Latest updates
Between May 2024 and January 2025 the construction of a sea wall and sand replenishment work was undertaken to address severe erosion at the northern end of Woodgate (Boat ramp/Theodolite Creek to Second Avenue). The new dunes have now been planted out and will be open to public use in the near future.
Bundaberg Regional Council are currently replacing the damaged pathway along the Esplanade north towards the boat ramp.
- For detailed information about completed work and next steps, view report compiled by WDRA, 12 February 2025
- Bundaberg Regional Council shoreline erosion management plan
- Woodgate Beach erosion prevention begins – Bundaberg Now
The issue
In July 2022 under the North Queensland Natural Disaster Mitigation Program, $2 million in funding was granted to the Woodgate Beach Sand Nourishment project to address severe sand dune erosion at the northern end of Woodgate (Boat ramp/Theodolite Creek to Second Avenue).
Bundaberg Regional Council began the tender process for the project with construction on a 240 m buried sea (rock) wall and sand replenishment along a 700 m stretch of the foreshore set to start in March 2023. See Bundaberg Regional Council Woodgate Shoreline Erosion Management Plan
The project was halted in late March 2023 by the State Government, with the Dept of Environment & Science denying the Marine Park Permit required.
Action
Bundaberg Regional Council attempted to engage the relevant Departments, with little explanation for the reason for the delay on the Marine Park Permit, despite verbal approvals and having the approved Woodgate Shoreline Erosion Management Plan in place.
The WDRA, together with Bundaberg Regional Council and local State Government representatives lobbied to have the project started as soon as possible, with the risk of further erosion threatening property and infrastructure.
In August 2023, WDRA corresponded with the State Department of Premier & Cabinet and the Department of Environment & Science on behalf of the Woodgate community regarding concerns for property, safety and habitat, and rallied residents in September to bring attention to the issue.
In September 2023 Bundaberg Regional Council received advice that Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service had granted a Marine Park Permit but due to the delays and the approaching turtle nesting season, works would not commence until May 2024.
WDRA’s Woodgate Community Action Group raised funds to install several billboards highlighting the erosion along Woodgate Road and the Isis Highway.
