The Woodgate coastline is under threat with the State Labor Government delaying approval for the Woodgate Sea Wall Project.
The Woodgate Beach Sand Nourishment program was granted $2 million in funding from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) under the North Queensland Natural Disaster Mitigation Program (NQNDMP) in July 2022.
Bundaberg Regional Council began the tender process with construction set to start in March 2023.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the project has since come to a grinding halt.
“It’s come to my attention that the State Labor Government abruptly revoked approval on March 30th before they eventually admitted the revocation was a ‘mistake’,” said Mr Bennett.
“It’s now been five months since that blunder and the Department of Environment are still yet to reapprove the project!
“Meanwhile the foreshore pathway has literally collapsed from underneath a resident while he was walking his dog, sea turtle nests have been washed away, homes and roads are at risk of being destroyed and the community is facing being cut off should the sea break through the bank.
“This is the terrifying reality Woodgate residents are facing.
“The Palaszczuk Government is in chaos and crisis; too focused on their image and desperately trying to cover up their mistakes.
“Their refusal to reapprove this vital project will cost the community dearly.
“It’s yet another example of the State Labor Government’s failure to listen to the people on the ground and plan for the future.”
The Burnett MP tabled a Question on Notice to the Minister for Environment this morning.
Regarding the Woodgate Beach Sand Nourishment program that was granted funding from QRA under the NQNDMP in July 2022, will the Minister explain (a) why the Department of Environment revoked approval of the program in March 2023? (b) why the department is requiring sand to be trucked in from the Port of Bundaberg or Hervey Bay and not replenished from already shifted sand at Theodolite Creek? (c) why the BRC is yet to receive a response from the department after they resubmitted a Marine Parks Permit to DES almost 14 weeks ago?
President of the Woodgate and District Residents Association Pauline Greer said the fear is palpable.
“Frustration and anger continues to mount within the community as every high tide takes just a little more bank,” she said.
“King tides and the pending storm season have residents duly concerned that the destruction of personal property and even the endangerment of human life could be just around the corner if work on this vital project is delayed further.
“We’ve invited the relevant Ministers to visit Woodgate and meet with representatives from the community and the Council to see firsthand the issues we are facing.
“It’s been over three weeks and we’re yet to get a response.
“As a community we ask that common sense prevails and all obstacles to the commencement of this project be overcome with expediency before it becomes a natural disaster that will cost all levels of government and residents millions of dollars.”
ENDS.
12/09/2023