Mooloolaba Entrance and Buddina Beach Geotechnical and Sediment Sampling Investigations

⁠⁠⁠Overview

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (QLD), through Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), is seeking a contractor to undertake geotechnical and sediment sampling investigations at Mooloolaba Entrance and Buddina Beach to support the delivery of two capital works projects.

About

MSQ is currently the manager of Mooloolaba State Boat Harbour and is responsible for maintenance dredging of the harbour and entrance channel to maintain navigational access.

Because of the northward orientation of the trained entrance and its location relative to Point Cartwright headland, Mooloolaba Entrance channel has historically been infrequently impacted by shoaling events and has been considered one of the most reliable open coast entrances on the eastern seaboard. Approximately 15 to 20 years ago the frequency of periodic shoaling events increased, and MSQ/TMR has since undertaken extensive investigations into options for improved entrance channel management to mitigate shoaling events.

This began with a shoaling indicator modelling tool originally developed by WBM Oceanics Australia (now BMT), which used real time wave data to predict the commencement of shoaling events and mobilise a hydro survey and dredge to undertake reactive dredging. This management method was relatively effective until the frequency and size of shoaling events increased to an extent that significant periods of navigational impacts were experienced, and MSQ commenced investigations into long term and capital works options to improve management of the shoaling events and the harbour entrance.

A number of alternative management capital works options were discussed with a Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG), which supported the testing of a strategy called the Western Channel Trial, involving dredging a wide basin west of the navigational channel to provide navigational access during shoaling events. The SRG communicated to MSQ that it considered capital works options a last resort.

During a minor shoaling event in August 2025, a fatality occurred on the bar. The Government subsequently instigated an independent review of management options by RPS and ICM, which was completed in late 2025 and released in March 2026.

Purpose

Based on the review findings, the Government committed to investigations supporting the implementation of two options previously considered by MSQ and the SRG:

• Buddina Beach Sand Trap Project
• Mooloolaba Entrance Channel Deepening Project

This works scope is to support the implementation of these projects.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Completing all investigations, sampling, and laboratory testing in accordance with Document 2 and Document 3
• Preparing and submitting documents for approval to support the works, including a Project Management Plan, Works Method Statement, Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), and Environmental Management Plan, prior to works commencing
• Gaining any other approvals required for the contractor to undertake the field geotechnical and sediment sampling investigations, both marine and terrestrial
• Submitting a Maritime Execution Plan and obtaining Regional Harbour Master approval for this document for all sampling works prior to mobilisation

Location

• Sites: Mooloolaba Entrance and Buddina Beach
• Map: View on Google Maps