Overview
The Living Shorelines initiative is an innovative and ongoing program of works that will use a combination of nature-based solutions and engineered methods to minimise long-term coastal erosion at a number of locations across the city.
The initiative is part of Council’s broader Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS) and is being delivered in collaboration with the Local Government Association of Queensland, Queensland Government and local community groups.
Program goals
- Mitigate coastal erosion by utilising natural breakwaters such as timber logs to create calm areas, combined with earthworks and revegetation to stabilise erosion scarps.
- Promote ecological health through vegetation and minor structural works to support natural habitats and promote the local environmental conditions that contribute to stable coastlines.
- Explore sustainable solutions including cost-effective and low-maintenance alternatives to traditional engineering methods.
Project 1: Three Paddocks Park, Birkdale
The pilot project at Three Paddocks Park in Birkdale will trial a number of the methods that are planned to be used in the ongoing Living Shorelines initiative. Construction on this small project will commence in June 2025 and take around two months to complete, depending on the weather and site conditions.
Key activities
- Earthworks: erosion scarps will be reshaped and stabilised to protect public open spaces and assets like the footpath and exercise equipment.
a) Works are not planned for the creek and there will be no impact on marine fauna such as sea turtles.
b) Earthworks will not change the levels of the park or change stormwater overland flow. - Revegetation: coastal species like saltmarsh and dune plants will be planted to help ensure ongoing stability.
- Timber log breakwaters: breakwaters made of natural materials will be installed to create calm areas for vegetation growth and mangrove recolonisation.
- Seed trapping devices: seed trapping devices will be installed to encourage natural mangrove growth.
What to expect
- During construction, the works area and a site compound for construction material and machinery will be fenced with restricted access
- Construction machinery will access the works area via Bath Street
- When machinery is being moved, usual pedestrian access and pathways may be restricted. An alternative pedestrian route will be provided.
Project timeline
- June – July 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the park close?
Three Paddocks Park will remain open with just the construction site and a small nearby area for construction materials and machinery fenced off. Occasionally, alternative pedestrian access routes will be identified to allow for machinery to be moved.
What hours will works be undertaken?
Work may be undertaken between 6am and 6pm, however typically any machinery would be between 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Will a concrete slab be installed as part of these works?
There are no plans to build a permanent, concrete slab in Three Paddocks Park. A temporary gravel track that will provide safe access for a crane is not expected to impact the area’s natural stormwater flows.
Who to contact
For general project inquiries, please contact the team on marineinfrastructure@redland.qld.gov.au.