Livingstone Shire Council is undertaking a number of important initiatives to improve the condition, management, and long-term resilience of the Emu Park Main Beach and Shelly’s Beach foreshore areas.

These works will help protect vital infrastructure, manage coastal risks, and ensure these much-loved public spaces are preserved for future generations.

Council is currently progressing or planning the following projects:

Life Saving Club Revetment Wall

The Emu Park Surf Life Saving Club Revetment Wall project aims to address ongoing erosion issues at Emu Park’s Main Beach, where ocean swells have damaged the existing seawall, placing foreshore infrastructure and public access points at risk.

Livingstone Shire Council is working in partnership with the Emu Park Surf Life Saving Club to develop a new, engineer-certified revetment wall design that will provide long-term coastal protection. This design phase will ensure the wall is structurally sound, environmentally sustainable, and capable of withstanding hazardous coastal conditions.

A project manager and qualified coastal engineer will oversee the design process, which will also include upgrades to the existing beach ramp to enhance SLSC vehicle and pedestrian access and improve resilience.

The final design and cost estimates are expected by late June 2025, allowing Council and EPSLSC to pursue funding for the construction phase. Once built, the revetment wall will help safeguard critical community infrastructure, protect the natural foreshore, and ensure the long-term sustainability of this popular coastal area.

The repair of the Emu Park Revetment Wall aligns with Council’s broader Master Plan for the southern end of Emu Park, particularly around the Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC).

The plan includes:

  • Seawall Construction: Strengthening coastal resilience against erosion and storm surges.
  • Vehicle Access: Ensuring essential access for lifesaving and emergency vehicles.
  • Land Tenure: Securing land tenure for the SLSC to support ongoing operations.
  • Pathway Extensions: Exploring pathway extensions along the Esplanade to Shelly Beach to improve pedestrian access.

As part of this initiative, Council has also removed selected trees in the foredune area, making way for replanting with native species that enhance local biodiversity.

Foreshore Management Plan

Protecting our coastlines means safeguarding local homes, businesses and vital community infrastructure while preserving the natural beauty that locals and visitors cherish.

A new strategic management plan will be developed for the sand dune foreshore south of the Surf Club. This plan will:

  • Be based on recommendations from the Shoreline Management Plan (2022–2032)
  • Address stormwater management, dune protection, vegetation, and public access
  • Support the long-term management of natural assets
  • Be shaped by community engagement.

Drafting of the plan will begin at the end of 2025, with the plan aiming to be finalised by mid 2026.

Council is committed to working with the Emu Park community throughout the planning process. The Emu Park Main Beach Foreshore Strategic Management Plan presents a genuine opportunity for residents to help shape the future of the foreshore through structured consultation and engagement all throughout the project.

Vegetation Vandalism

Council has seen ongoing instances of unapproved vegetation removal along the foreshore. To address this Council is:

  • Raising awareness of protected vegetation
  • Enforcing local laws and the Queensland Coastal Protection and Management Act.

As the trustee of State-owned coastal land (including Keppel Street and adjacent dunes), Council is required to manage this area under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995, Council’s local laws, and relevant strategies.

Under the current Local Law, activities such as planting or removing vegetation, constructing access tracks, or undertaking maintenance on public land require Council approval. Volunteer activities also require prior permission to ensure safety, environmental protection, and compliance with legal obligations.

How can residents help?

  • See it? Report it. Call 1300 790 919 or lodge an anonymous report or email enquiries@livingstone.qld.gov.au
  • Leave the dunes alone. Planting, trimming, track‑building, or maintenance on public land needs written Council approval.
  • Spread the word. Tell neighbours and visitors why intact vegetation is critical to dune stability, erosion control, and wildlife habitat.

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