Community takes action against coastal erosion

• 28 volunteers joined Council’s Community Dune Planting Day on Saturday, 28 March
• 550 native plants were planted at Holloways Beach to reduce coastal erosion
• Keeping our dunes healthy helps protect homes, infrastructure and wildlife

Local volunteers joined in on Saturday morning’s Community Dune Planting Day to take practical action in helping to restore and strengthen the Holloways Beach foreshore.

The event encouraged strong community participation, particularly from Northern Beaches residents, and highlighted the important role dune vegetation plays in reducing coastal erosion and improving foreshore resilience.

Coastal erosion has long affected parts of Cairns, with severe weather events such as ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper increasing pressure on the northern beaches and Esplanade foreshore.

These impacts highlight the importance of ongoing restoration works to strengthen the coastline and build long-term resilience.

During the event, volunteers planted 550 native plants to help stabilise dune systems, trap sand, reduce wind and wave impacts, and strengthen the natural barrier protecting coastal homes and infrastructure.

The planting also delivered broader environmental benefits, including improved resilience to storms and sea level rise, while supporting local wildlife and coastal ecosystems.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the event showed the value of community action in helping protect the coastline.

“Taking action against coastal erosion is essential if we want to protect our beaches, our homes and our community,” Cr Eden said.

“Healthy dunes are one of our most important natural defences. Every plant put in the ground is a practical investment in protecting our foreshore, supporting local biodiversity and improving the long-term resilience of our coastal areas.”

Council thanked the community members who rolled up their sleeves to help improve coastal resilience.

This project is supported through jointly funded Commonwealth and State Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).