The City of Gold Coast’s response to damage from ex-tropical Cyclone Oma has been first-class, with Mayor Tom Tate praising officers for the $150,000 repair program at key oceanfront locations.
The Queensland’s city faced severe erosion risks over a five-day period as the tropical low hovered offshore last month.
Waves exceeding eight meters were recorded in some locations, the city said in its release.
“City crews worked tirelessly to batten down the hatches, build sand buffers at various worksites and prepare for a tough few days,’’ Mayor Tate said.
“At the time, we had key work underway at Narrowneck which was a real concern but given the high volumes of sand we have along our beaches, the large swells did not penetrate. It’s a credit to all officers that our beaches are back and ready for the 100,000-plus Easter holiday visitors.’’
Work completed since the cyclone threat include:
“We spend around $6.4 million annually on beach preservation, seawall repairs, pumping, dredging and dune works,’’ he added. “It’s a small price to pay for our golden asset – the beaches.’’
The city boasts 52 kilometers of beaches, regularly rated among the best in the world.