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Following Tropical Cyclone Debbie in 2017, the existing revetment at Conway Beach was deemed as severely damaged. A replacement rock seawall was designed by ICM and constructed to protect critical infrastructure, improve coastal resilience, and enhance public access. Project Details: Client: Whitsunday Regional Council Date: 2018 – 2019 Location: Conway Beach, Queensland About This Project The Challenge: Severe storm events, including Tropical Cyclone Debbie, had caused significant damage to the existing revetment at Conway Beach, leaving critical public infrastructure - including Penhallurick Esplanade, the carpark, and foreshore amenities - at risk of further erosion. Without intervention, continued coastal recession could have led to infrastructure failure, loss of public access, and increased maintenance costs. A durable, cost-effective coastal protection solution was required to safeguard the foreshore while enhancing public access and beach amenity. The Solution: ICM was engaged to assess, design, and oversee the construction of a replacement rock seawall, ensuring a long-term, resilient coastal protection strategy. Detailed Design: A comprehensive site assessment informed the optimal seawall design and construction approach. The seawall was designed to protect critical infrastructure while reducing wind-blown sand, enhancing public access, and minimising long-term maintenance costs. Construction Inspection & Certification: Construction was undertaken by East Coast Civil Contracting between February – June 2019. ICM provided construction inspection and certification services, ensuring full conformance with design requirements and approval conditions. Final RPEQ certification was provided upon completion, confirming compliance with engineering and environmental standards. "We were proud to design a rock wall solution for Whitsunday Regional Council that safeguarded critical infrastructure, remained cost-effective, and provided continued community access to the coastline." - Aaron Salyer, ICM Services Provided: Coastal Engineering & Design Condition Assessment & Site Inspection Detailed Rock Seawall Design Construction Supervision & Certification Erosion & Coastal Resilience Planning Get in Touch: ICM has decades of experience delivering coastal protection solutions across Queensland, ensuring durable, low-maintenance infrastructure for councils and coastal asset managers. If your site requires seawall design, erosion control, or emergency coastal protection, get in touch with us today. Contact us to discuss your project needs.

Shorelines are always changing and require coastal erosion solutions to prevent land loss or structural damage. The severity of the erosion can vary significantly depending on the site conditions and season. Some beach erosion occurs naturally during storm seasons, however, at a ‘healthy beach’ the sand will 'self-re-nourish’ over time. Human interference at the site (or nearby sites), can disrupt the natural, dynamic cycle and therefore a coastal erosion solution (or multiple solutions) are required. Coastal engineers have developed processes and procedures to evaluate the causes or erosion and determine the most suitable outcomes for the site, taking into consideration things like: The natural site conditions Coastal erosion solution type (hard armour, softer solutions including green and blue solutions) Cost Aesthetics Disruption to surrounding areas Longevity and Durability The following article reviews the causes behind erosion, the erosion process, different coastal erosion solutions and the method by which the best suited design should be determined. What is Coastal Erosion? In most cases, coastal erosion relates to beach loss. This can lead to property loss and severe damage. Defined as the mechanical grinding and wearing away of natural surfaces, erosion can happen in a variety of ways and over a range of time. Beach erosion does occur naturally and, in some cases, can be temporary. It is possible to measure and explain the retreat of the shoreline by using the tides, the seasons, and other short-term cyclic events in a site investigation study. This will be used to determine the best solution for the site. Coastal Erosion Causes Coastal erosion is the process by which sand, soil and rocks are removed from the coastline by natural forces such as water, waves, currents, tides, wind-driven water, waterborne ice, and other types of storm impacts. Depending on where you are in the world it could be any one or a combination of forces that is causing the erosion. Each process can have different impacts. There are however, a lot of beach erosion prevention solutions . Effects of Coastal Erosion Different types of coastline are affected differently by erosion. In areas where rock layers meet the sea, coastal erosion produces rock formations. Softer sections erode much faster than tougher ones, resulting in landforms like as natural bridges, pillars, and columns. Typically, the coastline levels off with time. The softer areas get filled with silt and sand eroded from the harder areas, and the rock formations are eroded away. Leaving headlands. These kinds of large-scale erosion happen over very long periods of time and in most cases coastal communities or private properties are concerned with the more short-term effects that are already causing land loss or damage to property. Without proper design coastal erosion solution, the land loss and damage can intensify quickly, especially heading towards storm season. How is Erosion Caused by Rivers? In many coastal areas where rivers meet the sea, there are waterways directly affected by river erosion. When water erodes the banks of a river or waterway, it is termed river bank erosion. Although river bank erosion is a natural process, it may be accelerated by human activity. Common elements leading to river and waterway bank erosion consist of: Removal of natural vegetation along the river bank Excess flooding and rain Interference with the natural tidal flow of the water way The consequences of erosion on river banks are not confined to the area in which the erosion is taking place; rather, they are likely to be felt farther downstream as well. As a result of erosion, more debris is carried downstream, which may change the course of the river and obstruct navigation routes. There are several ways coastal erosion solutions specifically for river banks/canal ways and marine waterways that will be discussed further below. What are the Effects of Wind Erosion? The natural process known as "wind erosion" involves the movement of soil from one location to another by the force exerted by the wind. It is possible that it may do significant damage to landscape and infrastructure. Wind erosion may be caused by even a gentle breeze that moves soil particles over the surface, but a strong wind can produce dust or sand storms by lifting a significant number of soil particles into the air. Even though wind erosion is more common in arid regions, coastal sand dunes, and beaches, certain geographical features may also cause wind erosion. Therefore, wind is a primary agent of erosion; nevertheless, the topography and condition of the land are mostly to blame for the wind erosion that does the greatest damage. Reducing the impacts of wind erosion are one of the considerations covered in the design of coastal erosion solutions and are discussed in more detail in the sections below. Sea Level Affecting Erosion? According to The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change coastal erosion will accelerate globally as a result of sea level rise induced by climate change, resulting in severe changes to coastlines and low-lying coastal regions. There is no doubt that as sea level rises and storm severity increases there will be significantly more strain on coastline and coastal properties/infrastructure. In coastal engineering design (especially in the case of coastal erosion solutions) sea level rise is taken into consideration. There are various computer model predictions used around the globe to look at expected sea level rise amounts over the coming 100 years. There are also accepted sea level rise values that have been adopted in different locations which should be used in the design process by coastal engineers. Examples of Coastal Erosion Processes There are three main types of coastal erosion processes: Hydraulic action - this is the force of the waves when they slam on the rock. Abrasion occurs when pebbles scrape on a rock platform, similar to sandpaper. Attrition occurs when boulders carried by the water collide with one another. Each process result in slightly different outcomes. And in many cases, site erosion can include a combination of all three. The design process for coastal erosion solutions can take into consideration the different erosion process to bes determine which solution will give the best outcome. How to Prevent Coastal Erosion In different parts of the world, people have tried a wide range of different strategies to cut down on the amount of beach erosion. Although a few of these tactics have shown to be very successful, each one comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. They typical process to prevent coastal erosion is to first study the site, find out why the erosion is occurring, then review different strategies and solution methodologies to determine which (or what combination) will work best for the site. Coastal erosion solutions should be designed by professional coastal engineers as it has been proven time and time again that incorrect installation of erosion control methods can actually do more damage and cause greater levels of erosion both locally at the site and in nearby sites. Coastal Erosion Solutions The only real way to stop erosion from happening is to stop the natural process (ie. stop the wind and waves). In some cases, this is possible, where high visual impact is not a concern, however, in many cases to completely stop the natural conditions will drastically impact the site (both visually and environmentally), and therefore a level of reduction would be acceptable. There are a few different approaches to coastal erosion solutions, including the following main types: Hard coastal erosion solutions Hard Coastal erosion solutions are considered to be a form of structural defence that are designed by coastal engineers to stop or reduce wave or tidal impacts on shoreline or existing structures. There are several different types of hard structures: Seawalls Seawalls are not only used as a beach erosion prevention method, but they can be used in a variety of site scenarios including reclamation and river banks/waterways. Seawalls can be made from a varity of material and designed in different ways to perform as required on site. Some of the different types of seawalls are highlighted below: Curved Face Seawall A seawall with a curved face is intended to resist intense wave action. Curved faced seawalls are typically made from concrete and direct wave energy up the curve to dissipate the energy rather than reflect the energy (which happens in vertical walls). Stepped Face Seawall A seawall with a stepped face is used to moderate wave action. This type of seawall is made out of reinforced concrete sheet piles that are put together with tongue-and-groove joints (it can also be made using gabions or geotextile sand containers ). Between the piles, the spaces are either filled with grout to make a sand-proof cut-off wall or geotextile fiber is installed at the back of the sheet pile to make a sand-tight barrier. Putting down geotextile is a good idea because it lets water seep through and stops water pressure from building up. Rubble Mounded Seawall Design and development properly this seawall layout may be simpler and less expensive that the others mentioned above. It can withstand very powerful wave energy as it’s permeable finish allows for good wave dissipation. They are also slightly ‘flexible’ in that even though the beach becomes eroded at the base of the structre, the seawall's quarry stone may be readjusted and settled without structural collapse. Bulkhead or Quay Walls / Vertical Walls Bulkheads may be made from concrete, steel, or wood. There are two primary types: gravity structures and sheet pile walls. Vertical walls general suite locations that are not subjected to very powerful wave movements and their primary function may be to retain soil, but the designer must consider scour at the structure's base. Cellular sheet pile bulkheads are used when rock is near to the surface and sufficient penetration for an anchored bulkhead cannot be attained. Sheet pile design should be done by coastal engineering specialists that take into consideration the various strain moments on the wall. Groynes Gryones (or Groins) are shoreline protection structures that reduce coastal erosion by altering offshore current and wave patterns. Groyne may be constructed from concrete, stone, steel, or wood, and their classification depends on their length, height, and permeability. Groynes impact the natural longshore flow of sand and cause a jigsaw like finish to a shoreline and must be designed correctly otherwise they can create down drift erosion problems. Breakwaters Breakwaters can be either connected to shore or completely dethatched from shore (offshore breakwaters). They are popular form of coastal erosion solution for areas that want uninterrupted access to the beach front (unlike groynes that disrupt the beach flow). Breakwaters can be designed and built to have varying levels of wave energy reduction. From full wave reduction (when the breakwater crest emerges fully out of the water high enough to block storm waves). They can also be low-lying (semi submerged) which can significantly reduce the wave energy without being visible all of the time (and also using less material to build resulting in cheaper installation costs). Artificial Reefs Built offshore and out of site, these can be some of the best solutions for sites that want low visual impact. Artificial reefs are designed to be multifunctional and can both reduce wave energy on shore while enhancing the local marine habitat and environment. Unlike offshore breakwaters that can be highly emergent out of the water and reduce all the wave energy, artificial reefs are always submerged and allow some wave energy to pass over. Depending on the size of the artificial reef (height below the water level and crest width) the reef can be designed specifically to take out certain amount wave energy to allow for energy reduction while keeping water flow/circulation at the site. Designing Multi Purpose Artificial Reefs can have significant improvement on coastal resilience. Floating Barriers Compared to the more traditional fixed breakwaters, floating breakwaters provide an alternate approach to the problem of protecting a site from waves. It is more likely to be successful in coastal regions when the wave environment is relatively calm. As a result, they are more often used with the purpose of reducing erosion at a waterway entrance and preserving small boat harbors and marinas. A few of the factors that work in favour of floating breakwaters are as follows: Deep water – for sites with deep water can be a cheaper alternative to use floating breakwater to save on large volume of material required to breach the surface Less disruption to flow of fish species – the floating barrier allows for marine life to pass with minimal disruption, compared to large, solid structures Different Types of Material Used for Hard Coastal Erosion Solutions There are several different coastal erosion solutions that can be used at one site. And often a combination will render the best results. There are several different materials that can be used to build the different design options. And there is no ‘best’ option as each site will be different and have different requirements both for the outcome of the erosion protection, costs, visual and environmental impacts. Rock In many different coastal environments around the world, rock is used for coastal erosion solution structures. The process of rock design and construction is very well document and analysed with precise formulas derived to determine suitable rock wall slope, height, width and layer thickness. Depending on where in the world the site is located, there may be access to different grades of rock. Rock typically used for large scale construction comes from quarries and is broken specifically into a variety of sizes for use in the rock wall design. Each rock type has different density and therefore will have different design qualities. Rock is so commonly used because of a few reasons: It is permeable, which means some of the wave energy can actually pass through the rock itself, which acts as a way to dampen the wave energy without completely reflecting the wave energy as per a flat surface. It is slightly flexible, which means that if small shifts in the seabed occur the rock has the ability to settle into gaps without loosing structural integrity. Unlike a solid concrete surface for instance that can crack and loose shape if it shifts slightly due to sand loss underneath the structure. It is relatively easy to build. Staking rocks is typically a simpler installation process than some of the more technical product alternatives Sand Filled Geotextile Containers More and more, shore protection structures, especially along sandy coasts, are being asked to have less of an effect on the environment and the way things look than traditional structures like groynes and revetments. Also, these measures of reinforcement and protection must be cost-effective. This means using local materials and no heavy equipment, especially when the necessary infrastructure is not there. As a fill material, geo-containers have the advantage of being able to use the sand that is native to the area even in places where there is no access to rock material. As a direct result of this, it is possible that transportation costs and the environmental impacts they cause will be reduced. Because geocontainers may be transported up to a certain size without the need for heavy equipment, this might lead to a reduction in the costs associated with constructing. In contrast to conventional revetments and other types of hard structures, geocontainer constructions can easily be removed if needed (for temporary emergency erosion protection). Large scale geotextile containers can also be used for coastal protection structures. The size of the tubes can vary depending on the requirements of the design, however, can be large (a few meters high) and weigh thousands of tones once filled. These large tubes can be used on shore or underwater and can either be a standalone structure or tied into a rock design whereby the sand filled geocontaienr is used as a filler or core for a rock design to reduce the rock volume required. There are also different shaped geotextile container frames that are more rigid and stand up to be filled in long barriers. These can be stacked or integrated into other coastal designs. Concrete Concrete has been used in coastal erosion solutions for a very long time. It can fundamentally take on any shape or form and the results of the protection structure can vary significantly. The benefits of using concrete in the marine environment, is that it is often easily to source and builders are experienced with using it. It can also be poured on location into many different kinds of moulds or shapes as needed. The downside of using construe is that while it is strong and durable, it is also brittle and does not handle flexibility which is critical in the marine environment. This will depend greatly on the actual design and where the concrete structures are located. Structures made of reinforced concrete that are placed in maritime settings often experience deterioration in the early stages of their service lives. This happens most quickly in the splash zone, where there is a lot of oxygen, which speeds up corrosion, and where wet and dry conditions make chloride penetration worse. Moisture in the concrete also makes it better at conducting electricity, which leads to rust pitting, a type of aggressive localized corrosion. This causes steel parts to break off quickly and the concrete to crack and chip. In tidal and underwater areas where the concrete is saturated with water, oxygen levels are low because the concrete pores are always being filled with water. But corrosion can still happen in places where there isn't much concrete, which makes it hard to fix. Wood Wood has been traditionally used in coastal erosion solutions for centuries and is still popular in certain locations around the globe. It is used because of cost and aesthetic. Wood has been used to make a variety of coastal erosion solutions for a very long time. This is because wood has a lot of good qualities that are important for building in water. Some of them are For how much it weighs, it has a lot of strength It is often easy to source It's easy to use and keeps going for a long time It doesn't get damaged easily. Wood can be cut to any size, which makes it easy to use for any project and makes it very useful. Overall, hardwoods are better than softwoods because they can last longer and stand up to wear and tear better. There are many great ways to use tropical hardwoods. Ekki and Greenheart are two of the most popular ones. But Balau and Jarrah, which are also tropical hardwoods, have also been used for water projects. Gabions Gabions are wire baskets with a mesh manufactured from galvanized steel wire or heavy duty marine plastic. The "boxes" are filled with hard rock pieces and piled to create a gravity wall or other coastal erosion solutions. Gabion walls rely largely on the compactness and weight of the rock pieces to ensure interior stability and withstand hydraulic and earth forces. Gabions are permeable, like rock in coastal design which allows for better absorption of wave energy. They also require relatively low-level construction process and minimal machinery which can work great for remote sites. Soft Coastal Erosion Solutions Using natural processes to safeguard the coastline, soft engineering may be a more sustainable, long-term, and can be more cost-effective method to coastal defence depending on the site. ‘Soft’ basically means that no ‘hard’ or structural coastal erosion solutions are built to directly reduce wave energy. Examples of soft erosion solutions include: Beach replenishment entails importing beach-quality sediments to "top up" beaches. Sand dune management may include the construction of walkways, ladders, and boardwalks to avoid human deterioration of the beach. Locally lowering the water table under the beach face so that sand accumulates over the drainage system. Nearshore nourishment is a great way to achieve mass volume for lower cost Green/Blue Coastal Erosion Solutions Nature has developed some amazing, natural beach erosion prevention methods. These can be considered green (for terrestrial/land based vegetation) and blue (marine/underwater vegetation/flora). Here are are a few examples of different types of natural coastal erosion solutions. Artificial Reefs These also fit into a blue/green solution and can be eco-engineered into promotion of local marine growth and tailored specifically to attract local fish species. Artificial reefs can vary significantly in design, to be large masses which create offshore volume to significantly reduce wave energy offshore. Or they can be small purpose built products that individually have low impact, but when added in mass can create significant change. Coral Planting Natural coral reefs protect shorelines from waves, storms, and floods, hence preventing loss of marine life, damage to property, and erosion. When reefs are damaged or destroyed, the lack of natural barrier may enhance the damage caused by regular wave action and major storms to coastal settlements. Natural coral reefs are amazing barriers for wave energy reduction and have been shown to reduce wave energy by up to 97% . In areas where natural corals have significantly died, coral fragments can be planted. These can come from either coral farms (onshore or offshore) or directly re-positions in an act called coral transplanting. While planting corals on a reef may have a long-term improvement on wave energy reduction, it will rely heavily on the outcome of the corals ability to survive. In most cases where the coral has degraded to the point that it is no longer acting as a wave reduction barrier. It is likely got to that point by an array of external influences, whether natural causes or human influenced. Unless these external factors are also addressed it is likely the newly planted corals may also face the same level of eventual decline. Therefore, coral as a solution on its own may not be enough for a coastal erosion solution. Mangrove Planting Despite the fact that mangrove forests are often situated on coasts with low wave energy, they can experience greater waves during storms, hurricanes, and times of severe winds. Flooding and damage to coastal infrastructure may be caused by high winds and surge waves. Mangroves may possibly lessen related damage by lowering wave energy and height. Wave height may be reduced by between 13 and 66 percent when mangroves are present at distances of more than 100 meters. Near the border of the mangrove forest is where waves experience the largest rate of wave height reduction per unit mile as they begin their trip through the mangroves. In addition to mangrove trees, oyster reefs within the mangrove system area a great nature based solution . Dune Vegetation Planting With beach nourishment (soft solution) artificial sand dunes can be created or built back up to a desired level. Combined with a hard solution (dune barrier which is buried under the new dunes as an emergency last resort), the dunes can also be planted with regionally available dune vegetation. These plants 'hold' the dune sand in place and help to reduce loss from wind erosion. How to know which coast erosion solution is right for your site? Determining the right coastal erosion solution for your site can seem overwhelming at first. There are a whole myriad of options of varying costs and style with varying results. For the majority of cases, you are going to want to use a professional coastal engineer to review the site and determine which option are the most suitable. In many cases, the most effective beach erosion prevention approach will be to implement a combination of coastal erosion solutions. The basic process in which best to determine is as follows this step by step process: Step 1. Initial discussion with coastal engineer This will help to determine what is happening at the site, the desired outcome of the design so that the engineer can get local knowledge of the site Step 2. Price proposal made This is when the coastal engineers offer a price proposal to investigate further/do the required design works Step 3 . Option Assessment & Concept Designs Concept designs are developed for the site, looking at a few select options with their potential outcomes and costs Step 4 . A review of the concepts (client and engineer) This offers the client time to review the concept designs to see which the preferable method of approach based on costs, predicted outcomes, aesthetic, etc. Step 5. A detailed design for construction Detailed design is done by the coastal engineer which includes design drawings that can be taken by a marine contractor and used to build the design on site Considerations in the design process also include: Sit specific information Depending on the location of the site, a sit survey may be required to collect both land and underwater survey levels, tide, wind and wave data Local design sand environmental standards Different regions of the world have different design standards that may need to be adhered to Approvals Generally, in marine design and construction there is an approval process required before the works can take place. The approval takes into consideration environmental impacts on the site and surrounding area

Cyclone Alfred put the Gold Coast’s coastal resilience system to the test, sparking widespread media discussion on beach erosion, recovery timelines, and coastal resilience. Over the past week, ICM’s coastal engineers have been featured on major TV, radio, and digital media outlets, providing expert insights into how the coastline is responding. From Channel 7’s Sunrise to ABC News and national radio, ICM's Angus Jackson and Aaron Salyer explained why erosion is a natural process, how our engineered systems are protecting valuable infrastructure, and what’s next for beach recovery. Below, we’ve compiled key takeaways, expert quotes, and highlights from our media appearances. Channel 9 News TV Interview, 8 March 2025 | Angus Jackson joined Channel 9 News to discuss the impact of Cyclone Alfred on the Gold Coast's beaches and how the city’s coastal resilience strategies have performed under extreme conditions. Alison Ariotti, Channel 9 News: "What is the process for people at home to understand that the beaches need to go through to fix this erosion?" "What normally happens is an event like this is Council closes the access ways to the beach, which they've done to try and stop people getting onto the beach, and not being able to get off, because at high tide, there is no beach. There's vertical scarps with waves hitting them, and we've all seen that on TV over the last few days. Council generally then comes along and and knocks the scarps down to make them safe." - Angus Jackson, International Coastal Management 4BC with Gary Hardgrave Radio Interview, 11 March 2025 | Aaron Salyer joined Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Radio to discuss the Gold Coast Mayor’s plan to restore the beaches and how coastal infrastructure played a crucial role in limiting storm damage. Gary Hardgrave, 4BC: " I know they put rock walls and groins in certain spots, that's to stop some of the prevailing currents moving sand up and down the coast. Some beaches get fuller at the expense of others and so forth. Is there any other solution that we can do or this is just it, you get a big cyclone, it's going to suck the sand out, you got to pump it back or wait for it to come back over a period of time." "There is, but there's a couple of good points you made. So under the sand dunes along the Gold Coast, pretty much for the majority of the stretch, there's a buried rock wall ( terminal seawall ). So that was put in after those cyclonic events of the 60s and 70s where, houses were falling in, and roads were falling into the sea." "So it really creates that, that sort of last backstop, for worst case events like this one. Thankfully for the majority of the Gold Coast, dunes are built in front/on top of that rock wall, which are actually artificial dunes , or 'urban dunes', so they're put there by design to create this natural buffer between the sea and that submerged rock wall. Most of the Gold Coast hasn't even exposed that worst case scenario rock wall buried under the dunes. So, for the most part the dune system really is doing its job and actually acting as a natural buffer, because what we don't see all the way up and down the Gold Coast are properties and roads falling into the sea." - Aaron Salyer, International Coastal Management ABC Drive with Bern Young Radio Interview, 11 March 2025 | Angus Jackson sat down with Bern Young on ABC Gold Coast Drive to share a historical perspective on coastal engineering and how past cyclones shaped today’s Gold Coast resilience strategies. Bern Young, ABC Gold Coast: "My guest is Angus Jackson. Now he's an executive coastal engineer with International Coastal Management, his own company after being Council's coastal engineer for a very long time, and a very important time in Council's history. Some people call you the godfather of the coastal protection system that we have. And this includes things like bypassing, backpassing , dune restoration , what we've seen with the sand pumping to create the super bank at one end, world leader in artificial reefs . [...] And he reckons the beaches have well and truly passed a major stress test. with Alfred." "The beaches are in great condition and that's not by luck. That's by good engineering. We lost our beaches in the 67 event and it took a long time to get them back. In fact, in 1967, the Gold Coast nearly went bankrupt because our beaches disappeared. That left a legacy in our DNA - we were never going to let that happen again. Today, we have seawalls , artificial reefs , and an entire system designed for events like this." - Angus Jackson, International Coastal Management Channel 7's Sunrise TV Interview, 12 March 2025 | Aaron Salyer joined Matt Shirvington and Natalie Barr on Channel 7's Sunrise to explain the science behind beach erosion and how the Gold Coast is planning for a faster recovery. Matt Shirvington, Sunrise : " What about the sand? Because so much of it has been basically washed back into the ocean. How do we get it back on the beaches?" "The way these beach systems work is they're quite highly dynamic. Erosion is actually a natural process. So the dune systems up on the top of the beach get hit by high impact storms. Some of that sand goes out into the offshore zone, which create those offshore sandbars. Now those offshore sandbars over time will naturally start to wash back in and rebuild this naturally." "That could be over, the course of a matter of months. It could even be, up to a couple of years to fully recover. But here on the Gold Coast, we just can't wait that long. We're too dependent on this beach, not only as a soft infrastructure, but as an asset. To the community. So the Gold Coast Council is going to step in hurry that along by doing things like bringing in a big dredge to actually shift that sand from offshore onto the onshore zone." - Aaron Salyer, International Coastal Management Sydney 2SM with Chris Smith Radio Interview, 13 March 2025 | Angus Jackson joined Chris Smith on Sydney’s 2SM Radio to discuss where the sand has gone - and how Gold Coast’s innovative sand management policies ensure beach recovery. "We've got policies in place, so any dredging in the broadwater, that sand goes to the beach. The Gold Coast beaches are incredibly managed. So at the moment, we pump sand across from the Tweed River from New South Wales into Queensland." "And then that sand travels along the Gold Coast and at the northern end, at the seaway, the Nerang River, sands pump northwards to continue its route. Times like this they turn on the tap and they pump back south to surfers paradise. So once that pipeline has been restored, there'll be a recirculation of sand." - Angus Jackson, International Coastal Management Channel 7's Sunrise with Sam Mac TV Interview, 14 March 2025 | Aaron Salyer joined Sam Mac on Channel 7's Sunrise to check in on how the Gold Coast beaches were holding up post-cyclone. Sam Mac, Sunrise: "We wanted to check in on the Gold Coast. Of course there's been lots of discussion and lots of pictures floating around vision of the scarping that's been happening. As you can see, it's a, it's around a three metre drop. [...] This must be the busiest time in your life." "Yeah, absolutely. But to me, this isn't as bad as it looks. For most people when they see this, they go start freaking out. But for me, I look at this and I go It's not so much about what was lost, it's about what wasn't lost. Look behind us. All of the buildings are intact, all the roads are there. The beach is doing its job, it's taking the brunt of the force of that cyclone." - Aaron Salyer, International Coastal Management ABC News with Nate Byrne TV Interview, 14 March 2025 | Aaron Salyer joined Nate Byrne on ABC News Breakfast to explain how Gold Coast beaches are designed to recover after extreme weather events. Nate Byrne, ABC News Breakfast:  " Okay, first of all, talk to me about what's happened here. Courtesy of Alfred. There must be just I can't even fathom the volume of sand that's missing." "Yes. Millions of cubic meters of sand have been eroded from the beach. But erosion is a natural process. Erosion happens at all kinds of times. But, in these kind of extreme events big wave energy hits the top of the dunes, takes out that sand and actually takes it offshore into the sort of offshore zone, which creates those offshore sandbars. What happens then is that naturally breaks the wave energy. And over time, those sandbars will actually start moving back in." "So this is a natural process. What's exciting for me as a coastal engineer is to see that, we had 12 metre waves out here just a few days ago and it's only eroded, slightly, not even all the way back to the worst case scenario here. The Gold Coast has been really prepping for this moment for decades." - Aaron Salyer, International Coastal Management ABC Gold Coast Mornings with Sarah Cumming TV Interview, 14 March 2025 |  Angus Jackson joined Sarah Cumming on ABC Gold Coast Mornings to explain the science behind sand dredging and beach nourishment . Sarah Cumming, ABC: " Tell us about how these sand dredging barges actually work. They don't actually take the sand from the ocean and dump it on the shore. They just move it back into the surf zone. Is that right? Can you just explain how that works for us?" "Yes, so when we were doing this back in the 1980s, we had no beaches at the southern end of the Gold Coast - just boulder walls. We needed to nourish those beaches very quickly. We were researching storm bars, which naturally move back onshore after a storm event, and we quickly recognised that if we created artificial storm bars with a dredge, nature would do the rest within six to 12 months - at about half the cost of traditional methods." "In 2017, the Gold Coast’s last major nearshore nourishment project moved around 3 million cubic metres of sand offshore. The dredge goes out, finds a good sand source, brings it in, and if it’s a really big dredge, they ‘rainbow’ it - pumping the sand into the air so it lands in the surf zone, where waves naturally bring it up the beach." "This method, developed by the Gold Coast City Council in 1985 when I was in charge, is now used globally. The benefit is that we don’t need pipelines on the beach - everything happens in the surf zone. And in 2017, we even designed the placement to improve the surfing conditions, so it’s a really nifty method." - Angus Jackson, International Coastal Management The Gold Coast Stress Test Cyclone Alfred provided a real-world stress test of the Gold Coast’s coastal resilience framework. The engineered dune systems , seawalls , and sand bypassing measures all performed as designed, preventing major infrastructure loss and setting the coastline up for a faster recovery. At International Coastal Management (ICM), we remain at the forefront of coastal engineering solutions, working with cities and communities worldwide to develop sustainable, nature-based resilience strategies.

Protect coastlines with ICM’s erosion control solutions. From beach nourishment to seawalls, we deliver coastal resilience solutions worldwide. Coastal Protection & Erosion Control Innovative, sustainable solutions, with decades of experience. At International Coastal Management, we provide tailored solutions to combat coastal erosion and protect shoreline assets. With 40+ years of experience and using advanced engineering practices, we stabilise shorelines, enhance beach aesthetics, and ensure long-term coastal resilience. Innovative and Sustainable Approaches Strategic and Cost-Efficient Planning Global Leadership in Coastal Solutions Dredging & Nourishment ICM specialises in the design, supervision, and management of dredging and nourishment projects worldwide. Our sustainable solutions restore beach width, protecting tourism, infrastructure, and local communities. We can combine beach and nearshore nourishment with dredging services to ensure safe navigation, effective sand management, and enhanced coastal protection. Our Solutions Beach Nourishment Nearshore Nourishment Dune Stabilisation Beach Scraping Reclamation Comprehensive Dredging Services Sand Relocation & Reuse Dredge Management Plans Working With Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers Cutter Suction Dredgers Backhoes & Barge-Mounted Excavators Bed Leveling Fluidisation Systems Sand Bypass & Backpass Systems Dewatering Bunds, Tubes & Containment Systems Key Projects Explore some of our recent dredging and nourishment projects below: Groynes, Seawalls & Revetment Walls ICM offers expert design and construction of groynes, seawalls, and revetment walls, providing long-term solutions for coastal protection. These structures are vital for stabilising shorelines, canals, and waterways, controlling sediment movement, and defending properties and infrastructure against storm surges and chronic erosion. Our Solutions Emergent or Low-Crested Groynes Groyne Fields Training Walls Retaining Walls Revetments Materials & Construction Working With Design, Approvals, Inspection, Certification Numerical Modelling Use of Environmentally Sensitive Materials Long-Term Monitoring Key Projects Explore some of our recent seawall, groyne and revetment wall projects below: Emergency Coastal Protection Works With vast experience in emergency coastal engineering, ICM offers rapid and effective solutions for immediate shoreline concerns. Our team of seasoned coastal engineers understands that emergencies demand specialised, site-specific strategies. Whether addressing erosion or storm damage, we provide swift and effective coastal protection, preserving coastal integrity and safeguarding properties and communities. Our Solutions Temporary Erosion Control Storm Response Solutions Key Steps to Our Emergency Services: Get in Contact Initial Site Assessment Tailored Strategy Development Regulatory Approval Navigation Implementation of Emergency Protection Works Continuous Monitoring Long-Term Planning for Site Improvement Key Projects Explore some of our recent emergency coastal projects below: Why Choose ICM for Coastal Protection? Our coastal protection services combine technical excellence with sustainability, delivering solutions that protect both the environment and the infrastructure. By using a mix of traditional engineering and nature-based approaches, we ensure that coastlines remain resilient in the face of climate change, erosion, and rising sea levels. Decades of international experience in managing complex coastal projects. Integration of cutting-edge technology and environmentally sustainable practices. Proven track record of delivering projects that balance coastal protection, community needs, and environmental stewardship. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your coastal project Contact Us

International Coastal Management (ICM) is a global leader in coastal resilience, marine infrastructure, and waterfront engineering, delivering cutting-edge coastal engineering solutions that enhance and protect marine environments. Resilient Coasts. Specialist Solutions. Industry-leading coastal engineering expertise for developments, governments and communities. Protecting shorelines with precision. Read more Contact Us 40+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 23 COUNTRIES 1200+ COASTAL PROJECTS Creating Solutions Tailored to Your Needs At International Coastal Management (ICM), we’re coastal engineer specialists with over 40 years of experience delivering tailored, innovative solutions that protect shorelines, restore ecosystems, and build resilient waterfronts. Unlike large civil engineering firms, we focus solely on coastal and marine engineering, with 1,200+ successful projects worldwide, helping communities, governments, and businesses safeguard their coastlines for future generations. Cyclone Alfred & Coastal Resilience: ICM Coastal Experts in the Media News ICM Receives Special Accreditation for the UN Ocean Conference 2025 News ICM Celebrates Success at Engineers Australia Excellence Awards 2024 News Explore Our Services For Private & Residential Tailored erosion control and coastal solutions for private properties and developments. For Councils & Governments Expert solutions for public shoreline protection and coastal resilience. For Commercial & Business Specialist coastal engineering to expand, enhance, and future-proof your developments. Our Valued Partners "The famous beaches of the Gold Coast are one of the city's greatest assets and require considerable management expertise and innovation to maintain their pristine condition and sustainability (…) Major beach nourishment works and the construction of an artificial reef (…) was undertaken by Council utilising the services of International Coastal Management. The success of the NGBPS after five years of operational service is testimony to the value and benefit of this evolving coastal solution technology." - Gold Coast City Office of the Mayor To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. How we do it, differently Custom Solutions That Work We tailor innovative designs that balance usability, protection, and ecological health. Save Time and Money With 40+ years of experience and 1,200+ projects worldwide, we know what works, and get it right. Specialist Expertise Focused exclusively on coastal engineering, we bring unmatched precision and results to every project. Our Services Coastal Protection Nature-Based Solutions Marinas & Waterfronts Engineering & Design Coastal Resilience Expert Review Coastal Protection & Erosion Control We specialise in protecting coastlines and mitigating the effects of erosion using cutting-edge engineering techniques and sustainable approaches. Beach Nourishment & Nearshore Nourishment Groynes, Retaining & Revetment Walls Emergency Coastal Protection Works Dredging & Sand Management Learn More Expert Review & Advice Our expertise is often sought in legal proceedings to provide professional opinions and advice on coastal projects, infrastructure, and environmental impacts. Expert Witness for Legal Proceedings Technical Review & Consultation Learn More Nature-Based Solutions & Artificial Reefs Our nature-based solutions integrate ecological processes with engineering expertise to deliver long-lasting coastal protection. Artificial Reefs & Breakwaters Mangrove Restoration, Shellfish Reefs & Saltmarshes Living Shorelines & Foreshore Improvements ECO-FADS / Artificial Fish Reefs Learn More Engineering & Design From initial concept through to final construction, we offer engineering and design solutions for all coastal and marine infrastructure projects. Coastal Structure Design (Seawalls, Groynes, Breakwaters, Reefs) Dive & Snorkel Site Development Hydrographic & Dive Surveys Project Management & Site Monitoring Learn More Marinas & Waterfront Developments We provide end-to-end services for marinas and waterfront developments, with a focus on environmental responsibility and innovative design. Design & Construction of Marinas, Boat Ramps & Moorings Submarine Pipelines & Underwater Utilities Special Events Infrastructure Learn More Coastal Resilience Prepare your coastline for future challenges with our climate adaptation and resilience services. Coastal Management Strategies & Planning Environmental Impact Assessments & Approvals Coastal Process Monitoring & Modelling Design for Climate Resilience Learn More Solving Complex Coastal Projects Discover how ICM has transformed coastal environments through innovative solutions that blend engineering excellence with sustainable practices. Below are a few of our highlighted projects: California, US Re:Beach Design Competition Bringing the Living Speed Bumps approach to Oceanside, a sustainable, nature-based approach to sand retention. View More Queensland, Aus Noosa Oyster Reef Restoration The first large-scale oyster reef restoration project in Queensland, designing oyster reef systems to restore habitat in the Noosa River. View More Queensland, Aus Coastal Cliff Stabilisation Stabilising and protecting the cliffs from coastal erosion, while preserving the iconic aesthetic of the historically and culturally significant cliffs. View More View More Ready to discuss your coastal or marine project? Contact Us Your Coastal Challenges, Solved By Specialists From erosion control to resilient designs, our specialist team delivers practical, proven solutions. We approach every project with a focus on precision, sustainability, and long-term success. Coastal Engineering Companies: How to Choose the Right Firm for Your Project Insight Seawalls in Australia: What you need to know Insight Facing erosion concerns? ICM offers proven solutions like shoreline stabilisation, beach nourishment, and sand management to safeguard your property and preserve its value. Losing coastline to rising seas? Our Coastal Resilience Plans use nature-based solutions like artificial reefs and living shorelines to protect and enhance your shoreline for future generations. Need marina improvements? ICM specialises in design, construction management, delivering efficient marina developments that optimise usability, increases site value and meets current standards. Explore our services Outdated assets? Our Condition Surveys and tailored upgrade solutions extend the life, safety, and sustainability of your waterfront infrastructure. Navigating regulations? Our expertise in Australian Regulatory Compliance streamlines approval processes, ensuring your project meets all standards efficiently. Concerned about project success? ICM provides expert design reviews and project assessments to ensure solutions are cost-effective, durable, and aligned with your goals. Ready to solve your coastal challenges? Book Your Free Consultation ICM Wins Global Recognition for Coastal Resilience Expertise The Re:Beach competition in Oceanside brought together the world’s foremost coastal engineering firms to develop sustainable, resilient solutions for their vulnerable coastline. ICM’s groundbreaking approach not only met the challenge but redefined it, awarding us the win and setting a new standard for coastal protection and enhancement. Full Service Whether you need a turn-key proposal or just looking for project elements or advice, ICM can assist through all project stages. Site Analysis Remote or on-site investigations to analyse site conditions and understand the natural dynamics. Design From conceptual with cost estimations to detailed design and approvals stages. Installation Our long track record of successful projects means we know how to pick the right approach for your specific site. On-going Monitoring On-going monitoring of projects (or elements) are an essential part of overall project success in the long term. Get In Touch With Us What makes ICM different from other coastal companies? ICM is uniquely positioned in the coastal industry having developed and implemented solutions that are considered world’s best practice. Our team is hands-on, with significant experience in site evaluation & solution implementation to ensure the best results are achieved for each site. How does ICM ensure cost savings on coastal projects? Our extensive experience allows us to get it right the first time, selecting the optimal solution for your specific site. By streamlining the process and avoiding costly errors, we help you save both time and money. What types of projects has ICM completed? We have completed over 1,200 projects worldwide, ranging from shoreline protection and restoration to marina developments and artificial reefs. Our portfolio showcases our ability to tackle various coastal challenges with proven results. Can ICM handle both small-scale and large-scale coastal projects? Absolutely! Whether it's a private development or a large-scale community project, our team is equipped to manage projects of any size. We tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs and goals of each client. What is the process for starting a project with ICM? The first step is to book a discovery call with our team. During this call, we’ll discuss your project’s unique needs, challenges, and goals. From there, we’ll outline a tailored plan and guide you through the next steps. What kind of post-construction support does ICM offer? ICM provides ongoing monitoring and maintenance services to ensure your project’s long-term success. We’re committed to the sustained effectiveness and resilience of your coastal solutions. Are there any positions or internship opportunities available at ICM? We’re always eager to connect with passionate professionals and students interested in coastal engineering. You’re welcome to email us your resume, and we’ll reach out if a suitable opportunity arises.

Meet the coastal engineering consultants driving innovative, sustainable solutions at ICM. Learn about our team and join us in building coastal resilience. Our Team. At ICM, we are more than just engineers - we are surfers, divers, environmental advocates, and problem solvers. Our deep connection to the marine environment fuels our mission to create sustainable, innovative solutions that balance development with nature. With decades of global experience in coastal protection, engineering, and climate adaptation, our team delivers practical, tailored strategies that work long-term. Founder & Director Angus Jackson BE RPEQ NER CPEng FIE Aust Angus has over 45 years’ experience in Local Government and Consulting. From the early 80s to mid-90’s he was responsible for management of the Gold Coast’s extensive beach and waterway systems developing a range of innovative methods and systems that helped position the Gold Coast as a world leader in coastal and waterway management as well as climate change adaption. Angus established ICM in the mid-90’s and has worked on innovative world firsts, in Australia and internationally, and has authored and co-authored over 65 technical papers. View publications Director & Principal Engineer Aaron Salyer BE MIE Aust Aaron has over 17 years' experience working on a wide range of international coastal projects in Australia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, India, Maldives, Vietnam, Colombia and Costa Rica. His involvement spans across all levels of project delivery, including engineering design, modelling, construction and contract administration. Aaron has also written several joint papers on coastal engineering design, specifically on eco-engineering artificial reefs for coastal enhancement and coastal sustainability development. View publications Senior Principal Engineer Bobbie Corbett BE(Hons) RPEQ NER CPEng MIE Aust Bobbie has over 20 years’ experience in a broad range of coastal, estuarine and waterway projects that have included very active coastlines and more environmentally sensitive coastal zones and waterways. While structural solutions can be more traditional, many have been innovative in design, multi-functional and utilise alternate construction materials and methodologies. Her involvement often spans the full life of a project from feasibility studies to post-construction monitoring and condition assessment. She has authored and co-authored over 35 technical papers. View publications Principal Coastal Engineer Martin Mulcahy BE(Hons) MIE Aust Marty joined ICM in 2011 as a project engineer and has since developed extensive expertise in coastal engineering design, project management, and fieldwork. With over a decade of hands-on experience, Marty has played a pivotal role in delivering successful coastal projects across Australia, the Asia/Pacific region, and the Middle East. Based on the Gold Coast, Australia, Marty has a keen interest in the engineering design of coastal protection structures and developing best practice coastal management strategies for our beaches and communities. View publications Senior Coastal Engineer Sam King BE(Hons) MIE Aust With over 8 years of experience in coastal engineering, Sam has worked on projects across Australia and internationally, specialising in coastal, estuarine, and reef environments. He is dedicated to delivering environmentally sound, stakeholder-focused, and nature-based solutions tailored to each site. Sam’s expertise includes developing innovative approaches using numerical modeling and cutting-edge technology. He is also focused on creating multi-functional reefs and restoring marine habitats, including within the Great Barrier Reef. View publications Coastal Engineer Zack Lindenberg BE(Hons) GradIE Aust Zack is a skilled coastal engineer with a specialisation in ocean engineering. He brings diverse expertise to ICM, having worked on a wide range of coastal projects, including innovative and eco-engineered solutions tailored to specific sites. Zack has been involved in all phases of the project lifecycle, from site inspections and design to securing approvals, overseeing construction, and managing projects. His expertise extends to conducting condition assessments and performance monitoring, ensuring projects meet the highest standards. View publications Coastal Projects Officer George Freeman BUD (Hons) Project Engineering / Construction Management George has a background in project engineering and construction management, with expertise in project planning, environmental assessment, and sustainable development. With hands-on experience in site assessments, quality control, and contract administration, he has contributed to large-scale infrastructure projects across Southeast Queensland. His passion for coastal environments, combined with technical knowledge in modelling and sustainability processes, makes him a valuable asset in delivering practical and resilient coastal solutions. View publications Research & Development Rodger Tomlinson BE, CPENG, NER, FIE, Professor Emeritus Rodger brings over 35 years of expertise in coastal and water engineering. He held the position of Gold Coast City Council Professor of Coastal Management and Foundation Director of the Griffith Centre for Coastal Management at Griffith University for 21 years. As an associate in ICM's team, Rodger provides expert advice on our projects and collaborates on research and development. His work focuses on climate variability, natural hazards, and sustainable coastal management, offering critical guidance to governments worldwide. A leader in the field, he has delivered keynote addresses globally, contributed to over 300 publications, and secured over $35 million in research funding since 2000. View publications Marketing Director Vivien De Greef BOccThy Vivien is a passionate advocate for sustainable development, leveraging strategic communications to advance coastal resilience and community well-being. As Communications Lead at the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, she developed impactful campaigns, enhanced digital platforms, and drove engagement around decarbonising healthcare systems and promoting sustainability. Now, as Marketing Director at ICM, Vivien applies her expertise in storytelling and strategy to amplify innovative coastal solutions. Her work empowers communities and supports ICM’s mission to protect coastlines and inspire global action for a sustainable future. View publications Why Work with ICM? A Team of Coastal Specialists Unlike other firms, we are 100% focused on coastal engineering. Proven Global Expertise 1,200+ projects tailored to local and international coastal challenges. Cutting-Edge Solutions From nature-based strategies to engineered protection, we create lasting impact. Email icm@coastalmanagement.com.au Call +61 7 5564 0564 Follow