Longer term solutions for fixing Mooloolaba Beach and Harbour Entrance

I’m pleased to report that work is now underway on finding better longer term solutions to the shoaling problems at the Mooloolah River Mouth.

The Saibai dredge and the larger Port Frederick have worked hard to maintain a safe navigational channel for our recreational and commercial boaties. But as they can only operate during calm weather, dredging efforts are continually being hampered by rough seas.
The good news is that a new sand-shifting device which can operate in rough conditions is about to be trialled for six months commencing mid July.

The sand shifter will be buried off the end of the eastern breakwater and it will suck up sand moving around Point Cartwright before it moves into the navigation channel. Sand will be pumped via a temporary submerged pipeline onto Mooloolaba Beach.

A temporary pumping station will be located in shipping containers on State boat harbour land close to the end of the eastern breakwater wall. The pump is expected to operate for short periods of time during daylight hours.

On completion of the 6 month trial, a decision will be made about whether this is a long-term option as part of ongoing maintenance programs.

In addition to this, Hall Contracting Pty Ltd has also been commissioned to design and cost a permanent submerged pipeline beneath the harbour entrance to facilitate the continued operation of the Saibai dredge from the eastern breakwater. If this is cost effective, this could increase the efficiency of long-term dredging by impacting less on boating traffic entering and leaving the harbour and the pumped sand would continue to help the beach replenishment works at Mooloolaba.