Council wades in to save foreshore mud
WOODEN barriers have been constructed along the Cairns Esplanade to prevent the city’s famously muddy foreshore from drowning in sand.
Cairns Regional Council has installed timber boards – known as groynes – under the boardwalk at three locations to reduce the movement of sand from north to south.
Environmentalists have been concerned for years that large amounts of sand accumulating along the mudflats could dramatically change the natural habitat of more than 200 species of birds that have been recorded there.
Kuranda-based environ- mental consultant Paul Fisk said there had been a massive decline in the number of migratory shore birds visiting the mudflats during the past 30 years, suggesting sand buildup was a contributor.
He said the council’s sand replenishment efforts along the northern end of the esplanade about 10 years ago were slowly becoming undone by severe storms and regular tidal movements.
“A huge amount of sand has moved to the southern end, south of Minnie Street,” he said.
“The inshore mudflats are the prime feeding areas for migratory shore birds.
“So, we’ve been talking to council now for over two years, trying to get them to do something about it.”
According to the Cairns and Far North Environment Centre, birdwatchers and council officers at a recent meeting examined different methods of preventing sand from being pushed out on to the mudflats by stormwater.
It was agreed that construction of the groynes was the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective method of controlling the flow of sand, as removal of sediment near the Lagoon would be more complicated, and require State approval.
Mr Fisk said more action was needed to prevent sand from flooding the mudflats, and to also prevent stormwater drain blockages.
“That causes flooding in the CBD and elsewhere, because the water can’t get out,” he said.
A council spokeswoman said any further action as a result of the sand monitoring activities along the Esplanade were yet to be determined.