ECM_22343537_v1_Coastal Hazard Assessment · 132000.200173.1

                                                          Internal use only




              5.3         Sediment Transport
              Sand is transported over time in a net northerly direction along the Sunshine Coast, driven by the
              prevailing south-easterly wave climate in a process known as littoral drift or longshore sediment transport.
              The average longshore littoral transport rate at Sunshine Beach has previously been estimated at 23,300
              cubic metres annually (BMT, 2013).

              Noosa Head, at the northern end of Sunshine Beach, is a control feature that influences sand transport
              processes. The net northerly littoral transport of sand along Sunshine Beach is interrupted by the
              headland which traps sand on the southern side (i.e. Sunshine Beach) until such time that the beach to
              the south is effectively “full” at which point some sediment bypassing of the headland will occur. Noosa
              Head also provides protection to Sunshine Beach from waves from the northeast quadrant that will be
              more prevalent during the summer cyclone season.

              It is also likely that Noosa Head would assist with post-storm event beach recovery of Sunshine Beach
              through the trapping of long-term net northerly littoral transport of sand and associated rebuilding of the
              beach system towards a beach full state. The location of the site relative to Noosa Heads, and ongoing
              littoral transport process, ensure that (in the absence of sea level rise) the foreshore at the site will
              fluctuate within a steady state envelope of positions; subject to short term storm erosion events, but long
              term always accretes towards a beach full state controlled by the headland.




              13 February 2023         2 ARAKOON CRESCENT, SUNSHINE BEACH                           PA3303      23


Document Set ID: 22343537
Version: 1, Version Date: 16/03/2023