Posted on April 7, 2025
Gold Coast beaches are set to receive a much-needed boost as offshore dredging operations commence next week in the Surfers Paradise area, weather permitting. The City has announced the start of sand pumping works aimed at restoring sections of coastline affected by recent severe weather events.
To carry out the replenishment, the City has engaged a specialised vessel — the Hopper Dredge Trud R — to deliver fresh sand to key locations, including Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and Narrowneck.
“We have been working hard to return our beaches to their pristine conditions ever since the severe weather left severe scarping and damage,” said Mayor Tom Tate.
The recovery works follow damage sustained during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which stripped away significant volumes of sand from Gold Coast Beaches. According to the City, the arrival of Trud R marks a significant step in helping to restore beach quality across the impacted areas.
“This vessel will help replenish the sand which was lost from the beaches during Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred,” Mayor Tate added.
The offshore dredging will be supported by ongoing onshore operations, which include moving sand from existing stockpiles, reprofiling work, and the flattening of scarped sand formations. The dual approach is designed to accelerate beach recovery and improve public access and safety along the foreshore.
Work is expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions. The vessel is unable to operate in high swell, meaning timelines may shift if sea conditions deteriorate.
In addition to the City-led initiative, the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has partnered on broader dredging works currently underway at the Seaway, Narrowneck and Coomera River. The sand from these areas will be placed offshore at Narrowneck Beach to further assist in coastal restoration.
