Coastline rescue: works secure cliff face after landslip
Major landslip repairs and stabilisation works have been completed along a stretch of coastline severely damaged by weather events.
Landslip repair works completed at First Bay, Coolum - drone image from South
Sunshine Coast Council has completed a significant operation at First Bay, Coolum.
This restored safe public access and secured the cliff face hit hard during the weather events from February 2022.
The completed works provide long‑term protection for the foreshore and a safer experience for everyone who walks, rides or drives along this scenic coastal corridor.
The project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and delivered by Sunshine Coast Council in partnership with specialist contractors.
A safer First Bay, ready to enjoy again
The complex project strengthened the embankment, rebuilt the public footpath and delivered lasting protection for one of the region’s most treasured ocean lookouts.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the joint investment was helping communities recover stronger and safer after disaster.
“The Albanese Government is working with the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to restore damaged infrastructure and help communities recover stronger after severe weather events,” Minister McBain said.
“These works at First Bay will make this scenic coastal area safer for locals and visitors, while improving the resilience of the foreshore and surrounding infrastructure for the future.”
Queensland Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said projects like this highlight the importance of strong disaster recovery support for coastal communities.
“This project has restored safe access to a much-loved stretch of coastline while delivering long-term protection for the community and this important coastal corridor,” Minister Leahy said.
“Works like these show how vital disaster recovery funding is to help Queensland communities rebuild stronger and stay resilient, and we will continue to back the support needed to protect our regions into the future.”
Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez said it was a welcome completion for the community.
“We are so pleased to see First Bay fully reopened and safe for people to enjoy again,” Cr Suarez said.
“Thank you to our local community for your patience and understanding while these essential works were underway.
“We know the project extended beyond the original timeframe and appreciate the cooperation shown by residents, commuters and visitors.”
Cr Suarez said the repairs were critical to long‑term safety and resilience.
“While the extended construction period was frustrating at times, the works were essential to stabilise the cliffs and protect people, vehicles and surrounding infrastructure along David Low Way,” she said.
“The completed repairs significantly reduce future risk and help safeguard this important coastal route, while restoring the enjoyment of travelling through one of our most beautiful stretches of coastline.”
Stronger foundations for a treasured coastal spot
The completed works include 145m metres of newly rebuilt pedestrian pathway along the eastern side of David Low Way, along with major stabilisation of the cliff face above First Bay.
Cast‑in‑place piles and steel‑reinforced capping beams have been installed to lock the hillside in place and protect public infrastructure, creating a more resilient slope designed to better withstand future severe weather.
The project also improves safety and access for walkers, runners and beachgoers who enjoy this well‑used coastal route.
Behind the scenes, this was a significant engineering effort to secure the cliff for the long term.
Crews installed 92 deep foundation piles, some reaching up to 18 metres below ground, to anchor the slope in place. In total, the project used more than 1,100 cubic metres of concrete – enough to fill around 450 backyard swimming pools – along with over 110 tonnes of reinforcing steel to strengthen the structure.
Around 1,000 tonnes of asphalt was also laid to rebuild the road surface, and more than 12,500 plants were added to help restore the natural landscape.
Timelapse video
Click the below image to watch a timelapse video of the landslip repair works at First Bay, Coolum.
Ocean views, peace of mind
Council listened to community feedback about a gap in the pedestrian fence on the ocean side of David Low Way.
While this gap existed before the landslip and repair works, Council will now install additional fencing to close it for safety and amenity.
Community members can now enjoy the rebuilt pathway, offering some of Coolum’s best ocean views, with renewed confidence in the safety of the surrounding area.
Cr Suarez said the outcome reflected strong collaboration between Council, specialist contractors and funding partners.
“First Bay is a special place for locals and visitors, and we are delighted to hand it back to the community, safer and more resilient than before.”
The First Bay project is one of 15 landslip repairs completed across the Sunshine Coast with disaster recovery funding.
Council thanks the community for its ongoing patience and cooperation and encourages everyone to once again enjoy the improved foreshore and pathway.
For more information visit Council’s website.
