The Townsville Local Recovery and Resilience Group (TLRRG) and Townsville City Council are looking for assistance from the community to help Townsville’s beaches bounce back after the unprecedented floods.
Council is asking residents to not remove organic flood debris – such as branches and seaweed – from beaches as they are important to help combat erosion and build up existing esplanades.
Community Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said the heavy rainfall had a significant impact on Townsville’s coastal areas and waterways.
“The unprecedented floods have severely impacted our natural environment and the LRRG is still assessing just how much damage has been caused,” Cr Greaney said.
“For the time being, we are asking residents to refrain from removing organic debris such as branches, sticks and seaweed from the top of beaches.
“Organic material on beaches catches sand and provides nutrients that allow seeds and vegetation to grow, which then builds a dune that offers a natural buffer for seaside homes.”
TLRRG Chair Deputy Mayor Les Walker said Council has inspected 93 beach access paths and is prioritising recovery in 14 beachside suburbs.
“Council is continuing to fix eroded beach access paths and move flood debris off the paths as it is found,” Cr Walker said.
All recovery information is available at https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/community-support/community-safety/recovery-information.
