Work is due to kick off at Injinoo on Cape York Peninsula. Photo: Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council.
Battered beaches across Far North Queensland, from Cardwell to Injinoo on the tip of Cape York, are set to get a revamp more than a year after a severe tropical low whipped through the region.
The Commonwealth and Queensland governments will spend $7.6 million to help communities restore and strengthen coastal areas under the Coastline Rehabilitation Grant Program.
The money will be shared by four councils for a dozen projects to restore beaches and shorelines impacted by the low which brought heavy downpours and record-breaking flooding between 29 January and 28 February last year.
Work in areas including the Northern Peninsula Area, Cairns and the Cassowary Coast will include cleanups, fixing erosion and restoring vegetation to bolster natural coastal defences and support long-term recovery. The dilapidated seawall at Injinoo lookout is also due to be fixed.
Leichhardt MP Matt Smith said: “We all saw the shocking footage of Holloways Beach with the sand washed away and exposed tree roots.
“Coastal erosion can be a threat not just to the beautification of our beaches, but can compromise roads and infrastructure. Navigating tidal overflow can be hazardous and expensive,” he said.
“By planting vegetation, rebuilding walls and backfilling eroded sand this scheme will provide buffering to our coastal areas when the next storm comes.
“The DRFA is jointly funded by the Federal and State governments as we stand shoulder-to-shoulder protecting Queenslanders from natural disasters.”
Leichhardt MP Matt Smith meets with Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council (NPARC) earlier this month. Photo: Matt Smith/Facebook.
State Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell pointed out the coast was one of Queensland’s biggest visitor drawcards, and a source of pride for locals.
“These projects will help restore the beaches and coastal areas that communities are proud of and that visitors travel thousands of kilometres to experience,” he said.
Mr Powell said the investment was “about ensuring Queensland’s coastal destinations continue to be places where people can live, work, holiday and connect with the natural environment”.
Queensland Assistant Tourism Minister Bree James said the state’s beaches attracted visitors from around the world.
“As the home of the holiday, it’s important we protect and restore the natural places that support local tourism businesses and regional economies,” she said.
“This investment will help ensure visitors can continue to enjoy the world-class coastal experiences that make Queensland such a sought-after destination.”
Erosion at Holloways Beach earlier this year. Photo: Region TNQ/Luke Mortimer.
Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said: “By working together all levels of government are delivering long-term recovery solutions that not only repair the damage, but also protect these areas from future severe weather events.”
She said the work would “support local jobs and help preserve the natural environment”.
The work is jointly funded under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) as part of the $73 million Environmental Recovery Package (Stage 2).
Original Article published by Luke Mortimer on Region Tropical North Queensland.
