Douglas Shire Council is inviting residents to help shape a long-term strategy to protect two of the region’s most loved beaches from coastal erosion.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said grant funding has been secured to develop a Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) for Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas and Newell Beach.
“It’s frustrating to see our beautiful beaches disappear during extreme weather or king tides,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“This plan will give us a clearer understanding of the challenges facing these coastlines and outline practical solutions to manage erosion now and into the future.”
Community engagement sessions will be held during the week beginning December 8, providing an opportunity for residents and Traditional Owners to share their views on how best to protect Port Douglas and Newell Beach.
Council’s Resilient Coast Strategic Plan 2019–2029 identifies the need for adaptation measures to safeguard the Shire’s coastline from erosion and climate change impacts. Developing the SEMP is a key step toward implementing these measures and ensuring resilience for future coastal conditions.
This project is supported by the Queensland Government’s QCoast2100 program Round 4, which is delivered in partnership with the LGAQ and is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
