Palm Beach remains vulnerable to complete loss of beaches and severe property damage as a result of severe short term storm erosion. Over time, climate change will only increase this risk and analysis of processes associated with the Tweed River bypassing shows that it will provide no long-term benefit to Palm Beach [despite popular public opinion to the contrary]. A “do nothing” approach will not be adequate if it is expected that a beach be maintained during large storm events. The presently adopted strategy of beach nourishment has not been notably successful in the past [despite ongoing nourishment since 1974]. Comprehensive monitoring of the most recent large-scale nearshore nourishment [involving placement of some 385,000m3 between 2004 and 2006] shows that there is some short-term benefit provided, however the rapid migration of this material northward results in the works providing no long-term benefit to the beach. At present, Palm Beach is no wider than it was in 2004, prior to nourishment. As ongoing large-scale nourishment is not sustainable given the inadequate availability of sand resources, nourishment alone cannot successfully provide a long-term solution. Some form of control structure is required to stabilise the nourishment and ensure a change to the equilibrium beach alignment along the Palm Beach embayment. This was recommended as part of the Palm Beach Protection Strategy [PBPS] master plan originally adopted by GCCC in 2003 and it was endorsed in the independent peer review undertaken by Prof Colin Apelt in 2004. There are many different types of control structures and a full review of these options was undertaken as part of the PBPS. A submerged berm remains the preferred option due to this type of technology having been proven to be effective at Narrowneck and, unlike other control structures, offshore submerged structures are typically low impact [both visually and on the amenity of the beach]. They also have the potential to provide additional recreational benefits [such as surfing and diving].
The outcomes of this report are consistent with the original recommendations – that a control structure is needed at Palm Beach and that the proposed design of the structure will effectively meet the GCCC design requirements. In light of community concerns, perhaps a staged approach to construction [as recommended by GCCM in 2004] could be considered. With comprehensive monitoring, this will provide site-specific data of how the system responds to the structure prior to completion.
The other important issues identified for re-evaluation include environmental issues, dune vegetation, coastal access, and the dredging programs for Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creeks. The community particularly expressed concern over the natural reefs at Palm Beach and an assessment was made in 2005. It is recommended that this be repeated to assess the impact of the nourishment. A review of Council dune vegetation policy and practices is recommended with active implementation of vegetation management at Palm Beach. The PBPS set out a proposal for a long term study of socio-economic factors, and it is recommended that this be undertaken as a mean of examining the issues surrounding coastal access. Since the original PBPS report, a research program was established known as the Currumbin Entrance Research Program (CERP). This has not been fully implemented since, and it has been reviewed in this report. It is recommended that CERP be implemented to provide a framework in which issues related to the dredging of the creeks, and the impact on Palm Beach, can be addressed.