Woodgate Draft Erosion Recommendations ready for community comment

Work on the Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) for Woodgate is down to the business end of development with the draft recommendations to be discussed with Woodgate Beach residents later this month.

Environment and Natural Resources portfolio spokesman Cr Bill Trevor said public presentation of the draft strategy detailing engineering options to address beach erosion at Woodgate is the third phase of the SEMP.

“The first two stages involved developing an understanding of the coastal processes that contribute to erosion and to develop and evaluate options that manage and protect against erosion.

“Development of strategies to combat current erosion at Woodgate Beach has relied very much on the willingness of locals to share information with our consultants. That process has been ongoing since the study commenced in February 2019.

“We are now in a position to present the Draft Shoreline Erosion Management Plan for community comment. The recommended option is for beach nourishment, supported by a buried seawall in the vicinity of the boat ramp.”

Cr Trevor said the community is invited to a briefing at the Woodgate Community Hall on Saturday, July 28 commencing at 10am. “There will be a presentation of the draft strategy led by our consultants and we really do encourage community feedback.”

“The consultants and Council have really appreciated the manner in which residents have responded to the SEMP. The initial launch meeting in February attracted around 100 participants and the workshops have continued to elicit great public support.

“Pre-registrations for the meeting on July 28 can be made at consultation@bundaberg.qld.gov.au while information on the development of the SEMP can be found at semp.bundaberg.qld.gov.au.