Funding Boost to Support Key Coastal Protection Projects
Livingstone Shire Council has welcomed vital funding from the Australian and Queensland Governments that will support three significant coastal management and infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening shoreline resilience and protecting coastal communities.
Announced as part of the Queensland Government QCoast2100 investment in regional coastal hazard adaptation projects, the funding will support the delivery of the Muskers Beach Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP), the Great Keppel Island (GKI) SEMP for Fisherman and Putney Beaches, and the design phase of the Emu Park Revetment Wall.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said this funding demonstrates how all levels of government can come together to help communities tackle coastal hazards with practical, long-term solutions that protect people and places.
“Protecting our coastlines means safeguarding local homes, businesses and vital community infrastructure while preserving the natural beauty that locals and visitors cherish,” Minister McBain said.
“This investment will help Livingstone Shire strengthen its resilience to erosion and climate impacts so future generations can continue to enjoy these special coastal areas.”
State member for Keppel Nigel Hutton said enhancing Queensland’s natural beauty and ensuring coastal areas remain accessible and resilient for generations to come was a high priority for the Crisafulli Government.
“The Crisafulli Government are proud to back projects like these that not only preserve our coastlines but also offer lifestyle and economic opportunities for our communities,” Mr Hutton said.
“Investing in these initiatives for the people of Livingstone Shire will protect community infrastructure, local tourism, and the region’s unique coastal character.”
Livingstone Shire Mayor Adam Belot expressed Council’s appreciation to the Queensland and Australian Governments for their continued support of coastal communities.
“We are extremely grateful for this investment, which will play a critical role in helping our region manage erosion risks and prepare for the impacts of climate change,” Mayor Belot said.
“Muskers Beach and Great Keppel Island are both highly valued for their environmental, cultural, and recreational significance, and the SEMP process provides a clear, science-based approach to managing these vulnerable shorelines into the future.”
“Likewise, the design of the Emu Park Revetment Wall is an important step toward safeguarding vital infrastructure and ensuring this much-loved community facility remains safe and accessible for years to come.”
The SEMP process engages coastal experts, Traditional Owners, and the community to develop locally tailored, long-term strategies that guide erosion management in accordance with Queensland’s best practice guidelines.
Development and Environment Committee Co-Chair Pat Eastwood assured that the Emu Park Revetment Wall is being informed by coastal engineering assessments to ensure that future works are resilient, cost-effective, and sensitive to the surrounding foreshore environment.
“Protecting our coast is about more than just infrastructure – it’s about preserving lifestyle, supporting tourism, and maintaining safe and accessible spaces for all,” Cr Eastwood said.
“These projects will deliver long-term benefits for our communities, and we thank the Queensland Government for working in partnership with us to achieve these outcomes.”
Round 4 of the QCoast2100 program is jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and delivered in partnership with the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the Local Government Association of Queensland, and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.