SCEC's Involvement over the last 20 years

SCEC has been a prominent voice over the last 20 years on issues relating to the dynamic nature of the Maroochy River. 

In the 1990’s the Maroochy River mouth was moving to the south of Pincushion Island and residents were concerned that the Cotton Tree infrastructure and Maroochy beach would be washed away.

There was a push to stabilise the mouth with training walls to the north of Pincushion.

SCEC was concerned about the effect this would have on environmental values and mounted a campaign to educate the community on the issue using historical records to show the Maroochy River mouth had oscillated about Pincushion Island going back to the 1850’s. 

Based on this, the Council of the day took the decision to allow the mouth to move back to the south of Pincushion along with the construction of the existing groyne field to ensure infrastructure was protected. It was decided to go with Geo Fabric Containers (GFC’s) instead of rock as this was more in keeping with the natural amenity of the estuary. 

The GFC’s were designed to last up to 25 years and are coming up for repair and/or renewal, which is why in 2017, the same debate we had 20 years ago has arisen once more. 

Read more about SCEC’s campaign efforts and continued involvement in this campaign here.