The City of Gold Coast has commenced the 2025 Surfers Paradise Sand Backpass Campaign, a beach nourishment activity that is crucial to the long-term restoration and resilience of Gold Coast beaches.
“The sand backpass system will help mitigate erosion to protect beach amenity and coastal infrastructure on our northern beaches,” said Mayor Tom Tate. “The purpose of this project is to create a healthier coastal ecosystem by restoring natural sand levels and reducing the risk of future damage during storms.”
“It’s essential for the future resilience of our beach infrastructure and to improve beach conditions for recreational activities.”
Following Tropical Cyclone Alfred, all Gold Coast beaches are once again accessible; however, the full restoration of sand volumes and coastal protection, particularly dunes and infrastructure, is expected to take until at least 2028.
GCWA CEO Chris Derksema said, “Cyclone Alfred had a significant impact on our coastline and waterways. These recovery works go beyond repair — they’re about building long-term resilience and protecting the places our community values most.
“We’re proud to be working in partnership with the City, delivering the sand and leading operations to restore beach profiles and ensure safer access to our waterways.”
The Sand Backpass Campaign commenced on 23 June and is expected to continue until December 2025, depending on the weather.
It features a 7.8km sand pipeline running from The Spit to Surfers Paradise and will provide nourishment to the sand on the Main Beach, Narrowneck, and Surfers Paradise sections of the shoreline to offset erosion and scraping from tidal events and severe weather.
The system can deliver 120,000 cubic meters of sand to the Gold Coast’s northern beaches each year.
The backpass system has three beach outlets: Surfers Paradise, Narrowneck, and Main Beach.
Site set up will occur during the day, with the sand pumping operations occurring overnight.
The community can expect to see vehicles accessing the beach to support the works, as well as temporary traffic control measures in the area.
“Safety is our number one priority, and we ask everyone to take care in these areas by following all signage for alternative pedestrian access and road use,” Mayor Tate added.
The Surfers Paradise Sand Backpass is part of a larger beach restoration program which also includes the Trud R Dredger, dune shield trials, and using geobags and rock bags for coastal protection works.
