Bribie Island emergency restoration enters next phase

• Dredging works deepening the channel between the tidal entrance and the north of Pumicestone Passage has begun. 
• Next phase of the Crisafulli Government’s emergency works program protecting the Caloundra community by restoring Bribie Island, and the Pumicestone Passage.
• The Crisafulli Government delivering a plan for Queensland's future and protecting the Caloundra community after Labor refused to take action. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to restore Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage, with the next phase of emergency dredging works underway.  

Channel deepening works connecting the Pumicestone Passage’s tidal entrance to the northern section of the Passage have commenced, marking a major milestone in the Crisafulli Government’s restoration program, after Labor failed to deliver a solution for the Passage. 

The dredging is expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete, and a pipeline will be temporarily sunk across the tidal entrance for the duration of the works.  

During the dredging campaign access between the northern and southern sections of the Passage will be limited to smaller vessels due to the location of the dredger. 

These works build on swift action taken by the Crisafulli Government, with emergency works successfully closing two Bribie Island breakthroughs in 2025.

Beach nourishment works are also continuing, with dredgers pumping sand along a two-kilometre stretch of Bribie Island to create a vital erosion buffer and strengthen  coastal resilience. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Crisafulli Government was delivering on its promise after years of inaction under Labor’s decade of decline. 

“We said we would restore Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said. 

“Labor had every opportunity to protect the Caloundra community and this important local coastal system but allowed erosion and breakthroughs to worsen.  

“The Crisafulli Government wasn’t prepared to sit on our hands – we are doing the hard work Labor refused to do to restore the Passage, strengthen Bribie Island and protect residents and local businesses. 

“This next phase of dredging is a significant step forward and will improve water circulation, water quality and navigational access for the entire system. 

“Once these works are complete, the Caloundra Coast Guard will be able to return to their permanent headquarters at Bulcock Beach. 

“This is about protecting one of Queensland’s most iconic coastal environments and ensuring stronger protection for the Golden Beach community now and into the future.” 

Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said the works were critical for protecting the local community and waterways. 

“This dredging program is testament to the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to the long-term protection of the local waterways along Golden Beach and the Pumicestone Passage,” Ms Morton said.