The Australian Government and the Queensland state government are providing AU$57 million ($37 million) to assist eight local councils with recovery efforts following coastal erosion. This investment is part of a broader AU$74 million environmental recovery package aimed at restoring areas affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The funding supports 20 new beach-replenishment projects spanning the coastline from Bundaberg to the Gold Coast. These initiatives are intended to strengthen the natural coastal defences of the state through rehabilitation works.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain stated that all levels of government were working together on long-term recovery from the cyclone. McBain added that the package would rebuild habitats for local wildlife and rehabilitate coastlines to withstand future severe weather events.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the funding boost would help coastal regions continue to recover. He stated that the government is backing councils to restore beaches to a “world-class standard”.
Powell noted that these areas are vital ecosystems and natural barriers that protect communities from storms.
The work will include sand reshaping and new vegetation to help return the beaches to their natural state. Local governments from Bundaberg to the Gold Coast were invited to apply for the funding last year.
Recovery efforts are particularly focused on the Gold Coast, which has experienced the most severe erosion.
