Redland City Council’s robust management of local coastlines has been bolstered with the launch of a second living shoreline trial, to be established at Oyster Point Park in Cleveland.
Living shorelines use a combination of nature-based solutions and engineered methods to support the coastal ecosystem and improve resilience against coastline erosion.
The project is part of Council’s broader Coastal Hazard Adaption Strategy (CHAS) and has received funding through the state-wide QCoast2100 program.
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It is the second living shoreline site to be established on Redlands Coast, following the rollout of a trial at Three Paddocks Park in Birkdale earlier this year.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said the site had been selected to enhance the ecological functions of the foreshore and mitigate against erosion and other coastal hazards in the area.
“Anyone who has visited Oyster Point Park recently would know that, due to climate impacts, erosion along the foreshore has started to encroach on the adjacent recreation space used by the community,” the Mayor said.
“The living shoreline will use a mix of materials such as temporary breakwaters made from removable rock bags and concrete block; and dune and saltmarsh vegetation to stabilise the embankment, mitigate against further erosion, and support natural habitat revegetation in the area.
“This project will benefit the migratory shorebirds and other marine life that use Oyster Point for feeding and roosting.
“The Cleveland and Birkdale trials will also test design and construction techniques, as well as ongoing maintenance requirements, to help inform any future living shoreline projects on Redlands Coast.”
Council also is piloting a no-dig design for these works to avoid excavation deeper than minor surface excavation to remove existing turf. This ensures any Indigenous cultural heritage at the site will not be disturbed or harmed.
Division 2 Councillor Peter Mitchell said the trial was an important step forward in the way Council protected its marine assets.
“The living shoreline will contribute to the ecological health of the area and maintain the long-term integrity of the shoreline by trapping sediment and reducing wave energy,” Cr Mitchell said.
“I’m pleased to see the project being delivered in Cleveland, recognising the value Oyster Point Park holds for our community and the environment.
“Crews will be on site in the coming weeks to install the shoreline elements, with works expected to be finalised by late August.
“This is another great example of how we can work together with other levels of government and key stakeholders to protect the health of the environment through innovative thinking.”
The project is being delivered under the QCoast2100 program, which is funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by the Local Government Association of Queensland.
For more information about living shorelines, visit Living Shorelines | Redland City Council.
