General News
18 August, 2025
Beaches replenished
ACCESS to four beaches in the Douglas Shire will be restricted while heavy machinery are involved in sand replenishment works from now until late September.
Member for Cook David Kempton said Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) had started the Port Douglas beach and sand replenishment works from early August.
“The work will support upcoming maintenance dredging at Port Douglas boat harbour,” he said.
“Around 45,000 cubic metres of sand will be removed from MSQ’s local dredge material rehandling facility at Killaloe.
“This sand was extracted from the Port Douglas boat harbour entrance during earlier dredging works and will now be recycled to help renourish beaches at Rocky Point, Newell Beach, Helmet Creek and Oak Beach.
“These beaches were damaged by recent storms and the added sand will help bring them back to a healthier state.
“It will also improve erosion protection for nearby communities ahead of the next storm season.”
The sand replenishment works are scheduled for Monday to Friday between 7am and 5pm.
All works will be subject to weather and site conditions permitting. No works will take place on Sundays or public holidays, however, some out-of-hours works may be required.
During this time, the local community may experience:
Increased truck movements along the Captain Cook Highway
Temporary beach access restrictions near exclusion zones
Pedestrian and traffic management around active work areas
Machinery and heavy vehicle operations for sand transport.
“These works ensure the Killaloe site is ready for the next round of Port Douglas boat harbour dredging and supports MSQ’s role in keeping our waterways clean and safe,” Mr Kempton said.
“Beau Con Earthworks Pty Ltd, based in Craiglie, has been awarded the contract to carry out the work - supporting local jobs and keeping investment in the region.
“By reusing material from past dredging, MSQ is reducing waste and helping to maintain safe access for vessels and recreational craft in Port Douglas.”
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