THE COMMUNITY can now breathe a sigh of relief, with the coastal stretch near First and Second Bay in Coolum now reopened after lengthy capital works were undertaken by Sunshine Coast Council.

The extensive works were carried out along David Low Way following severe weather events in February 2022, which caused significant damage to the embankment and forced ongoing safety restrictions in the area.

The repairs provide long-term protection to a key section of the foreshore and help safeguard David Low Way, one of the main transport routes linking the northern Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Coast Council completed the works in partnership with specialist contractors, with funding provided through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements administered by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez said the reopening was a welcome milestone for the community.

“We are so pleased to see First Bay fully reopened and safe for people to enjoy again,” Cr Suarez said.

Cr Suarez acknowledged the project had taken longer than originally expected but said the work was essential to stabilise the cliffs and protect people, vehicles and surrounding infrastructure.

“The completed repairs significantly reduce future risk and help safeguard this important coastal route, while restoring the enjoyment of travelling through one of our most beautiful stretches of coastline.”

PROJECT BUILD DETAILS  
The project included rebuilding 145 metres of pedestrian pathway on the eastern side of David Low Way and carrying out major stabilisation works on the cliff face above First Bay.

Engineers installed 92 deep foundation piles, some extending up to 18 metres below ground, to anchor the slope and prevent future movement. More than 1,100 cubic metres of concrete and over 110 tonnes of reinforcing steel were used during construction, while about 1,000 tonnes of asphalt was laid to rebuild the road surface.

More than 12,500 plants were also added to help restore the natural landscape and improve erosion control along the hillside.

Council also responded to community feedback about a gap in the pedestrian fence on the ocean side of David Low Way and has committed to installing additional fencing to close the opening.

The First Bay project is one of 15 landslip repair projects completed across the Sunshine Coast under disaster recovery funding programs.

Council thanks the community for its ongoing patience and cooperation and encourages everyone to once again enjoy the improved foreshore and pathway.