Moffat Headland provides stunning coastal views and excellent opportunities to walk, run or ride along the scenic coastal pathway as well as to enjoy the open lawn areas for picnicking and soaking up the local ambience.

Moffat Headland is highly valued by our community and is a significant landmark and cultural feature of the region.

The journey so far

In 2021 and 2022, we undertook a detailed study of the coastal strip between Shelly Beach and Moffat Beach as part of the Shelly Beach to Moffat Beach Coastal Study. Safety considerations along the top of Moffat Headland were identified as a key issue. A short-term action from the study included assessing and enhancing public safety fencing, while keeping the character of the area and maintaining important public views.

What is proposed in the draft plan

We plan to renew the existing railings and are considering options to improve safety and amenity along the rest of the headland. As a result, we have prepared the draft Moffat Headland Railing Renewal and Enhancement Plan which identifies:

• the existing 107 metres of railing to be renewed
• key viewing points and open lawn areas that we know the community loves
• 105 metres of headland without a railing where there are potential safety risks.

The plan considers the following key opportunities:

• Moffat Beach character: retaining the relaxed coastal character of Moffat Beach.
• Viewing opportunities: valuing scenic views and established viewpoints whilst managing the proximity of viewers to the cliff edge.
• Maintaining open space: keeping as much of the open lawn spaces for community use as possible.
• Safety: providing a safe and inclusive space for our community, Council staff and contractors.
• Planting: developing a responsive and sustainable planting palette to enhance the area's aesthetic appeal and ecological value.
• Materials: developing a railing design that suits the character of the location by incorporating hardwood timber similar to other scenic headland locations on the Sunshine Coast.

Elements of the plan for your feedback

Sections of railing to be renewed

The proposed look and feel of the renewed railing is important. We want to ensure the design of the new railing and its alignment reflects the relaxed character of Moffat Beach. The types of railing being considered are similar in look and feel to railings at other headlands such as Caloundra Headland, Point Cartwright, Alexandra Headland, Point Arkwright and Point Perry as shown in the images below.

Unprotected sections of headland

Potential options for sections include:

• installing railings
• considering railing options of different types
• additional plantings and the incorporation of signage.

Our goal is to improve safety and amenity for all users of the headland including the public and the workers who maintain and manage this beautiful space for our community.

Two key viewing points

On the plan, we have identified two key viewing points that we know have had increasing levels of use. We would like to hear your comments on how these areas could possibly be made safer whilst enhancing amenity and the enjoyment of views.

Overall project goal

Your feedback is vital in helping shape our decisions, and we are committed to balancing community input with the necessary safety requirements that we, as managers of this space, must adhere to for the wellbeing of all residents and visitors to this area.

We strive to balance community input, local character and significant views with expert advice and safety regulations. Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for everyone. We are committed to transparency and will continue to communicate openly about the reasons behind our decisions.

Thank you for your understanding and continued engagement.

We invite you to view the draft Moffat Headland Railing Renewal and Enhancement Plan and provide feedback between Wednesday 19 March and Wednesday 16 April 2025. There are multiple ways to get involved:

Following careful review of your feedback and considering your input, we will finalise the Moffat Headland Railing Renewal and Enhancement Plan. This plan will be shared with our community prior to preparing the detailed design. Following this, we would plan delivery pending available funding.