Golden gift to help buffer beloved beach

From May to September, around 100,000 cubic metres of sand will be pumped onto the stretch between the Cotton Tree groynes and the Alexandra Headland seawall as part a vital renourishment program, helping replenish the shoreline and build its resilience ahead of summer storms. 

Sunshine Coast Council Principal Coastal Engineer Georgia Keeshan said the renourishment program had been in place since 2013, returning sand lost from the beach during weather events. 

“Every two years, we gather sand from the lower Maroochy River using a dredge and an existing pipeline, then booster pumps help move it back along the beach,” Ms Keeshan said. 

“Our coastal modelling shows that Maroochydore Beach is particularly prone to storm erosion and often loses more sand than is returned during storms. 

“With that knowledge, we’re able to make adjustments to our program to ensure we deliver the best possible outcome.” 

Sunshine Coast Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said the Maroochydore Beach Renourishment Project had been successfully protecting the well-loved location since it began in 2013. 

“Building this buffer protects important community infrastructure such as the surf lifesaving towers, viewing decks, car parks, roads, park and playgrounds,” Cr Natoli said. 

“Thank you for your patience while these works take place.” 

What to expect 

Council will begin its sand renourishment campaign at Maroochydore Beach from May 2026, weather permitting, through to September 2026. 

To ensure the full volume of sand is returned to the beach, Council has applied for a permit to extend its program into October if needed and enable sand to be sourced from a slightly wider area of the river. 

Around 100,000 cubic metres of sand, equivalent to 10,000 truckloads, will be pumped onto the beach from the lower Maroochy River using a small cutter suction dredge. 

Works will take place along the shoreline between beach access points 143 (Cotton Tree) and 156 (Alex Skate Park). 

Two temporary booster pumps will assist in moving sand along the beach: 

• the first located in the south-east corner of the Cotton Tree Beach car park from May 
• the second installed later in the campaign in a park south of Maroochy Beach Holiday Park. 

To reduce noise impacts, the booster pumps will operate from within insulated containers and may run between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and Saturdays if required. 

Temporary access restrictions will be in place around work areas for public safety, including parts of: 

• Cotton Tree Beach car park 
• sections of Maroochydore Beach 
• the spit near Cotton Tree Holiday Park 
• parkland south of Maroochy Beach Holiday Park 
• Beach Access 155 (opposite Okinja Rd). 

The project is part of Council’s ongoing coastal management program to protect the coastline from erosion and storm impacts, guided by the Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (adopted 2025). 

To give the program the best possible chance, the community is encouraged to stay off the dunes to assist in their recovery, stay clear of dredging equipment both in the river and on the beach, and follow on-site signage. 

Updates, maps and safety information will be available on Council’s website throughout the project.