Queensland review addresses Pumicestone Passage community concerns

The Queensland government is starting a review of the Pumicestone Passage, located north of Brisbane. This comes after years of local calls for action regarding the area's changing conditions. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie emphasized the importance of community input and expert advice for the future of this waterway. Bribie Island has historically protected Caloundra from storms, but recent cyclones have damaged it. In 2022, ex-tropical cyclone Seth partially eroded the island's northern tip, and another cyclone, Alfred, caused further damage this month. Local resident Jen Kettleton-Butler expressed concern that these events have left Caloundra vulnerable. Historian John Groves, a long-time local, noted that the community has been trying to address these issues since 1969. He has documented changes to the area since 1890, highlighting the ongoing battle against erosion. Associate Professor Javier Leon from the University of the Sunshine Coast explained that nature has shaped Bribie Island for thousands of years, making predictions about erosion difficult. Community members have raised concerns about water quality in the Pumicestone Passage. They have submitted petitions asking for reviews, reporting poor runoff from Caloundra could introduce harmful bacteria. Despite the concerns, Environment Minister Andrew Powell stated that recent tests showed no major decline in water quality. Bleijie promised that the government review will involve local voices from the start. An information session was scheduled to give residents a chance to learn more and share their opinions. The aim is to create a plan that considers the needs of the community and the environmental health of the area.