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Moffat Beach seawall reconstruction:
Updated timeline for a safer, greener foreshore
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Dear Moffat Beach community,
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Thank you for your patience and support as we continue work on this complex and sensitive coastal project. We appreciate the involvement of the Community Focus Group and the wider community as we rebuild the seawall in challenging conditions.
While we initially aimed for completion around April, recent coastal conditions have made it clear the project will take longer. We want to keep you informed and prepared about what's ahead.
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In short:
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- New expected completion: last quarter of 2026.
- Why: extremely challenging site conditions (tides, swell, sand movement), construction from the beach only, and working around the Norfolk pines.
- Original seawall design has been extended to include the eastern seawall section as one construction project.
- Beach Access 274 and 275 + the sandy beach between the goat track (rock shelf entry) and Beach Access 274 will remain closed until works are complete.
- The goat track will stay open and you can still walk down onto the rock shelf as usual. However, the beach area you would normally reach from the goat track will be closed. Heavy equipment, machinery and construction activity will be operating in this zone and will take up the beach space.
- We’re making steady progress: western section is complete, ~20% of central section delivered, and landscaping at the western end is underway.
- A Place Activation Officer will be embedded as part of the project team, and will explore options to assist businesses in activating the area.
- Flexible work hours: We’ll work around the tides – starting earlier, finishing later, and using selected weekend shifts if needed.
- Please continue supporting local cafés, shops and businesses.
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Why the timeframe has been extended
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Although we anticipated challenging site conditions, the reality has been far more restrictive than forecast.
- Working in the tidal zone is extremely limiting. Even small changes in swell or tide remove the beach area required for construction. Accurate swell forecasting is only available for three to five days in advance. Favourable tide and swell conditions are required to predict the four-hour working window needed to start construction on site.
- Protecting the Norfolk Pines. Construction must occur from the beach, not the land, to protect the Norfolk pines – this significantly reduces working windows.
- Sand levels constantly shift, often leaving no dry working area. While we have a detailed construction schedule, we must remain flexible. Some days the work must shift to areas with more sand or safer working conditions.
- Temporary rock platforms are needed. To continue any work at all, crews have been building temporary rock bag platforms to support the excavators.
- Earlier supply delays impacted the start of the central section and pushed crucial work into summer, the most challenging season for beach conditions and sand erosion.
Together, these factors mean the original April completion is no longer achievable.
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Program update
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So far, we’ve completed the entire western seawall and ~20% of the central section, despite very limited workable conditions.
Based on what we’ve learned on site and our analysis of tides and typical swell conditions for this time of year:
- We now expect construction to continue through to the last quarter of 2026, including landscaping and final clean‑up.
- The central and eastern sections will be handed over around the same time.
- Updated construction methodology is now in place to maximise work windows around tides.
- A four-hour working window is required to start construction on site, because of the construction methodology below.
Updated methodology and program
Typical seawall construction process (needs a four-hour working window to start on site):
- Prepare working platform
- Sand placement
- Excavate toe trench
- Install toe rock and underlay
- Install armour rock
- Continue rock wall construction.
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What we're doing now
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While conditions restrict seawall construction at times, we’re making the most of every workable opportunity.
- Completing western landscaping with added shade trees. The landscape plan has been updated to include additional shade trees (she oak) to be located behind the seating. This aligns with what the community told us during consultation.
- Working on the central section with flexible work hours around tide windows, including early starts, late finishes and selected Saturdays.
- Time‑lapse camera installed (still images only) to track sand movement and improve planning.
- Providing ongoing support for local businesses via Council’s Activation Officer.
- Replacement Norfolk Pine ordered to replace the removed Cook Island Pine.
- Beach Access 274 and 275, and the sandy beach between the goat track (rock shelf entry) and Beach Access 274 will remain closed until works are complete.
How to access the beach
- The safest and only recommended access point during this stage of construction is via the vehicle access ramp at the western end of the beach.
- Please follow all site signage and directions from workers.
- With the western seawall section, coastal path, car park and new beach access ramp now finished, we encourage you to enjoy the western end of the beach while crews continue work on the eastern side.
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Our commitment to the Norfolk Pines
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You told us the pines matter – and they do.
Because we designed the seawall around them, we must work from the beach, not behind the wall. This creates significant challenges but protects the character of Moffat Beach.
Arborists continue monitoring the trees, and crews remain onsite over summer to help safeguard root zones.
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Safety assessment and fence design
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We know how important the open coastal vista is to the Moffat Beach community and we've worked hard to preserve it wherever possible.
Through careful design, we’ve been able to maintain an open, unfenced outlook along the central and eastern sections of the seawall. This was a key message from community feedback, and we’re pleased that these areas can remain open while still meeting safety requirements.
Unfortunately, for the western section, a fence is required to ensure public safety. The barrier height and design come from a consistent, recognised safety assessment process, and reflect our duty of care to protect people from foreseeable fall risks.
Even so, we’re reviewing improvement opportunities. We’re actively exploring options to reduce the visual impact of the fence – including material choices, finishes and the placement of seating – while still maintaining the high safety standards our community deserves.
Our goal remains the same: to keep you safe while protecting the natural, open feel that makes Moffat Beach so special.
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Supporting our local businesses
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We understand that construction impacts the Moffat Beach business community. As a result of the extended timeframes, a Place Activation Officer will be embedded as part of the project team, and will explore options to assist businesses in activating the area.
We’re working with the Activation Officer to continue promoting and supporting local cafés, shops and operators throughout the remainder of construction. Supporting our local businesses remains a priority.
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Looking ahead
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We will continue providing regular construction updates so our community can know what’s happening and what conditions to expect on site as they enjoy this beautiful part of the world.
We appreciate your ongoing support and feedback as we work to minimise disruption while keeping things moving. The seawall construction team remains committed to finding smart solutions that reduce impacts and keep the project on track.
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Beach, cafes and shops are open!
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Please continue supporting our local cafés, shops and businesses.
The western beach, car park and access ramp are open and ready to enjoy.
Parking may be tight, so why not ride your bike or take the bus? With 50-cent fares, getting to the beach and supporting local businesses has never been easier.
We appreciate your patience – the improvements will be worth it.
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Further information and subscribe for updates
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Please share this with family and friends who may be interested in Moffat Beach and encourage them to subscribe for updates.
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Thank you,
Sunshine Coast Council
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