A large area of the beachfront has collapsed into the ocean as a new Inskip Point sinkhole opens up. Glen Cruickshank from Rainbow Beach Helicopters has told media that the current sinkhole was bigger than the 200m hole that formed just a few hundred meters further down the beach in 2015.
The new hole that has formed is reported as being some 7.5 metres deep, and and has taken quite a large amount of beach and trees with it. Speaking to the media, Sunshine Coast associate lecturer in Earth Sciences, Peter Davies, said the Incident that happened on Monday was actually not considered a ‘Sinkhole’. It was in fact what is known as a ‘near-shore landslide’. This phenomenon is caused by fast-moving currents along Inskip Point eating through the sand well beneath the surface, which in turn, collapses into the water. Mr Davies further went on to say that as with the previous Inskip Point Sinkhole back in 2015, this is not an isolated occurrence.
“It will basically collapse because of this undermining of the material by the current going in and out. It will repair itself, but it will almost certainly happen again. We could see another one in 12 months, or we could see one in a few years. All we can say with any certainty is that it’s an inherent unstable area and will do this periodically.”
‘No campsites affected, and no one injured’
In a statement, the Department of Environment and Science said Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers were monitoring the erosion, and condition of the beach; also that no one was injured or had property affected by the event. “Local rangers ask that visitors to Inskip Peninsula recreation area take note of current park alerts and stay clear of this section of beach.”
If you are in the area and planning to visit the new Inskip Point Sinkhole over the school holidays, make sure you’re careful, and be mindful of any directions or signs from Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service!
