2021-10-08 SM - Item 1 - Attachment 1 - Draft Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan

NOOSA NORTH SHORE AND TEEWAH
Setting
Noosa North Shore and the Teewah township lay in the north-eastern part of Noosa Shire.

Noosa North Shore boasts outstanding natural beauty with pristine beaches, dramatic sand dune
systems, as well as coastal lowlands and wetlands adjacent to the Noosa River. The dynamics of
its open coast beaches is similar to those between Peregian Beach and Sunshine Beach,
consisting of approximately six kilometres of open sandy beach stretching between the Noosa
River Mouth and Second Cutting. Noosa North Shore provides residential and rural style home
sites, as well as significant areas zoned for environmental conservation. Noosa North Shore Beach
Campground sits directly behind the frontal dune with campsites close to the beachfront.

Teewah is the northern-most township along Noosa’s coastline. The township has undergone low-
levels of development in the form of single detached houses15, and sits adjacent to beach frontage
with a moderately vegetated dune area between the developed areas and the shoreline. Despite
having access constraints (due to the beach being the only official means of access), Teewah is
enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for the atmosphere that it provides of a semi-remote coastal
village of years gone by.


Erosion risks to Noosa North Shore and Teewah
The beach adjacent to the Teewah township historically experiences erosion after large swell
events and tropical cyclones, temporarily exposing indurated sediments (commonly referred to as
‘coffee rock) beneath the frontal dunes. This beach has historically recovered well after these
events via natural coastal processes. The low height frontal dunes mean the vegetated dune may
become increasingly at risk from coastal erosion events over time. By the year 2070 the beach
accesses, the Esplanade (including the portion of beach used to reach the township), and
eventually a portion of private beachfront lots may be exposed to the effects of coastal erosion.

The southern portion of Teewah Beach experiences periodic episodes of short term beach erosion,
with sand naturally replenishing over time. The wide beach and dune profiles means much of the
beach is considered low risk from coastal erosion. However, the backyards (beach-facing) of
approximately 102 lots may be exposed to erosion risks by the year 2070.

In addition, the camp ground may be increasingly exposed to erosion over the coming decades. By
the year 2070 beach-fronting camp sites and other minor infrastructure may be within the high
erosion risk area.

Appendix 4 shows the projected change in erosion prone area due to sea level rise across various
parts of Teewah Beach during a severe storm event.Table 11 provides a summary of the changing
risk profile for six broad asset types within the locality that are projected to be exposed to the
effects of coastal erosion between present day and 2100.




15 There are approximately 102 dwellings in Teewah, many of which are leased as tourist accommodation.


Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan                                                 Page 46