A plan to fix beaches still damaged by Cyclone Alfred has been finalised, with millions of dollars allocated to the project.
Multiple beaches were severely eroded during the natural disaster in early 2025, with several of the worst impacted areas on the Gold Coast.
The federal and Queensland state government confirmed a $57 million package on Tuesday to help councils with recovery, as part of the wider Environmental Recovery Package.
“Beaches are the heart of many coastal towns as they draw visitors, support local jobs, and are a big part of why people choose to live by the water,” Queensland’s Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said.
“From sand reshaping to new vegetation, this work will help return our beaches to their natural best.”
A joint statement put out by Powell and his federal counterpart confirmed restoration work would be carried out from Bundaberg to the Gold Coast across 20 projects.
The councils eligible for funding are Brisbane, Bundaberg, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Livingstone, Moreton Bay, and Sunshine Coast.
“This is a significant package that won’t only bring back a sense of normalcy, but will rebuild habitats for local wildlife and rehabilitate coastlines so they can withstand future severe weather events,” federal minister Kristy McBain said.
“Beaches are an integral part of these communities and it’s crucial that local governments get the support they need to bring some of our nation’s best coastlines back to their former glory.”
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority also backed the move, saying it will help restore the habitats of multiple native species.
Cyclone Alfred made landfall on March 7, 2025. Brisbane was saved from the worst of the storm by its collection of islands in Moreton Bay, which weakened the weather system as it approached.
The Gold Coast was particularly hard hit, with the roof torn from one building and many of its beaches decimated.
It took about eight months for all beaches to reopen, and at the time of the cyclone the local council estimated it could take up to three years for sand levels to return to normal.
Extensive restoration work has already been carried out, with sand pumped onto several beaches.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
