ICM is proud to have been recognised at this year’s Engineers Australia Excellence Awards for our cutting-edge contributions to the field of engineering. The 2024 event celebrated Australia’s leading engineering professionals and projects, recognising innovation, technical excellence, and the outstanding impact of engineering on communities and environments.
ICM’s Re:Beach Living Speed Bumps project, designed to combat severe coastal erosion in Oceanside, California, was honoured with the 'Outstanding Project Submission for Innovation'. Additionally, Senior Coastal Engineer Sam King was nominated for 'Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year' for his outstanding contributions to nature-based solutions.
The Re:Beach Living Speed Bumps Project
The Living Speed Bumps project is designed to address the escalating issue of coastal erosion while enhancing the surrounding marine ecosystems. This innovative solution integrates a combination of large-scale artificial reefs, eco-engineered materials, and a vegetated dune system to create a comprehensive nature-based approach to coastal protection.
By incorporating advanced sand nourishment techniques and sustainable materials, the project not only slows down erosion but also supports marine biodiversity, offers public amenities, and fosters a unique intertidal marine habitat. The solution aligns environmental sustainability with community needs, setting new standards in coastal management.
The project earned special recognition as an Outstanding Project Submission for Innovation for its technical ingenuity and collaborative design process, which involved extensive consultation with stakeholders, community members, and external experts. Judges praised the project, highlighting it as a prime example of how engineering innovation can address complex environmental challenges.
“This design aims to solve coastline erosion in a Californian city by using advanced Australian methods to improve local living conditions and attract more tourists. It showcases innovative, research-based engineering solutions and promises to be a leading example of modern coastal management” said the Engineers Australia judging panel.
Recognition for Emerging Talent
In addition to ICM’s project award, Senior Coastal Engineer Sam King was recognised for his exemplary work with a nomination for Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year in Queensland. Sam’s commitment to sustainable coastal management through nature-based solutions has earned him this prestigious nomination, underscoring his passion for developing long-term, environmentally conscious engineering practices.
Since joining ICM after earning his civil engineering degree from the University of Queensland, Sam has contributed to numerous landmark projects worldwide. His work spans from restoring remote fishing villages to large-scale coastal protection projects along internationally renowned coastlines. Sam’s efforts advocate for solutions that work with nature rather than against it, improving the resilience of coastal regions facing the threat of climate change and rising sea levels.
“It’s an incredible honour to be nominated among such talented professionals. My work at ICM has allowed me to push the boundaries of coastal engineering, finding innovative and sustainable ways to protect our coastlines. I’m deeply grateful for this recognition and excited about the future of nature-based solutions in our field,” said Sam King.
Angus Jackson, founder of ICM, reflected on the company’s success at the awards in both the project recognition and Sam’s nomination.
“Being recognised for innovation and talent is a testament to the strength and dedication of the ICM team,” said Jackson. “The Re:Beach project represents our commitment to developing sustainable solutions for coastal protection, and Sam’s nomination highlights the passion and expertise that drives our approach. We’re incredibly proud of these achievements, and we’re looking forward to continuing to lead the way in coastal engineering.”
Engineers Australia Excellence Awards
Engineers Australia’s Excellence Awards have a long history of promoting the engineering profession, celebrating the outstanding achievements of individual professionals and engineering teams. Divided into People Awards and Project Awards, the program recognises those at the forefront of engineering innovation across Australia.
ICM’s recognition in this year’s program highlights our role as a leader in the field of sustainable coastal management and reinforces our commitment to developing forward-thinking, nature-based solutions for coastal protection. As we continue to lead new approaches to engineering challenges, we look forward to further collaborations that combine innovation, environmental sustainability, and community benefits.