NOOSA HEADS — In a development likely to cause widespread confusion across local surf carparks, coastal scientists have quietly revealed that the much-maligned sand pumping system at Noosa’s famous First Point may actually be helping maintain the wave it was widely suspected of destroying.

A curious mood has descended upon Queensland’s professional complainers this week following passage of the Local Government (Empowering Councils) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026.

A long-running rumour that Noosa Council plans to ban boating and fishing on the Noosa River has resurfaced, this time repeated by a senior policy adviser linked to the LNP government. The claim has been repeatedly debunked, with no council policy, planning scheme or river management strategy proposing such a ban.

In a sunny surfing Paradise a beachgoer discovers that the surest way to make waves is to declare a crisis where none exists. From Save the Whales to “heritage” surf breaks, the real surf spectacle isn’t in the ocean — it’s on the sand.