Tweed Shire Council reinforces walls to protect Kingscliff assets

Council contractors are reinforcing the sandbag walls to protect the Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park and Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club, as high tides continue to cause erosion along Kingscliff Beach.

Construction of the double sandbag walls in front of the two facilities began today and is expected to take about a week, to provide temporary protection against extremely rare and destructive ocean conditions, Council’s Director of Community and Natural Resources, David Oxenham, said.

“An inspection of the site this morning revealed another 2m of Kingscliff beach in front of the holiday park has been washed away by last night’s high tide. However, action taken yesterday prevented any damage to property or risk of injury to holiday park residents,” Mr Oxenham said.

“Council determined in late June to bring in contractors to reinforce the sandbag walls, which will cost over $100,000 to protect the park, the surf club and holiday park. Next week, Council will consider expending additional funds on extending the temporary wall to protect the holiday park. The holiday park provides a valuable financial stimulus to the Kingscliff community and Council.

“There is another high tide this evening which has the potential to cause further erosion, although levels are likely to be lower than last night. The tides are then expected to abate.”

Mr Oxenham stressed that any temporary measure would be unable withstand a major storm.

“These recent events really highlight the need for matching State or Federal Government assistance to enable us to undertake a long-term solution,” he said.

“Council has allocated $3 million to undertake a massive sand nourishment program to restore Kingscliff Beach in the long term. However, it will cost about twice this amount to effectively restore sand levels, by pumping sand from an identified source in the nearby Tweed River.

“Council is in the process of securing a licence to complete these works and has applied for Federal regional development funding to complement Council funds. But any State or Federal assistance which can be provided in the short term – for the sand restoration or our temporary protection measures – would be extremely welcome to help combat these weather conditions wreaking havoc on our coastline.”

Photo captions:
1. Erosion of Kingscliff Beach south of the surf club
2. Sandbag walls already in place to protect Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club and Kingscliff Beach Holiday Park.

Related Articles: