WetSide boardwalk to be removed

The damaged boardwalk overlooking the ocean at WetSide will be removed after being buffeted by big seas from storms and king tides.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Jade Wellings said WetSide was a popular place for both locals and tourists to visit, regularly receiving excellent reviews and international TripAdvisor awards.

“WetSide is a fantastic place to keep cool and have fun with something for everyone, including waterslides, a water play arena, TotSide for under 5s play, and a fountain light show, along with a new Aqua Ninja course that is the first of its kind in Australia,” she said.

“Unfortunately, the boardwalk overlooking the ocean is badly affected by erosion caused by big seas and storms in the past 10 years.

“The beachfront has been severely affected by erosion which has exposed the foundations for the boardwalk and shade sails making it unsafe.

“While Council develops a long-term solution to beach erosion at the site, some beach renourishing and replanting works will be undertaken in front of WetSide to boost protection of the waterpark.

“The long-term solutions may include a permanent revetment barricade or stone or sand-filled bags.

“Council will investigate the feasibility of constructing a revetment wall in front of WetSide as outlined in a report from GHD in 2017.”

At its meeting yesterday (Wednesday, December 14) Council decided to also investigate options to maintain access to the beach from WetSide after the boardwalk was removed and improving accessibility to the adjacent nearby coffee and food outlets.