Gold Coast’s beaches have weathered the storm to reach health targets and remain diverse, healthy and useable.
The 2021-22 Beach Health Report outlined 19 of 23 (82%) city ocean beaches have been measured as on track, achieving all beach health targets set for the year.
“The positive report results reflect the City’s unparalleled investment in maintaining and protecting our pristine beaches and highlights why we have been a leader in coastal management for more than 50 years,” Mayor Tom Tate said.
“Our 52 kilometres of beaches are the key drawcard for our tourism industry, which attracts over 9.8 million visitors each year and generates more than $3.6 billion in annual visitor expenditure.
“Our magnificent coastline and abundance of marine life is a blessing – and our continued investment and effective management ensures they can be enjoyed for years to come.”
The report examined erosion protection, beach amenity, dune condition and clean water to help inform the implementation of the City’s Ocean Beaches Strategy 2013-2023.
Three of the four beaches that fall within the monitor range achieving most health targets are located north of Narrowneck – a section of the coastline most exposed to South-East ocean swells, and the fourth is located at Kirra where water quality results were impacted from the heavy rainfall and flooding in 2022.
These impacts are temporary only and are not reflective of long-term trends.
The City will continue to monitor, maintain and manage its ocean beaches as outlined in the Ocean Beaches Strategy.
To view the Ocean Beaches Strategy, please visit goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Council-region/Future-plans-budget/Plans-policies-strategies/Our-strategies/Ocean-Beaches-Strategy
