tracking plans for a retaining wall to prevent further damage to a 400m stretch of Alexandra Headlands Beach.
Maroochy Councillor Chris Thompson said it was time action was taken to protect the beach area north of the Alexandra Headlands Skate Park, which has suffered significant damage after several weeks of bad weather.
"If we don't take a drastic measure and we have a follow up storm we may be in danger of losing a lot of important council infrastructure, such as footpaths, roads and parks," Cr Thompson said. 
"The sand comes and goes depending on nature, however council has an obligation to the community to ensure that its assets are protected."
Alexandra Headlands local residents are divided as to whether or not the proposal for a rock wall would act as a solution to the erosion problem.
Chantelle Harrison, 24 and Shahn Jordan, 26 who are regular visitors to the beach agreed that a retaining wall could act as a good solution, but were quick to suggest an alternative.
"Perhaps the idea of boulders the same height as the roadside would be more effective to make the area look more natural," Ms Harrison said.
Having lived across the road for the past year, Mr Jordan was shocked by the most recent damage to the beach strip.
"There used to be heaps of sand and then it all just disappeared, leaving nothing but coffee rock," Mr Jordan said.
"A few more storms and the beach could be all the way up to the roadside. It's pretty scary when you think about it."
Cr Chris Thompson said a cost for the proposed brick wall has not yet been estimated, with designs still being finalised, but would be an easy and cost-effective solution.
Sunshine Coast Environment Council spokesperson Scott Alderson said he was not against the idea, but believed it was likely to protect the Western side of the wall rather than prevent erosion.
"If anything, an offshore reef or sand bar would most likely be more effective, and would be the best way to protect the coast. I would prefer to see money spent on reduction measures of greenhouse gases. Something like this should really have been done a long time ago," Mr Alderson said.
Cr Chris Thompson said council was considering other options and was yet to put the proposal to the EPA.
Image(s) designed by Hayley Doblo