We are reconstructing the Dohles Rocks Seawall

We are reconstructing the Dohles Rocks Seawall with assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The Dohles Rocks seawall is a long serving barrier that protects the Pine River foreshore from coastal erosion, helping to maintain the safety and usability of this popular waterfront area.

The seawall was built in the 1960s and has gradually deteriorated due to age, tides and coastal weather events. In March 2025, the seawall was significantly damaged during Topical Cyclone Alfred and it was determined the seawall needs reconstruction to ensure the ongoing protection of the foreshore.

Reconstructing the seawall is a practical step in the protection of public assets from coastal erosion. The seawall is not intended to protect from other coastal hazards such as riverine flooding, storm tide inundation, and sea level rise.

Have your say

We are seeking your feedback on the proposed placement of access stairs and the small boat launch point along the seawall. The number of access stairs and small boat launch points will be reduced in the new design so it's important we get the placement right.

Take the survey and drop a pin on the map to tell us where you think these access points should be. You can also speak to the project team at a pop-up or contact us by phone, email or post.

About the new seawall

The reconstructed seawall will use rock armour, made of large, durable rocks. This style of seawall is specifically designed to withstand the conditions of coastal areas, ensuring long-term protection and stability.

The rock armour seawall will be approximately 540 metres long, stretching the full foreshore length between the existing main boat ramp and the eastern end of Dohles Rocks Rd.

The seawall is expected to be approximately 6-7 metres wide (including the buried ‘toe’ section). The levels of the rock armour and concrete crest wall will be determined as part of the engineering design. It is anticipated the rock armour level will be similar to the existing seawall level, and the concrete crest wall will be approximately 0.5m higher.

Dohles Rocks Seawall concept

Artists impression of the reconstructed seawall

Next steps

Feedback from the community will be reviewed and consideration given to how the placement of access stairs and the small boat launch point can best suit the needs of users. The project will then move into the detailed design phase and construction is expected to commence in 2027, subject to weather delays and other unforeseen circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

The existing seawall and stairs are in poor condition, with damage made worse after Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March 2025.

Reconstructing the seawall is a practical step in the protection of public assets from coastal erosion. The project is being delivered with assistance provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The seawall is not intended to protect from other coastal hazards such as riverine flooding, storm tide inundation, and sea level rise.

The concept design has been developed using best practice coastal engineering principles, taking into account site-specific coastal processes, long-term resilience, and constructability. An options assessment was undertaken to identify the most suitable solution for the location, with consideration given to environmental and planning approval constraints that limit feasible design approaches.

A rock seawall with a concrete crest wall was identified as the preferred option, as it provides a robust and durable solution to manage waves and boat-wakes, protect the foreshore from further erosion, and support long-term stability while minimising ongoing maintenance requirements.

Yes. Due to its poor condition the existing seawall will be demolished and removed. To enable access for construction machinery, and construction of the new seawall, a number of foreshore structures will also be impacted by the works, such as the foreshore footpath and stormwater outfalls. More details of the affected areas will become known as the design progresses.

The stabilisation project was initiated before Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Stabilisation works to critical sections of the seawall may still progress if required prior to the reconstruction works.

The Dohles Rocks Local Resilience Plan is currently under development. The reconstruction of the seawall is being delivered as a separate project.

It is anticipated the construction will begin in mid-2027, pending budget and statutory approvals. The timeframe is subject to weather delays and other unforeseen circumstances.

When we are ready to begin construction, we will update the community on what can be expected during this phase, including timings and impacts to access.

Yes, some trees will need to be removed as part of the reconstruction works. When we are ready to begin construction, we will update the community on anticipated timelines and what can be expected during this phase, including information about any vegetation removal that will be required to deliver the project. Off-set planting will occur for any vegetation that is removed.

We know from Moreton Says our community places a strong value on protecting our natural environment, particularly in areas close to the coastline and waterways.

We will be working with the State Government throughout the planning and construction of the seawall to ensure potential environmental impacts are understood, carefully managed, and minimised wherever possible.

Collection notice

Moreton Bay City Council is collecting your personal information for the purpose of the Dohles Rocks Seawall reconstruction project. If you have provided your email address or other contact details, Council may contact you regarding the project. Council will also use your personal information to update Council’s customer information records and to contact you about other functions of Council.