Large swells up to 4 meters are expected in southeast Queensland on Friday or Saturday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
A coastal hazard warning is in effect from south of Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, to Moreton Island in Queensland. Senior forecaster Felim Hanniffy said the swells could cause significant erosion on south-facing beaches.
The conditions are driven by a low in the Tasman Sea, with hazardous surf expected all weekend before easing on Monday.
Impact and Response
Beach scarping (steep sand ridges) has been observed, with the tallest measuring 0.75 meters at Burleigh Heads, according to Gold Coast chief lifeguard William Ashley. Gold Coast City Council has made the scarped areas safe and will continue to monitor conditions.
Coastal engineer Angus Jackson of International Coastal Management said the erosion is not a concern, as it is a natural process and the beach is replenished annually by sand pumping from Tallebudgera Creek. The council's sand-dredging program is scheduled to resume in July.