What the correct approach is to reducing flooding at South Golden Beach, New Brighton, and Ocean Shores has been a matter of contention between concerned locals and local community groups including the South Golden Beach Community Association (SGBCA), the New Brighton Village Association (NBVA),and the Ocean Shores Community Association (OSCA).
The Marshalls Creek Flood Forum (MCFF) met between June and December 2025 in an attempt to bring these groups together to explore possible on-ground measures to reduce flooding of Marshalls Creek, the north arm of the Brunswick River.
‘Although we didn’t all agree with all the measures put forward, we did agree that the following list of measures should be examined. That examination will take place in the next floodplain management process – run jointly by our state and local governments,’ said a spokesperson for the MCFF.
‘The list is simple, and is in no order of priority: diminish rock walls at Readings Bay to encourage lowering of the sandy bed of Marshalls Creek upstream; other dredging options (potentially with coastal beach nourishment); openings through coastal dunes; detention of flood water upstream of Billinudgel to lower peak flows downstream; adequate budgeting for effective ongoing maintenance of levees, drains, culverts and flapvalves.’
Flood mitigation investigations
‘No single measure is likely to resolve all flood issues but a combination may have benefits,’ said a spokesperson for the MCFF.
‘Each measure needs expert examination of its technical, social and environmental impacts along with a cost/benefit analysis.
‘The MCFF now invites community comment on the above list, prior to us presenting it to Byron Shire Council via its Floodplain Committee early in 2026.
‘Please pass your thoughts on to the MCFF via your local community association.’
OSCA meeting
OSCA will be independently presenting their preferred approaches to flood mitigation at their upcoming meeting on Monday, 16 February at the Ocean Shores Country Club from 5.30pm.
Cr David Warth will be presenting a report that he has put together with OSCA that considers the flood impact of an overflow outlet to the ocean, north of Ocean Shores.
Talking to The Echo Cr Warth said that the community was coming together to look at ways to reduce flooding in the catchment, and effects on migrating shore birds, local nesting birds, and other wlidlife.
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