Emergency Works Advice

See Necessary operational work that is tidal works Guideline, Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995, Queensland Government (https://environment.des.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/88906/cpm-gl-emergency-tidal-works.pdf) for guidance on undertaking emergency coastal protection works.

In the event of severe weather, when BOM has issued a severe weather warning, under exceptional circumstances landholders may construct a seawall as “emergency works”.

An “emergency” is an event that involves an imminent and definite threat requiring immediate action (other than routine maintenance) – either before, during or after the severe weather event. An “emergency” is a severe weather event that endangers:

• A person’s life or health
• A building’s structural integrity (e.g. a residential dwelling)
  • Where coastal erosion could occur within five metres of the building footprint
• Operation or safety of infrastructure other than a building
• The structural safety of existing approved tidal works.

If undertaking emergency works, the property owner must:

• Have made a Safety Management Plan, considering the advice of a registered professional engineer (RPEQ)
• As soon as reasonably practicable after starting the activity –
  • Give notice to the State Government Department of Environment and Sciences (DES) and Council and
  • Apply to Council for development approval, including obtaining RPEQ certification of the structure and foreshore boundary survey – within twelve months of construction.

If the development application is refused, the landholder must restore the site to the pre-construction condition.

Any new seawalls built as “emergency works” must be on or be landward of the proposed A-Line alignment.