Revetment Walls – Structural Integrity & Maintenance

Typical section of revetment wall

A lot of residents, mostly newcomers, are unaware of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the revetment walls in the canals. This starts with understanding the structural makeup of the sections. Please click on the thumbnail below to open a larger version of the drawing which may help to explain why the Noosa Council has strict regulations about the use of land on and adjacent to the walls.

Important: This Factsheet from the Noosa Council also details the importance of maintaining the integrity of these walls. Please click on the highlighted link to read and download if necessary.

Building works within 4.5m of the revetment wall

You must check with the Noosa Council prior to beginning any work within the 4.5 metre set-back from the revetment wall.

From time to time building works are carried out within 4.5 metres of the revetment wall. These works can be contrary to the Noosa Plan. The setback provisions ensure:

The revetment walls are protected from additional loadings and adjacent property owners’ walls are not put at risk through the illegal construction.
The flood storage capacity of the canal is not diminished. The area 4.5 metres back is part of the flood storage capacity and, in times of flood, these waters may go over the revetment wall for a period of up to a week.
The amenity of the canal waterfront area is not adversely impacted.

Council has and will enforce the restrictions and ensure that the design and operation of the canals and protection to properties are not impacted. Details about the restrictions, taken from the Noosa Plan, follow.

Sections in the Noosa Plan concerning the 4.5m setback

Revetment walls & drainage system

The revetment wall forms part of the property title and is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain. There is a drainage system incorporated into the wall including a special membrane (filter) on the property side of the wall and seep holes through to the canal. It is important that the membrane is not damaged and that the seep holes are not obstructed.

The main cause of potential damage to the membrane is tree roots and excavation/digging adjacent to the wall. If the membrane is damaged it will result in water and soil discharging through the seep holes into the canal. Evidence of damage to the membrane may include subsidence of the soil adjacent to the revetment wall or small mounds of soil being deposited into the canal adjacent to the revetment wall. If this occurs urgent repairs should be undertaken with advice from a qualified person.

Damage to the membrane is likely to result in adverse environmental impacts on the waterway and potential for serious property damage.

Mooring of vessels in entrance channel between the Noosa River and the lock

Any enquiries should be directed to Queensland Transport Maritime Division with Boating & Fisheries Patrol having jurisdiction for enforcement of any restrictions that may apply.

The only circumstance where Council can take action is if a marine vessel is tied to Council property e.g. in the entrance channel or at the water frontage to a park or reserve and the vessel is tied up or anchored to any part of the lock and weir structure, a railing, to the revetment wall, or the adjacent parkland.

As the land and structures are Council property, the anchoring of a vessel in this manner is not a permitted use of public land. Any concerns or enquiries may be directed to Council’s Public Order & Safety Section.

Walk bridge between Seahorse Place and Mermaid Quay

This bridge has approximately 4.5 metres clearance when the canal water level is about 400 mm below the top of the adjacent revetment wall.

Jetties & boat lifting devices

The construction of jetties is covered by Planning Scheme policy – refer to Council’s Land Use Section for details.

For a full explanation of design, construction and safety of the approved jetties in the Noosa Waters canal system, click the LINK FOR COUNCIL RULES