General News
27 November, 2025
Plan to halt sand erosion at two Shire beaches
SHIRE residents are being invited to help shape a long-term strategy to protect two of the region’s most loved beaches from coastal erosion.
Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said grant funding had been secured to develop a Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) for Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas and Newell Beach.
“It’s frustrating to see our beautiful beaches disappear during extreme weather or king tides,” she said.
“This plan will give us a clearer understanding of the challenges facing these coastlines and outline practical solutions to manage erosion now and into the future.”
This follows Newell Beach residents pleading with council and the government to come up with a long term solution for their shoreline.
Last month resident Vicki Thomas told the Gazette that “once again the dumping of sand on Newell Beach has washed away within a month. This program of dumping sand on Newell has been a 100% failure over the years”.
Another resident, Lisa McCoy, said Cyclone Jasper erosion at Newell Beach had worsened because “sand dumping hadn’t addressed the real issue”.
“A large sand island that formed at the river’s mouth as a result of the cyclone is blocking natural drift,” she said.
“We’ve got three agencies involved but little coordination or consultation with the residents most affected and all we are asking for is a proper long term-plan before the cyclone season starts again.”
Community engagement sessions will be held during the week beginning 8 December, providing an opportunity for residents and Traditional Owners to share their views on how best to protect Port Douglas and Newell Beach.
Council’s Resilient Coast Strategic Plan 2019–2029 identifies the need for adaptation measures to safeguard the Shire’s coastline from erosion and climate change impacts.
Developing the SEMP is a key step toward implementing these measures and ensuring resilience for future coastal conditions.
Read More: Port Douglas
