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Sunshine Coast Council is ready to submit its application to seek approval for an alignment of the reconstructed Moffat Beach seawall that attempts to retain the much-loved Norfolk pine trees.

The seawall needs to be reconstructed after the western section was damaged by severe weather and rainfall in 2022, and the middle section damaged in early 2024.

The reconstructed seawall needs to be made wider, with a gentler slope to meet safety and engineering standards.

In the coming days, the application will be referred to the Queensland Government’s State Assessment and Referral Agency and Sunshine Coast Council’s Development Services to be assessed against the relevant acts and codes.

The community is invited to a drop-in session on Saturday November 30, from 8.30am to 12 noon, at the Moffat Beach Park, to learn more information about the project.

Preserving local favourites

Sunshine Coast Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said Council had sought to protect what made Moffat Beach special and its unique coastal atmosphere.

“We know our community values its great surf breaks, stunning beach, ocean views and the cherished activities like picnics, yoga, walking, running, dog walking, surfing events and Norfolk pine trees – and have kept this front of mind throughout the process,” Cr Landsberg said.

“Council has worked hard to find an alignment that attempts to retain the much-loved Norfolk Pine Trees, while minimising beach loss and disruption to the bay’s coastal processes

“To do this, Council has proposed a hybrid seawall design, that moves the wall out onto the beach between the central and the eastern end and then back into the parkland at the western end.”

Cr Landsberg said the hybrid option provided the best chance of preserving the Norfolk trees with the least impact to the beach and the park.

“The reconstructed seawall footprint is larger than the existing seawall to meet engineering standards, ensure the safety of our community and to ensure it lasts a long time.

“So, it is inevitable that we will lose a little of both the park and the beach – Council has done it’s best to balance the impact to these areas.

“I want to be clear that Council’s proposed alignment has not yet been approved and there may be some further changes.

“Our community is likely to have lots of questions, so we have developed frequently asked questions which can be found on Council’s website or they can come down to the drop in session this Saturday (November 30).”