Posted on January 19, 2026
A popular Douglas Shire beach will undergo rehabilitation and restoration works in 2026, with initial works scheduled to begin next week.
The southern end of Newell Beach will receive sand scraping, a process that shifts sand from lower parts of the beach to rebuild the natural dune profile, as an interim measure to stabilise the beach.
Council has secured disaster recovery funding for Coastal Recovery Works with assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The works will support the rehabilitation and restoration of coastal areas impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper in 2023 through implementation of nature‑based solutions that assist long‑term coastal recovery.
Douglas Shire Council CEO Scott Osman said interim works would begin on the week starting January 19 and were expected to be completed before the large tides forecast for February.
“I know many residents are concerned about the erosion they’ve been seeing,” Mr Osman said.
“These works will help stabilise the coastline and support the natural recovery people have been hoping to see.
Similar works will occur on the northern end of Oak Beach later this year.”
Further coastal works involving sand nourishment and revegetation will occur once Council has procured consultants and contractors to deliver the full program. Additional community engagement will take place as planning for these larger works progresses.
