Community ambassadors across the 4551 are urging action on rising erosion risks along the Pumicestone Passage as residents await the new Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority promised by the LNP.

A former councillor, historian, and photographer have documented alarming changes in the passage since the 2022 Bribie breakthrough, urging government action to protect the shoreline.

Caloundra artist and former councillor Andrew Champion urged all levels of government to address erosion risks at Golden Beach, where the lack of frontal dunes “leaves the esplanade vulnerable to cyclone wave energy”.

“Golden Beach is now facing imminent catastrophic exposure,” Mr Champion said.

“For centuries, Golden Beach has been protected by Bribie Island sand dunes.

“In the last few decades, there has been a massive change which has eroded and levelled the dunes – opening up a significant, and increasing, length of exposure to open ocean and continuing erosion.

“This leaves the low-lying urban lands of Golden Beach exposed to rolling waves, swells and currents which could result in destruction of private and public assets and infrastructure.”

“It’s time for some leaders to stand up and get action.”

Mr Champion, who served as a councillor in Landsborough for 20 years prior to the 2008 council amalgamation, said the passage required remedial measures similar to the man-made Wave Break Island in the Gold Coast Seaway.

“Wave Break Island acts as a buffer from the ingress of wave action through the seaway entrance,” he said.

“They regularly dredge the navigation channels around Wave Break and use the sand to replenish the island.

“Whereas here, they drag sand out of the shipping channel and sell it – creating irreparable damage to our coastline.”

Caloundra historian John Groves agreed the displacement of sand from the shipping channel was a disastrous decision.

“There are three channels into Brisbane, but they dredge this one because they want the sand,” Mr Groves said.

“They dredge the sand to keep the channel open but don’t replenish it elsewhere, instead, it was used to make the runway at the airport, and they sell it overseas.”

Mr Groves said contrary to popular belief the Bribie breakthrough was a naturally occurring phenomenon, he had written a book tabling the human activity that contributed.

Bribie Island Washovers and Breakthroughs details how man began interfering with the passage back in 1890 when oysters were introduced – causing erosion on the western side of Bribie Island.

“There have been a few theories for the breakthroughs, some say mother nature, others say man-made,” Mr Groves said.

“After reading the book you can make up your own mind.”

You can grab a copy at The Bookshop at Caloundra, shop 1/18 Bulcock Street, or the Caloundra Lighthouse on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

Caloundra drone photographer Benjamin Sands recently discovered a new washover site, which he believes could lead to another breakthrough.

Mr Sands said he noticed the washover when taking drone footage two months ago and ventured on foot to investigate.

“It’s about 1km south of the breakthrough,” he said.

“As to it breaking through again, well the water is already coming over in that point and every time I go there the sand is different and has changed.

“What l have noticed over the past year is the dead trees and vegetation in places where the salt water is pushing over the island on a high tide. 

“Once they are gone, it will just be a sand bar.

“The photos show no trees are left where the water has come across and, in my guess, if there was to be another breakthrough that’s where it would be.”

The newly elected LNP government made a $35.6 million commitment during the election to direct vital funding towards protecting the Pumicestone Passage.

Newly elected member for Pumicestone, Ariana Doolan, said the former Labor government “turned a blind eye to one of our most significant assets of the Pumicestone Passage”.

“The LNP’s commitment will ensure this important waterway is managed and protected for generations to come,” Ms Doolan said.

Queensland premier Jarrod Bleijie announced last year the new authority would be modelled on the successes of the Gold Coast in tackling similar issues.

“The LNP will improve and promote the sustainable use of the region’s iconic waterways and the enjoyment of Queensland families with a dedicated Sunshine Coast Waterway Authority,” Mr Bleiije said.

“Labor has short-changed the Sunshine Coast by refusing to establish this crucial body, despite the Gold Coast having an almost identical authority for over a decade.”

Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton returns to her post this week, with updates on the Waterways Authority to come.