Bundaberg Regional Council has secured more than $2 million to carry out sand nourishment works at Moore Park Beach and Woodgate Beach, helping protect the coastline after significant erosion.
The funding is part of a $57 million joint investment by the Australian and Queensland Governments to restore beaches impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Delivered through the 2025 Tropical Cyclone Alfred Environmental Recovery Package: Coastline Rehabilitation Program, the initiative will fund 20 beach replenishment projects across eight councils from Bundaberg to the Gold Coast.
Moore Park Beach and Woodgate Beach were among the areas most affected, with erosion damaging sections of the coastline and impacting local infrastructure.
Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn said the funding would further support important recovery and protection work for the two communities.
“Moore Park Beach and Woodgate Beach have both experienced significant erosion and this is an issue we continue to battle with Mother Nature,” she said.
“This funding allows us to plan and undertake further sand nourishment works to help rebuild sections of the coastline which will, in turn, reduce the impact of future weather events.
“We appreciate the support from both levels of government to help deliver these works for our coastal communities.”
Almost $2 million has been secured for significant sand nourishment works at Woodgate and more than $37,000 to reinstate the eroded beach and dunes at Moore Park Beach.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said it was a fantastic outcome for the region.
“Preserving our environment, beach access and our amenities along the foreshore is absolutely vital for our coastal communities,” he said.
“Our beaches are the heart of communities like Moore Park and Woodgate. They support local jobs, protect homes from storm surge and are central to the lifestyle we enjoy.
“By working together across all levels of government, we’re ensuring our coastline is restored, protected and better prepared for future severe weather events.”
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said all levels of government were working together on long-term recovery from Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
“Beaches are an integral part of these communities and it’s crucial that local governments get the support they need to bring some of our nation’s best coastlines back to their former glory,” she said.
“This is a significant package that won’t only bring back a sense of normalcy but will rebuild habitats for local wildlife and rehabilitate coastlines so they can withstand future severe weather events.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said this funding boost would help coastal regions continue to recover.
“We’re backing councils to restore Queensland’s beaches to the world class standard people know and love,” Minister Powell said.
“Beaches are the heart of many coastal towns as they draw visitors, support local jobs, and are a big part of why people choose to live by the water.
“They’re not just tourism hotspots they’re vital ecosystems and natural barriers that protect our communities from storms.”
Mayor Blackburn said Council had already made significant investment in protecting the Woodgate and Moore Park beaches from erosion.
In December 2024 Council completed a major erosion prevention project in Woodgate and in the past 12 months has mobilised crews to protect the Moore Park Beach coastline.
Read more about the works undertaken in Moore Park Beach and the future plans for beach protection here.
Need to Remove Shower on Beachfront
I visit Moore Park every week and before Cyclone Alfred hit, I noticed and advised Council of the erosion and undermining of the bank caused by water running down the concrete pathway from the shower situated about 10 m from the edge of the beach. Not only does water come from the showers, but when it rains, rainwater rushes down this concrete pathway, gathers speed and further contributes to this erosion at this point. This shower needs to be removed or the water redirected elsewhere, or the erosion will keep happening.
Please explain why Woodgate gets $2million dollars for their beach, yet Moore Park only gets $37,000. Wonder who in council owns property there. Woodgate has lovely walkways along their beach. We have a planted out patch of rubbish trees that are not environmentally friendly for birds or bees & are getting chocked out by Siratro, Blue Billy Goat weed & Dodder weed just to mention a few because it is never maintained. The old guy riding around on his 4 wheeler is absolutely a waste of rate payers money. The couple of times that he has gone onto the walkways to the beach, the numb knuckle sprays the grass that the bunnies & roos eat & he leaves the weeds. I have had to clear a path several times so we have access to the beach & it is a designated pathway