Sand dredging & dunes

We are recognised as a world leader in coastal engineering. We use the latest research and technology to:

• protect beaches from erosion
• preserve coastal ecosystems
• support safe navigation
• prevent loss of infrastructure and flooding

Offshore dredging

Specialised offshore dredging vessels pump sand from offshore reserves and deliver it to sand bar along our coastline. From there, waves push sand onshore and north along the coastline. This helps build out our beaches and creates an added buffer to prevent erosion. Even if it isn’t visible, this sand still helps reduce the risk of erosion.

Watch how dredging helps restore the Broadbeach shoreline after Tropical Cyclone Alfred

Creek dredging

Tallebudgera and Currumbin creeks are dredged every year during winter and spring.

Sand dredged from Tallebudgera Creek is pumped around Burleigh Headland onto south Burleigh beach where natural processes help transport it north. Sand from Currumbin Creek mouth is pumped to southern Palm Beach.

Sand backpassing

The Surfers Paradise Sand Backpass System is a 7.8km pipeline that delivers sand from The Spit to the northern beaches including Surfers Paradise.

The pipeline helps us to respond quickly when major weather events cause damage. We also use this system for regular beach nourishment. It has played a crucial role helping to repair the northern beaches following Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

For details, visit Surfers Paradise Sand Backpass System

Using excavated sand

We stockpile clean sand that has been excavated during the development of coastal properties and use it to repair beach erosion. The sand is cleaned and sieved before being stockpiled for future use.

This approach has resulted in over 2 million cubic metres of clean sand being returned to nourish our foreshore since the 1970s.

For details, visit, Gold Coast City Plan – Section 8.2.4 Coastal Hazard Erosion Overlay

Managing dunes

Dunes act as buffer zones between the ocean and our beachfront infrastructure by absorbing the energy of waves and storms that would otherwise cause damage and flooding. During storms, sand is pulled from dunes to form offshore sand bars that help break wave energy. In calmer conditions, this sand returns to the beach, naturally replenishing it. Without healthy dunes, this cycle breaks down, leading to beach loss.

We closely manage the dunes to ensure they maintain a strong line of defence by:

• planting diverse native coastal species
• reprofiling sand to mimic the natural shape of a dune system in eroded areas
• revegetating damaged areas
• removing weeds and invasive species
• trimming plants to promote growth and biodiversity
• removing litter
• strategically fencing areas to catch windblown sand and prohibit access
• maintaining public accessways to deter people from walking across dune
• treating pest species that kill native plants.

Our team strengthens dunes through:

• maintaining public accessways
• fencing to trap sand
• beach cleaning and litter patrols
• native planting
• treating pests that kill native vegetation
• removing weeds and introduced plants to help native species thrive
• community planting days and education.

You can help us protect our beaches at a community dune planting event. Find our next event at Our Beaches program

Contact us

Got a question? Email us at beaches@goldcoast.qld.gov.au