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For the first time in history, waves broke through the dunes in the northern part of Bribie Island as high tides and pouring rain swept through south-east Queensland on Monday.
But it wasn’t to be expected that this extreme weather would repeat itself on Tuesday when, according to Laura Boekel, forecaster for the Bureau of Meteorology, these severe falls were to subside.
« Strong to stormy winds create dangerous surf conditions along the southeast coast. Combined with increasing tides, there is a risk of coastal erosion through Tuesday, « she said.
In a statement, the Environment Department said that while Bribie Island has always experienced erosion, it was the first time it has occurred around Pumicestone Passage.
« No remedial action is planned, but [Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service] will conduct a site assessment when it is safe to do so and take all necessary steps to ensure visitor safety, » it said.
The department will continue to oversee erosion management and tidal breakthroughs and will work with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
The entrance to Pumicestone Passage used to be 700 meters further south, roughly at the point of this breakthrough.
When it breached, Bribie Island was 80 meters wide and erosion is a natural part of the coastal area.
Bill Boat Hire Caloundra owner Keri Chandlers told Nine News it was devastating to see the erosion.
« We have lost a significant amount of sand and a significant amount of vegetation that cannot be replaced, » she said.
« For us as a company, we really need to reassess the dangers that are now emerging for our customers. «
Further south, a landslide on Mount Tamborine closed Tamborine Mountain Road to traffic, while sea foam washed ashore on the Gold Coast, as well as flooded roads that drew curious people into the water, including children with canoes making their way back and forth rowed here.
Tamborine Mountain Road (known locally as the Goat Track) on Mount Tamborine is closed due to a landslide. Credit: Queensland Police Service
Currumbin Beach resident and grandmother Beverley Jorgensen said she enjoyed watching the heavy rains come in every year as the ocean conquered the Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club.
« In the 40 years I’ve been here, the water has come the furthest into the parking lot and onto the street, » she said.
Ms. Jorgensen said her view of the surfers paradise after Coolangatta was hidden on Monday with the gloomy sky.
« If so, it’s fascinating because so many people drop by to have a look, run into the foam and play a piece, » she said.
« Yesterday afternoon there were young people on skimboards catching waves from one side of the [Elephant Rock] parking lot to the other and having a wonderful time. «
The catchment areas of the Logan, Albert and South Coast Rivers recorded between 100 and 300 millimeters of rain in 48 hours, with Upper Springbrook covering 750 millimeters.
Ms. Boekel from the Meteorological Office said temperatures would heat up on Tuesday and reach 30 degrees on the weekend, between 2 and 7 degrees above average.
Bribie Island, Caloundra, coastline, Pumicestone Passage, Golden Beach, tides, erosion
World News – AU – Waves cut through Bribie Island as southeast Queensland hits
Ref: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au
