The City of Gold Coast’s ongoing commitment to protecting and managing the city’s iconic beaches has been given a further boost today, as the Council endorsed its Ocean Beaches Strategy.
The new strategy, developed through widespread community consultation, sets out a clear framework for maintaining, protecting and enhancing the ocean beaches now and into the future. It reflects the City’s long history of working to protect and maintain the valuable coastline.
A number of projects are currently underway up and down the coast, including the City’s Three Point Plan for Coastal Protection to address current coastal erosion, beach nourishment works, the Palm Beach Shoreline Project, seawall construction and the reinstatement of Kirra Groyne.
Mayor Tom Tate says the Council’s endorsement of the new strategy is another important step in ensuring the beaches continue to be one of the City’s top priorities.
“ Our ocean beaches are the city’s most precious asset, the key to its identity, character and liveability. They’re loved by both Gold Coasters and 11.5 million visitors each year, worth $7.5 billion to our local economy through tourism and surfing ,” he said.
“Although the Strategy is new, the City’s work is ongoing to make sure everyone can continue to enjoy our beaches, that they remain safe, healthy and clean, and that we help protect the City’s infrastructure from erosion and coastal hazards.”
“Our beaches are everyone’s responsibility. We all need to play our part in taking care of them, and their future is an issue not only for the City of Gold Coast and the local community, but for State and Commonwealth governments too.”
The City currently spends an estimated $18.6 million of its total budget on the ocean beaches. $10.6 million is spent on coastal management and $8 million provides a professional lifeguard service to maintain safety on beaches.
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Press Release, August 20, 2013