Coast Guard returns as Bribie emergency dredging works finalised

• Emergency dredging completed ahead of schedule, restoring safer passage conditions and protecting Bribie Island, Pumicestone Passage and Golden Beach.
• Major milestone supports the return of Caloundra Coast Guard to Bulcock Beach and improved access for local vessels and boaties.
• Crisafulli Government is progressing investigations, design and approvals for a long-term solution to protect Bribie Island and keep the Pumicestone Passage open and protected.

The Crisafulli Government’s emergency restoration works to protect the Bribie Island and Pumicestone Passage coastal system has achieved a major milestone, with dredging completed to help restore access from 19 March 2026.

The dredging has been completed ahead of schedule and crucially also marks the return of the Caloundra Coast Guard to its permanent headquarters at Bulcock Beach, as well as better access through the Passage for boaties.

The emergency works have replenished the beach to provide a buffer against erosion, deepened the channel and improved the tidal exchange at the Pumicestone Passage entrance, supporting safer, more reliable conditions.

This latest major milestone follows the successful closure of two Bribie Island breakthroughs located south of the entrance, Breakthroughs 2 and 3, in November last year.

The Crisafulli Government moved quickly to urgently address the deteriorating situation following Labor's decade of decline which failed the Sunshine Coast community. 

Since then, restoration works by local business Hall Contracting have been running 24/7, dredging over 1.1 million cubic metres of sand to close the two breakthroughs, reinforce the coastline and deepen the internal northern channel.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the emergency works were delivering immediate protection and restoring passage conditions, while the Crisafulli Government progressed a long-term solution to protect Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage.

“For too long locals have been calling for action as Labor left this coastline and the passage to deteriorate year after year,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.

“The Crisafulli Government listened and we’re getting on with the job of restoring safer access now and committing to long-term protection for Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage.

“This morning, we saw the first Coast Guard vessel return home to its HQ since the passage closed up and reliable access was restricted – a huge milestone for the Sunshine Coast.

“These works are improving access and conditions for boaties and supporting better water circulation and water quality in the passage - important immediate benefits while we develop the long-term protections this system needs.

“The final stage is to stabilise the newly constructed erosion barrier with sand fencing and vegetation, so it can perform over the long term and help build resilience along the coastline.

“After a decade of decline and delay under Labor, we’re acting now, and we’ll keep working to deliver a long-term solution that protects Bribie Island, strengthens Golden Beach and keeps the Pumicestone Passage open and resilient, guided by the recommendations of the independent Bribie Island Erosion and Breakthrough Expert Review.”

Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said the early completion of dredging was proof the Crisafulli Government was delivering for the Coast and delivering ahead of schedule.

“This is an outstanding result for one of Queensland’s most iconic coastal systems – strengthening protection for Golden Beach and improving conditions in the Pumicestone Passage,” Ms Morton said.

“Our government said we would act to restore safer access and protect our local communities, we’ve delivered, faster than expected and we’re now getting on with the long-term solution Bribie Island and the Passage need.

“I’d like to thank the community for its cooperation and patience over the last several months as we delivered these essential emergency works.”

Queensland’s Coordinator-General, Gerard Coggan said the emergency works were successfully addressing the risk of erosion and breakthroughs.

“Now we will prepare a plan for the long-term works,” Mr Coggan said.

“Following the recommendations of the independent Bribie Island Erosion and Breakthrough Expert Review, we are progressing planning and investigations to develop options, supported by engineering advice, coastal modelling, and broader economic and environment considerations, with community engagement also playing a key role.

To view the government’s response to the independent Bribie Island Erosion and Breakthrough Expert Review, visit www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/coordinator-general/bribie-island-emergency-works.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Haddan 0437 334 769