The Simple Thing You Can Do To Preserve Local Beaches Following The Floods

We love spending time on our local beaches, mainly because they are so beautiful.

Maintaining their beauty after the floods and king tides is everyone responsibility, and there's a few things to NOT do. 

To make sure the environments continue to thrive, it's important to leave organic debris like branches and seaweed alone. 

You might think the extra debris makes the beaches look a little messy, but it's important to leave them in place. 

The organic flood debris plays an important role in combating erosion and builds up existing esplanades. 

Community Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said the heavy rainfall had a significant impact on Townsville’s coastal areas and waterways.

“The unprecedented floods have severely impacted our natural environment and the LRRG is still assessing just how much damage has been caused,” Cr Greaney said. 

“For the time being, we are asking residents to refrain from removing organic debris such as branches, sticks and seaweed from the top of beaches. 

“Organic material on beaches catches sand and provides nutrients that allow seeds and vegetation to grow, which then builds a dune that offers a natural buffer for seaside homes.”

TLRRG Chair Deputy Mayor Les Walker said Council has inspected 93 beach access paths and is prioritising recovery in 14 beachside suburbs.

“Council is continuing to fix eroded beach access paths and move flood debris off the paths as it is found,” Cr Walker said.

All recovery information is available at https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/community-support/community-