The State Government has unveiled its plan to improve safety for boaties at the sandbar at the entrance to Mooloolaba harbour.
The Government commissioned an independent review in September 2025 after local fishing charter operator Robert Smith died when his boat was swamped by a rogue wave at the bar the month before.
The review provided comprehensive recommendations to manage shoaling at the mouth of the Mooloolah River and the government plans to fix the porblem in two stages.
It will dredge the Buddina sand trap which will remove 100,000 m³ of sand and pump it onto Sunshine Coast beaches.
Stage two will see the underlying rock at the entrance excavated to increase the depth of the channel.
Tenders to carry out the work will open in coming weeks.
The newly created Sunshine Coast Waterway Authority will take long-term responsibility for managing the Mooloolah River bar and implementing recommendations from the review.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the creation of the Sunshine Coast Waterway Authority and implementing recommendations from the independent review showed the Government is listening to locals.
“Robert Smith’s death was felt by the entire Sunshine Coast boating community,” Mr Mickelberg said.
“We acted quickly to commission an independent review to develop a strategy to keep the boating community as safe as possible.
