Beaches recycle nutrients, contribute to a stable foreshore, provide irreplaceable habitat for species including turtles and shorebirds, support fishery resources (surf-angling, bait collections), and provide adjacent land for development and world recognised recreational opportunities. Beaches also play a major role in attracting tourists and supporting the regional economy.
High energy surf beaches run from Cooloola in the north to Coolangatta in the south and large stretches of open beaches occur on the sand islands of Bribie Island, Moreton Island (Mulgumpin) and North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah). The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are known for their iconic surf beaches.
Headline Target: Beaches (CM3)
By 2031, the condition of open coastlines (headlands, beaches, and dunes) will be at or better than in 2006 and the area of regionally high-scenic amenity will be maintained or improved from the 2004 baseline.
The 2016 NRM Plan Review found:
- There had been a change in tenure to freehold land immediately adjacent to dunes totalling 2,512 hectares since 2006.
- A 23,600 hectare increase in the area adjacent to beaches under covenants, National Parks and reserves since 2006. This was a potential benefit for enhancing coastline stability and beach health.
- Up to 6% (414 hectares) of the area adjacent to the high energy beach was impacted by urbanisation, roads, canals.
- Areas of the coastline were experiencing coastal erosion.