A section of cliff face above a popular Sunshine Coast beach is being repaired and stabilised after being damaged during weather events.
This repair work will strengthen the area affected by the landslip at First Bay, Coolum, and provide a new path for pedestrians.
It forms part of Sunshine Coast Council’s significant program of works to restore essential public assets within the region, following declared storm events in February and May, 2022, jointly funded by Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Sunshine Coast Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez welcomed the repair works, which include a section of pedestrian footpath and cliff face at First Bay, adjacent to David Low Way.
“This work will ensure the stability and safety of this area, and we’re also building a new path for our community and visitors to enjoy this very special place,” Cr Suarez said.
“I remember the extraordinary storm events in 2022, when heavy rainfall caused a section of the top of the cliff face to become saturated and to slip down the hillside at First Bay.
“While we’ve had the area safely fenced off since the landslip occurred, I’m pleased we are progressing the repairs at this location.
“We have worked with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) to secure funding to repair this landslip and other damaged civil assets with assistance from the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
“This is one of 15 landslips across the Sunshine Coast repaired using DRFA funding and is part of one of our most successful programs delivering vital repair works through QRA.”
The landslip repair works are scheduled to take place from Monday 20 January, to Monday 30 June, weather permitting.
Works will include repairing 145 metres of public footpath on the eastern side of David Low Way at First Bay and stabilising the cliff face above the beach.
The Coolum community and visitors to this popular spot will still have beach access to First Bay and Second Bay during this work.
Access to Hansen’s Lookout at the southern end of the works area will also remain open.
Pedestrian access will be maintained during the project, and temporary crossings will be in place at both the southern end and northern ends of the works area to allow safe access across David Low Way.
For the safety of road users and pedestrians, there will be some changes to parking and traffic.
Car parking at Hansen’s Lookout will not be available during the works period.
Several on-street parking bays along David Low Way will be unavailable.
The north bound driving lane and north bound parking lane will remain open to allow continual access for traffic on David Low Way, however speeds will be reduced to 40 km/hr.
The right turning lane from David Low Way into Mona Vista Court will be closed during the works period.
“We do not anticipate significant delays to road users, however I encourage our community to avoid this area and take an alternative route if you can,” Cr Suarez said.
“The posted speed through this section of David Low Way will be reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h for safety reasons.
“Please follow the directions of on-site traffic controllers and signage for your own safety and the safety of others.
“Before beginning your journey, we recommend checking Council’s Roads Hub website for real-time traffic information updated every two minutes.
“While cyclists will still be able to use David Low Way, there won’t be space for vehicles to overtake riders through the works area, with the traffic reduced to sharing the north bound driving lane.
“I urge drivers and riders to please obey instructions from traffic controllers and slow down through this area.
“Thank you to our Coolum community and motorists along David Low Way for your patience while we complete these essential repairs to First Bay.
“The temporary changes to traffic and parking are necessary to ensure the safety of our community and our workers, and to provide continued flow of traffic along David Low Way.
“Limited night works will also be necessary at the start and end of the project for traffic management and public safety.
“This project is another example of how we are working with our community to nurture and enhance our environment and quality of life.”
The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) administers funding relief measures to local governments as part of the Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), from joint federal and state government funds.
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