Sand boost for Woorim Beach

Woorim Beach is getting a major sand boost, with 175,000 cubic metres being pumped onto the Bribie Island coastline to repair erosion damage and strengthen its defences ahead of storm season.

The work will restore sand levels along a 2.7km stretch between Eighth Avenue and Lowry Street, where recent severe weather, including Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, has narrowed the beach, eroded dunes and exposed vegetation roots.

City of Moreton Bay Council is using a technique known as 'rainbowing', which involves dredging sand from an approved offshore location and pumping it into the shallows through a high-pressure system, creating a rainbow-shaped spray.

The amount of sand being delivered is equivalent to 70 Olympic-sized swimming pools, with work expected to be completed before the summer school holidays, weather and sea conditions permitting.

Operations are scheduled to run around the clock, although Woorim Beach will remain open to visitors throughout the project. Small sections will be temporarily closed while sand is being pumped, with Council staff monitoring exclusion zones during the day.

Mayor Peter Flannery said the restoration was an important part of Council's long-term shoreline management program, helping protect the natural environment as well as nearby homes, businesses and public infrastructure.

“The beach and the dune system provide vital ecological value to our local flora and fauna and create a natural buffer between the sea and nearby homes, infrastructure, shops and public spaces.

“Recent weather events have narrowed the beach, eroded dunes and exposed vegetation roots, so it’s important that we complete this work before the upcoming storm season to avoid further erosion.”

The project has received $4.39 million through the Coastline Rehabilitation Grant Program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments.

State Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan said the work would help strengthen one of Bribie Island's most valued natural assets, while Division 1 Councillor Brooke Savige confirmed the beach's new Changing Places facility, accessible beach matting and free beach mobility equipment would remain available throughout the project.

Flagged swimming areas will continue to be patrolled as usual, although some shark control drumlines may be temporarily relocated during the works.

Beachgoers are being asked to follow directions from Council staff and surf lifesavers while the restoration continues.