Work set to start on new seawall at Urangan

Work is set to begin next week on a new seawall along the Urangan foreshore to safeguard key infrastructure from the ongoing threat of coastal erosion.

Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Zane O’Keefe said the seawall, which will extend 150 metres east of the Urangan Pier, is designed to protect the natural beach environment and reduce the risk of future damage to nearby infrastructure.

“Coastal protection is essential for the Fraser Coast, where our 112km of shoreline plays a vital role in supporting local infrastructure and community assets,” he said.

“This project will help reduce the risk of damage to critical infrastructure in the area, ensuring it remains resilient for years to come.”

Works on the revetment wall begin on Monday (November 04), and include excavation, earthworks, construction of the rock seawall, a beach access staircase, landscaping and revegetation.

“Council is grateful to the Australian Government for their generous $2.43 million funding contribution towards the $3.2 million project through their Coastal and Estuarine Risk Mitigation Program,” Cr O’Keefe said.

During construction, a 480-metre section of the beach will be fenced off, temporarily closing five formal and informal beach access points.

Community access to the beach will remain available through two existing access points. After construction is finished, a new beach access staircase will provide access to this section of Urangan Beach.

“We understand these closures may cause some inconvenience, but they are necessary to ensure the safety of both the community and the workers,” Cr O’Keefe said.

Australian Government Minister for Emergency Management, Jenny McAllister said this project highlights the Albanese Government’s work to safeguard coastal communities and infrastructure.

“We are proud to work with the Fraser Coast Regional Council to deliver this essential resilience project. This is an example of how the Albanese Government is supporting communities to be better prepared for and protected from future natural disasters.

“The Urangan seawall will help strengthen the coastline and enhance local resilience for future extreme weather events.”

The seawall is expected to be completed by June 2025.

During the construction period, a designated haulage route will be in place for transporting materials, with heavy vehicles to travel down Boat Harbour Drive, Pulgul Street, Kent Street, Larsen Street, Guard Street then onto Charlton Esplanade.

You can view Councils Shoreline Erosion Management Plan here:  https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/beaches-coastlines-page/beaches-coastal-management-3/2