A STRATEGY to manage current and future erosion risks at Coochiemudlo Island has been adopted by Redland City Council.
Mayor Karen Williams said the development of the Shoreline Erosion Management Plan allowed council to obtain a detailed technical understanding of the island's coastal processes and opened an avenue for community engagement.
"Importantly, the SEMP recommends a number of management options for Council to protect the sub-tropical island from coastal erosion," Cr Williams said.
"The principal recommendation is for post-storm beach nourishment across the island to help accelerate the natural recovery process and provide a buffer against future coastal hazards.
"Other recommendations include implementing an ongoing beach monitoring program, vegetation and stormwater management, formalising beach access, and sustainably relocating dredged sand."
Cr Williams said the Coochiemudlo Island SEMP included input from coastal engineering consultants, a community reference group and state government departments.
"It highlights the underlying causes of shoreline erosion through an assessment of the coastal processes occurring on the foreshore and a consideration of the island's environmental, cultural and economic values.
"Like all islands it is subject to shoreline erosion which studies have shown is primarily linked to storm events," she said.
Cr Lance Hewlett said council would continue to update the community on the progress of implementing the SEMP's recommended actions, which remained subject to council's annual budget development and budget prioritisation process.
"The adoption of the Coochiemudlo SEMP is a significant milestone.
"It will be critical in enabling council to continue to protect the beauty that is Coochiemudlo Island from coastal hazards," he said.
Cr Hewlett said the island was the hidden gem of Redlands Coast.
"The Emerald Fringe is on council's schedule of local heritage places, and Norfolk Beach was where Captain Matthew Flinders landed on the island on 19 July 1799 - the first European to do so," he said.
For more information and to read the Coochiemudlo Island SEMP, visit Council's Your Say page.
