Noosa Beach Erosion and Sand Recycling

Noosa Heads has become a world-renowned holiday destination because of its beautiful beaches and national parks, and international-quality resort accommodation, cosmopolitan cafés, designer shops and alfresco dining. However, Noosa Main Beach has intermittently suffered from erosion during cyclones and heavy sea conditions, reducing the amenity and recreational enjoyment for residents and visitors alike.

Project scope

Council gained approval for a permanent installation of a Noosa Beach sand recycling system to rehabilitate Noosa Main Beach after the successful trial of a sand recycling facility at Noosa Spit in January 2005.

Project update

The building and pipeline of the Noosa Beach sand recycling system is complete. The sand shifter is now operational with the densiometer (an instrument that measures sand in the pipe) installed.

Where to from here

Callibration and commissioning is complete. Dual vacuum ports have been installed and the old equipment removed from site. 

Overview

With a view to restore Noosa Main Beach, preliminary investigations indicated that sand recycling:

• would overcome the environmental concerns associated with dredging
• was not disruptive to beach users
• would be a cost-effective option with less risks than 'built' solutions.

The Noosa Beach sand pumping system will continue to pump sand onto Noosa Main Beach as required during off peak hours. The system has the ability to pump up to 80,000m3 per year.

The sand pumping system has the flexibility to pump sand where required onto Main Beach though multiple outlets in the new pipeline located under the boardwalk. The final outlet to the pipeline is currently in front of the Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club car park. When the last stage of the boardwalk (from the surf club to Park Road) is complete, the final outlet will be adjacent to the Park Road car park.

Contacts

For more information, please contact council’s Coastal and Canals Manager via council’s customer service centre.