The Palaszczuk Government has committed to a full rebuild of the Bowen Front Beach Seawall, with a further $895,000 allocated to upgrade a remaining 45-meter section of the 165-meter structure.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said that the funding would be provided to Whitsunday Regional Council to make sure the entire seawall is built to a higher and more resilient standard.
“As a result of Severe Tropical Cyclone Debbie in March 2017, significant sections of the Bowen Front Beach Seawall were damaged, ” the Premier said.
“ A 120-meter section of the wall had already been approved to be rebuilt through the joint state and Commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA), as part of the Category D Environmental Recovery Package, however, the remaining 45-meters of the wall was not eligible for NDRRA funding under the Commonwealth’s terms and conditions, as it was not damaged by Cyclone Debbie.
“To ensure a consistent and stronger seawall rebuild, my government is pleased to provide the additional funding to upgrade this remaining section.”
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick, said the additional funding would see the seawall rebuilt with an improved design to increase resilience to severe weather events.
“ The seawall will be raised by half a meter, with the improved design and construction set to better protect council’s built assets and minimize the potential for loss,” Mr Dick said.
The seawall, which aids in the protection of the parkland at Front Beach and adjacent road Santa Barbara Parade, extends from Bowen Water Park towards the Bowen Marina rock wall and Starboard Drive.