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Australia’s Gold Coast represents groundbreaking innovation, and Dubai coastal development is a testament to how inspiration can lead to unprecedented growth. Both cities are synonymous with ambition and creativity, but few know the story of how Dubai’s rise in coastal development may have been inspired by the pioneering work done on the Gold Coast. What began as the Gold Coast's journey towards coastal resilience , could have helped shape Dubai’s transformation into a global symbol of innovation.  Table of Contents The Gold Coast’s Coastal Resilience Journey Did Dubai Coastal Development Take Inspiration from the Gold Coast Shared Challenges, Shared Futures   The Gold Coast’s Coastal Resilience Journey  The Gold Coast’s journey from a quiet resort town in the early 1900s to a global leader in coastal innovation is a testament to resilience. In the 1960s, severe beach erosion devastated the coastline, threatening the city’s economy and identity. Restoring the beaches posed an immense financial and technical challenge. Through bold measures, including dredging and land reclamation, the city not only restored its beaches but reimagined its coastline and waterways. It became a global leader in coastal management, implementing strategies to protect its shores while fostering development.    In 1985, Angus Jackson, our founder at ICM but then Director of Beaches and Waterways at the Gold Coast City Council, introduced a revolutionary approach to coastal management through nearshore nourishment (sand placement). His philosophy of " working with nature " went beyond traditional methods, incorporating vegetated dunes, advanced sand management, and meticulous monitoring systems.  This transformation wasn't just about aesthetics it was about resilience. The strategies were designed to safeguard the city against future challenges like rising sea levels, securing its iconic coastline and economy for generations to come.  Did Dubai Coastal Development Take Inspiration from the Gold Coast  By the 1990s, Dubai, under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, sought to transform itself into a global hub. The two cities’ shared ethos of innovation led to a sister-city relationship in March 2001, where Mayor Gary Baildon signed a Sister City Agreement between the Gold Coast and Dubai, focusing on coastal management and waterfront development.    It was rumoured that during an aerial flight over the Gold Coast's canal systems, Sheikh Mohammed commented on the Sovereign Island development that it was great, but could be even better. Could this have helped to validate the vision for Dubai's now-iconic Palm Jumeirah and World Island coastal developments, feats so ambitious they're visible from space.  The Role of Gold Coast Expertise in Dubai's Success  Gold Coast-based companies, particularly International Coastal Management , played a valuable role in assisting with Dubai's vision. With expertise honed on the Gold Coast, ICM was involved with projects, such as the Palm and the World Islands.     These were reclaimed from the ocean, much like the Gold Coast developments were reclaimed from waterways, low lying lands and swamps. Dredging is important to both cities, and we have no doubt that both cities will continue to develop their resilience going forward into the future. - Angus Jackson, ICM   ICM's involvement extended beyond the above-mentioned iconic projects. In the early 2000s, we collaborated with Dubai Municipality to develop solutions tailored to the Gulf's unique environment, including multifunctional artificial reefs (including surf amenity) with additional research and development of artificial reef modules specifically tailored to the local conditions. These efforts highlighted the importance of adapting Gold Coast innovations to meet Dubai's specific needs.     Shared Challenges, Shared Futures  As sea levels rise and coastal cities face increasing environmental pressures, both the Gold Coast and Dubai stand as icons of what can be achieved through innovation and collaboration. Their shared history of resilience and ambition ensures they are well-equipped to adapt and thrive in the face of future challenges.    Dubai coastal development may have taken inspiration from the Gold Coast, but it supercharged the vision, creating developments that capture the world's imagination. Together, they demonstrate that bold ideas and a commitment to innovation can turn challenges into opportunities. Looking for coastal resilience specialists? Get in touch with us !

The success of the Re:Beach Design Competition is a testiment to the power of expertise, innovation, and passion. At International Coastal Management, we're incredibly proud of our team, whose diverse skills and experiences have been the driving force behind this groundbreaking design. Let's introduce the team who have made this win one to remember.   Angus Jackson: The Visionary Leader   Angus Jackson, our founder and executive engineer, is a veteran with over 45 years in coastal and waterway management. His pioneering work on the Gold Coast (as the city's coastal engineer through the 80's-90's) set the stage for his innovative leadership at ICM, propelling our approach to the Re Beach project with foresight and ingenuity. Leveraging the experience of his successful projects helped to bring confidence to our design approach for Oceanside, California. Aaron Salyer: The Surfer Engineer   Aaron Salyer, our co-director at ICM, is leading the Re:Beach project and brought more than 16 years of international coastal engineering experience. His unique perspective as a surfer, coupled with a deep-rooted connection to California, was crucial in crafting a project that resonates with the Oceanside community.   Bobbie Corbett: The Innovator in Coastal Engineering   Senior Principal Engineer Bobbie Corbett's 20-year career has been marked by innovative solutions in coastal engineering. Her award-winning work on artificial reefs brought a critical edge to the development of the Re:Beach project's unique approach. She was also awarded the Engineers Australia "Women in Coastal Geoscience & Engineering Award" for 2023. Sam King: The Nature-Based Solutions Expert  Sam King's exceptional work in nature-based solutions has made him a rising star in coastal engineering. His focus on multi-functional reefs and marine habitat restoration significantly influenced the nature-based approach of the Re:Beach design.  He was awarded the Engineers Australia "Kevin Stark Memorial Award for Excellence in Coastal & Ocean Engineering" for 2023 and will be featured in the upcoming US Army Corp. of Engineers "Engineering with Nature" book for 2024. Martin Mulcahy: The Rock Design Specialist   Martin Mulcahy, known for his expertise in rock design, has been integral in reshaping rock standards for sea level rise. As a surfer, his insights were invaluable in ensuring the Re:Beach design caters to the surfing elements, blending engineering precision with the art of wave dynamics.   Zack Lindenberg: The Practical Visionary  Zack Lindenberg's background as a surf lifesaver and coastal engineer brings a unique blend of practical and technical knowledge to the team. His experience in ocean engineering and hands-on approach were key in the technical and site-specific aspects of the project approach in consideration of public safety and beach usability.   International Coastal Management Our team's combined expertise in coastal engineering, passion for sustainable solutions, and personal connections to the ocean have been the cornerstone of the Re:Beach project. This diverse blend of skills and experiences has not only driven the project to success but also embodies our commitment to innovative and environmentally responsible coastal management.   Join us in celebrating the achievements of this talented team and stay tuned as we continue to make waves in the field of coastal engineering.

In a fascinating study conducted by a team of world-renowned researchers from Griffith University and the City of Gold Coast, Australia, the impact of Multi-purpose Artificial Reefs (MPARs) on coastal sediment transport and morphology was examined, particularly focusing on the ICM led Narrowneck Reef project, two decades post-construction. This research is crucial as it sheds light on the long-term effects of multipurpose artificial reefs , which have been designed to offer coastal protection while enhancing marine ecology and recreational activities such as surfing. The Study's Findings The research utilised a combination of high-resolution topo-bathymetric surveys and numerical modelling to investigate how the Narrowneck reef has influenced sediment transport and morphological changes around the structure. Key findings include: Sand Bypassing:  Contrary to initial expectations, the study revealed that sand can bypass the multipurpose artificial reef around its offshore end. This was not anticipated during the reef's design phase and has not been widely reported in literature on similar structures. Current Deflection and Sediment Deposition:  The presence of the Multi Purpose Artificial Reef causes longshore currents to be deflected as they pass the reef, creating a "shadow zone" on the down drift side where sand accumulates. This finding is significant as it demonstrates the reef's role in sediment storage and coastal protection, aligning with its initial design objectives. Stabilisation of Coastal Bars:  The research also found that the Multi Purpose Artificial Reefs can help stabilise coastal bars as they move onshore, with a notable downdrift offset of the inner bar due to low oblique wave incidence. This effect contributes to the stabilisation of the coastal environment around the reef. Implications and Future Directions This study highlights the multifaceted role of Multi Purpose Artificial Reefs in coastal management, offering insights into their impact on sediment transport pathways and coastal morphology. The findings suggest that MPARs can indeed fulfill their dual purpose of providing coastal protection while enhancing recreational outcomes, such as surfing conditions. However, the research also showcases the importance of long-term monitoring and data analysis to fully understand the implications of such structures on coastal environments. Future research should continue to focus on the long-term performance of multipurpose artificial reefs, exploring their impacts under varying environmental conditions and their potential role in climate change adaptation strategies for coastal communities as costal erosion solutions . The insights gained from studies like this are invaluable for policymakers, and environmental managers in designing and implementing effective coastal protection measures that harmonize with recreational and ecological objectives. The study can be found, on Research Gate . Designing and Constructing Multi-Purpose Artificial Reefs The design and deployment of artificial reefs for coastal protection is a complex process that requires careful study and consideration of various factors. The complexities of designing artificial reefs stem from the need to balance stability, hydrodynamic processes, morphological response, and the interaction with local marine ecosystems. Stability:  The stability of an artificial reef depends on the materials used (e.g., rock armouring, geotextile containers or others), the structure's shape, and the forces exerted by waves and currents. Careful engineering analysis is required by coastal engineering specialists. Hydrodynamic Processes:  Understanding the impact of an artificial reef on local wave patterns and currents is crucial. The reef's design affects wave transmission, wave breaking, and the creation of circulation patterns that can significantly influence sediment transport and deposition around the reef. Estimating wave transmission over submerged structures, considering the permeability of the structure, the crest width, and the structure's position relative to the shore is a highly curated process requiring an extensive knowledge base with the latest in numerical and physical modelling capabilities. Morphological Response:  The shoreline response to the construction of an artificial reef can vary widely, with potential outcomes including beach accretion, erosion, or no significant change. Factors influencing these outcomes, such as the reef's distance from the shore, its submergence depth, and the prevailing wave conditions can have significant impacts. Designing a reef that enhances coastal protection without causing unintended negative impacts requires a nuanced understanding of these morphodynamic processes. Environmental Considerations:  Beyond their physical and engineering aspects, artificial reefs also interact with the marine environment. They can create new habitats for marine life, alter local ecosystems, and impact marine biodiversity. The design process must consider these environmental impacts, aiming to create structures that provide coastal protection while also supporting or enhancing the local marine environment as a nature based solution. Safety and Usability: A Multi Purpose Artificial Reef will be designed to allow for user interaction which creates a significant safety factor consideration that comes into the design process. Typically there are some 'trade-offs' in efficiency versus safety that need to be balanced specifically for the site and local conditions relating to the reef crest height and width. This will impact the depth over the reef at various tides as well as rip currents around the reef during different wave conditions. In summary, the design of artificial reefs for coastal protection is a multifaceted process that demands a thorough and well-researched approach. It involves not just engineering and physical considerations but also a deep understanding of the local marine environment. This complexity showcasses the necessity of engaging multidisciplinary teams in the design and implementation phases, ensuring that the reefs not only protect the coast but also preserve or enhance the marine ecosystem. Multi Purpose Artificial Reefs: One Piece of the Solution While the study has shown that after 20 years there are significant positive impacts of the Narrowneck Reef on the local conditions (beach volume, marine habitat and surf amenity in reef vicinity), it is part of a larger coastal resilience design approach. In order to create a "healthy beach profile" and "living shoreline", both the top and bottom of the beach need to be addressed in conjunction with short and long term sand management strategies. This includes activities like nearshore nourishment (an ICM developed approach), as well as dune vegetation and management . For over 30 years International Coastal Management has been at the forefront of coastal resilience design and implementation, specifically in multi purpose artificial reef design. Through the years our highly specialised team has developed new materials, construction and monitoring methods which are considered worlds best practice. As we move forward and encounter new locations and changing climate conditions we are continually developing on successful reef projects to ensure ongoing longevity and knowledge hub development for the improvement of eco-engineered reefs as a means for coastal resilience.

Coastal erosion is a persistent challenge for communities worldwide, driven by rising sea levels, frequent storms, and human activity along shorelines. Geotextile sand containers can offer a versatile, “soft” alternative to traditional solutions like rock groynes and seawalls , which can be costly and have their own drawbacks. They can provide a balanced approach to shoreline protection by combining durability with potenially reduced ecological impact (site dependent - read on for clarification).  In this article, we’ll explore what geotextile sand containers are, their key advantages and disadvantages, and when they are an ideal choice for coastal resilience. You will learn how they can offer effective erosion control when designed and implemented with expertise.  What Are Geotextile Sand Containers?   Geotextile sand containers, also known as geotextile sand bags or geosynthetic sand containers, are durable 'bags/blocks' or 'tubes' made from high-strength geotextile fabric and filled with sand or other local materials. Unlike rigid materials such as rock or concrete, these containers adapt naturally to the coastal environment and can be installed in a variety of configurations, such as groynes, seawalls , breakwaters and even artificial reefs .   "These sand-filled geotextile containers aren’t just soft rock; they’re flexible, adaptable, and designed to work with nature, not against it." - Angus Jackson, ICM When Are Geotextile Sand Containers a Good Solution?  Geotextile sand containers are highly adaptable and can be used in a range of coastal protection projects. They are especially suitable when the project requires flexibility, low impact, or involves challenging logistics. Here are some ideal scenarios for considering them:  Low-Crested and Recreational Sites:  Geotextile sand containers are a good choice for low-crested structures in areas with high recreational use. Their sand-filled composition provides a “soft,” hydraulically smooth structure, making them safer for beachgoers.  Temporary, Flexible, or Staged Designs: When quick installation is essential, such as in temporary or phased projects, geotextile sand containers allow for modular and flexible design. The containers can be quickly filled and installed, and their modular nature means they can be constructed in stages or modified if conditions change.  Sites with Limited Access to Rock or Large Equipment: In remote or environmentally sensitive locations, where importing large amounts of rock or concrete would be challenging, geotextile sand containers offer an effective alternative. They can be filled with sand sourced locally, minimising transport impact and the need for heavy machinery.  Environmentally Friendly Projects: Geotextile sand containers can have lower carbon footprint than other materials (including rock - considering material transport to site) and also have the capacity to support marine life. Over time, they often become colonised by marine flora, helping create habitats and blend into the natural landscape. Their soft exterior attracts 'softer' flora such as algaes, kelps and soft corals in certain scenarios.   Low-Impact and Adaptable Infrastructure Needs: Use is ideal where resistance to natural forces is needed without major impact loads. They are resilient to wave action, yet their modular design allows for removal, modification, or coverage with rock if required. This flexibility also makes them easy to inspect, repair, and replace.  Important Considerations for Effective Deployment  Geotextile sand container use should be carefully tailored to the specific coastal conditions of the site. Variables such as wave climate, nearshore slope, tides, sediment transport rates, and geotechnical factors all influence the optimal design and placement of these structures. Using advanced design tools and models,  coastal engineers  are essential for ensuring that these factors are thoroughly evaluated. With the right expertise, this coastal erosion solution  can provide stable, long-lasting protection with minimal impact on surrounding ecosystems.    “Geosynthetic applications in coastal structures need specialised design, maintenance, and monitoring to meet durability expectations, especially in light of climate change pressures and potential scarcity of natural rock resources.” - Angus Jackson, ICM  Advantages of Geotextile Sand Containers Cost-Effective and Accessible : Depending on the site, compared to traditional rock or concrete barriers, geotextile sand containers can be more economical. They can be filled on-site, reducing transportation costs, and are particularly suitable for locations where access to heavy materials like rock may be limited.  Flexible and “Soft” Infrastructure : Because of their sand filling, geotextile sand containers provide a soft surface, which is safer for recreational beaches where people engage in water sports.  Environmentally Compatible : The geotextile fabric used in these containers can allow the growth of marine life, making them compatible with natural habitats. Over time, they can build biodiversity, providing surfaces for marine organisms to grow and supporting local ecosystems.  Ideal for Emergency and Temporary Use : In urgent situations where erosion control is needed immediately, these sand containers can be quickly filled and placed, or used as temporary structures while more permanent solutions are developed.  Disadvantages of Geotextile Sand Containers  While they offer many advantages, there are also some limitations:  Durability Concerns : Although they are engineered for strength, they may degrade over time, especially in high-energy wave environments. Prolonged UV exposure and sharp debris can also reduce their lifespan.  Potential for Displacement : In areas with extreme weather or powerful waves, they may become displaced or damaged without proper design or installation and maintenance, reducing their effectiveness.  Maintenance Requirements : Regular inspection and upkeep are essential to ensure they perform well over time. Without adequate maintenance, they may be subject to things like vandalism or shift and lose their protective function.  Quality Variations : Not all geotextile materials are created equal. Inferior geotextile fabric can lead to quicker degradation or failure, which is why it’s essential to use high-quality geotextile bags/containers from reputable companies.  At ICM, we have decades of experience in identifying and sourcing high quality geotextile companies. Our team ensures that clients receive top-quality materials for maximum durability and performance. Additionally, our coastal engineers carefully assess project sites to determine the best installation methods and configurations, enhancing the lifespan and effectiveness of each GSC structure.  Importance of Working with Coastal Engineers  Using geotextile sand containers for coastal protection requires a thorough understanding of coastal dynamics. Experienced coastal engineers are essential for analysing factors like wave energy, sediment movement, and environmental impacts, ensuring that the design and installation of these structures provide effective beach erosion protection.  Our experienced engineers at ICM guide each phase of the project:  Site Analysis : Conducting wave, sediment, and environmental assessments.  Customised Design : Tailoring the size, shape, and layout of geotextile sand container structures based on site-specific needs.  Expert Installation : Selecting the best installation method to maximise resilience, whether through above-water filling, shallow-water filling with divers, or using a split-hull barge for deep-water installations.  Ongoing Monitoring : Our team can preapre a monitiring and mainteance plan or perform routine innspctions (site dependent).  ICM’s coastal engineering team is dedicated to delivering GSC solutions that not only meet but exceed industry standards for quality and durability.  Real-World Applications and Success Stories  ICM have used geotextile sand containers in projects globally over the past 40 years. Here are some key projects: Maroochydore Groynes, QLD  In Maroochydore, Queensland, geotextile sand bags were used to create groynes that successfully stabilised the shoreline. Built with 2.5 cubic meter bags, these groynes were engineered for coastal protection while providing recreational benefits. ICM developed the design of the structures and also the containers and filling methods in conjunction with Geofrabrics to make them manageable with one excavator. After 20 years the structure was upgraded by a local contractor as the community opted to keep the groynes as sand filled geotextiles containers and not switch to rock for their user-friendliness.   “We don’t always need traditional hard structures. Sometimes a softer, more flexible approach is exactly what’s needed.”  Narrowneck Artificial Reef, QLD  The Narrowneck project on the Gold Coast used geotextile mega containers to construct a large scale multipurpose artificial reef. ICM developed the reef design and the filling and placement methods to achieve the most cost-effective volume of artificial reef creation to date. This reef not only assists in protecting the coastline but also enhances recreational amenities with improving surf conditions and diving opportunities. By combining erosion control with a boost to local tourism, this project demonstrates the multifunctionality of geotextile sand containers.  "We designed it as a coastal defense, but it quickly became a fishing and diving hotspot. People and nature both adapted to it, making it more than just a breakwater." - Angus Jackson, ICM Munna Point, Noosa River, QLD  Munna Point, a recreational beach on the Noosa River, faced severe erosion, leading to costly, frequent nourishment efforts. To restore the beach, ICM implemented a groyne field with low-crested geotextile sand containers and targeted nourishment. The first three groynes were installed using an innovative in-situ filling method with a dredge. Monitoring over 12 months showed a stable intertidal profile, and the beach now serves as a well-used community amenity.   Another first of its kind approach to placing sand filled geocontainers, these methods have since been used on multiple projects around the globe.   Private Island, Abu Dhabi:   ICM completed a structure in Abu Dhabi for a private island, developing 'soft' breakwaters out of geotextile sand containers. They quickly became popular recreational facilities for the beachgoers, and providing coastal protection, and helped to preserve the marine habitat (by having a much smaller footprint than the alternative proposed rock breakwater). Geotextile sand containers are favoured on remote islands for their minimal environmental impact (compared to high carbon footprints of importing rock) and adaptability to unique coastal conditions.  "We found that geotextiles often provide a much smaller footprint and create a habitat for marine life, something that’s hard to achieve with traditional rock structures." - Angus Jackson, ICM Frequently Asked Questions  What is the longevity of geotextile sand containers in harsh environments?  With the right design and regular maintenance, it's suggested that they can achieve a 30-year design life for structures (this depends on the material supplier and use of the containers, exposure, etc.). When it comes to repairs, geotextiles are easy to modify and manage. How do geotextile sand containers compare to rock groynes and seawalls?  While traditional structures made with rock and concrete modules are effective for erosion control, they can come with high costs and environmental drawbacks for remote areas. The best material for site depends on a multitude of factors and all options should be considered by a coastal engineer to achieve the best possible outcomes.     How do geotextile sand containers protect against tidal flow?  When well-designed and correctly filled they can offer excellent durability and strength in tidal conditions.   How can we prevent pollution at the end of a geotextile sand containers life?  Removal plans are often part of the design to minimise environmental impact.   How do I know if geotextile containers will work for my project/site?  By reviewing the conditions on site and working with you to achieve the expected outcomes, a coastal engineer can review several options which may include geotextile conatiners. They can also review which supplier(s) might be best suited to your project needs (as not all geotextiles are created equal and some are designed specifically for certain coastal applications). Will geotextile containers last on my project?  Sand filled geotextile conatiners are not a silver bullet for all coastal projects. Yes, they can be ideal for some projects, but then not recommended for other projects. It really depends on the site conditions and the expected outcomes however, for most coastal projects sand filled geotextile containers should at least be considered in an options analysis.   Do you want to use geotextile sand containers for your coastal project?  They can offer a great ‘soft’ solution for coastal erosion control, combining cost-effectiveness with environmental benefits and versatility. These structures allow coastal communities to protect shorelines while creating safer, more accessible beach environments.  At International Coastal Management (ICM), we have over 40 years of experience in designing and implementing these structures tailored to unique coastal needs. From emergency erosion solutions to permanent beach stabilisation, our expertise ensures you’ll have a customised approach that maximises resilience.  Contact us today to see whether geotextile sand containers would be a good fit for your coastal protection project.

Erosion at Munna Point caused loss of beaches and prompted the need for a sustainable solution. ICM designed and delivered a low-impact groyne system, complemented by dredging and nourishment, to stabilise the shoreline and restore recreational beach access. Project Details  Client:  Noosa Shire Council  Date:  2014-2018  Location:  Noosaville, Queensland, Australia  About This Project  The Challenge  Munna Point experienced ongoing erosion, leading to the complete loss of beaches in some areas. Regular nourishment programs provided limited results and were eventually discontinued. The location, including the adjacent Noosa River Holiday Park (a Queensland Heritage site), required a solution that addressed aesthetic concerns, minimised environmental impacts, and preserved public access while ensuring long-term stability.  The Solution  ICM developed a tailored design comprising of seven low-crested groynes and a dredging and nourishment program to reinstate the foreshore beach. Key features of the solution included:  Resilient Design: Conservative spacing of groynes to ensure stability and minimise future maintenance.  Custom Geotextile Materials: Sand-filled geotextile mattress was used to mitigate risks of deepening at the groyne heads, ensuring long-term durability. User-Friendly Design: Soft, sandy-colored geotextile containers maintained aesthetic harmony and ensured the groynes were safe and accessible for public use.  The works were executed in two stages, with a comprehensive monitoring program to evaluate performance. Approvals from local council and state agencies were secured for each stage, including a formal monitoring program to track outcomes and minimise risks.  “This project showcases how thoughtful design can balance shoreline stabilisation, environmental sustainability, and community needs. We’re proud to have delivered a solution that preserves Munna Point’s natural beauty and utility for years to come.” - International Coastal Management  Services Provided  Concept Design  Detailed Design  Approvals Management  Contract Superintendent Services  Certification  Monitoring    Get in Touch  With decades of experience delivering tailored coastal protection solutions , International Coastal Management specialises in groyne systems, beach nourishment, and innovative designs that respect community values and environmental integrity. Contact us today to discuss your upcoming project.

Holloways and Clifton Beaches in Cairns have faced ongoing erosion for decades, threatening public infrastructure, parklands, and essential roads. ICM provided innovative erosion management solutions that maintained beach access and public use along the foreshore.  Project details Client: Cairns Regional Council Date: 2024 Location: Clifton Beach & Holloways Beach, Cairns, Far North Queensland About this project:    The Challenge:  Holloways and Clifton Beaches experienced severe erosion, leading to the loss of vegetation and the risk of damage to critical public assets. Traditional erosion control methods posed challenges in balancing cost, environmental impact, and public accessibility.  The Solution: ICM conducted a detailed design process to identify the most effective erosion management solution. Through options assessment and cost-benefit analysis, a nearshore breakwater design was selected. This approach combined nature-based principles with low-impact, cost-efficient engineering. The design process included:  Use of the GenCADE sediment transport model to assess beach stabilisation and impacts.  Evaluation of multiple structure types, including groynes, breakwaters, and artificial reefs, using diverse materials such as geotextile structures and pre-cast concrete.  Calibration based on similar structures at Ellis Beach to optimise performance and recreational outcomes.  ICM also prepared detailed technical specifications, safety plans, and an Adaptive Management Plan to address future coastal risks and monitoring requirements.  “Our tailored approach ensures coastal protection solutions that work with nature, safeguarding public infrastructure while enhancing community access and sustainability.” - Sam King, Project Lead, International Coastal Management Services provided  Options Analysis & Cost-Benefit Analysis  Concept & Detailed Design  Technical Specifications & Safety in Design  Approvals & Grant Funding Application Assistance  Graphics Rendering for Community Consultation  Adaptive Management Planning  Get in touch At International Coastal Management, we have over 40 years of experience in designing and implementing coastal erosion solutions. From emergency erosion solutions to permanent beach stabilisation, our expertise ensures you’ll have a customised approach that maximises resilience.  Contact us  today to see what solution would be a good fit for your coastal protection project.

The sun-kissed beaches and world-class surf breaks of the Gold Coast have long been regarded as the unrivaled crown jewels of Australia's coastal landscape. The Gold Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. However, preserving this coastal charm requires more than nature's hand; rather, it necessitates creative and environmentally responsible approaches to coastal management. Artificial reefs, nearshore nourishment and bypassing systems are at the forefront of these advancements. These initiatives were spearheaded by the efforts of Angus Jackson in the early 80's (as the Gold Coast City's Coastal Engineer) and subsequently by International Coastal Management (ICM), his post-council consultancy. The Need for Change Historically, the Gold Coast's coastline was shaped and reshaped by the forces of nature—storms, tides, and currents. However, as the 20th century progressed and urban development surged, the natural equilibrium of these beaches began to waver. The 1960s and 70's bore witness to this delicate balance tipping, as severe swell events became more frequent, causing significant erosion and threatening both the natural beauty and the burgeoning tourism industry of the region. Traditional coastal erosion solutions , such as dredging and beach nourishment, became the immediate recourse. While these methods provided temporary relief, they were just that—ephemeral. The recurring costs, both financial and environmental, of these interventions were becoming untenable. It was in this challenging backdrop that visionaries and coastal management experts began to explore alternative, sustainable solutions. The focus shifted from merely reactive measures to proactive, long-term strategies. The idea was not just to combat erosion but to enhance the coastline's recreational and ecological value looking at more nature based solutions . This forward-thinking approach set the stage for innovations like artificial reefs—structures designed to promote sand accumulation and dissipate wave energy, thereby reducing erosion. Piloting for Success Instead of just putting solutions into place, the Gold Coast used a process of piloting and monitoring. With this proactive plan, the area became what could be called a full-scale coastal laboratory. With each project, a lot of monitoring and feedback loops were set up so that real-world results could be used to guide future projects. Because of this commitment to solutions based on facts, the Gold Coast has become known around the world as a model for smart and flexible coastal management. Milestone Projects A series of landmark projects chart the path of the Gold Coast's transformation: Narrowneck Artificial Reef Serving as both a coastal protection measure and a surfing amenity, this reef became a benchmark in artificial reef design . Continuous monitoring has shown geomorphological changes to littoral sand drift. This has caused a buildup of sand around the reef, helping to reduce erosion and offering added surf benefits on sandbanks. Notably, the reef was constructed using geotextile sand containers , which were approximately 1/3 the cost of a rock reef construction. This cost-effective approach was consistent with the pilot nature of the project. Succesful Outcomes: Demonstrated successful use of geotextile sandbags, offering cost-effective reef construction. Induced geomorphological changes, leading to sand build-up around the reef. Reduced coastal erosion and enhanced surfing conditions due to formed sandbanks. Here are some extracts from the latests scientific review of Narrowneck Reef after 20 years and the way that it interacts with the sand morphology. From the paper "Sediment pathways and morphodynamic response to a multi-purpose artificial reef -New insights" . "Twenty years after Narrowneck construction, the MPAR has shown a localised effect on the nearshore morphology that helps to maintain the beach in a similar state compared to the adjacent areas whereas it was previously more vulnerable (i.e. a hotspot). Sediment transport pathways are shown to occur both inshore and offshore of the reef, under varying hydrodynamic and morphodynamic conditions. This study has identified scenarios whereby a previously unforeseen deposition of sand downdrift of the reef occurs in the sub-tidal region." "The deposition process, associated with the presence of the MPAR, aids in coastal protection by dissipating incoming wave energy, before it reaches the shoreline and provides a temporary sediment store to feed the downdrift areas (Figure 36-8) in a process that is akin to headland sand bypassing (Short and Masselink, 1999; Klein et al, 2020) and moreover, it is closely linked to the wave height and direction (Vieira da Silva et al., 2018b). This is likely the reason why the downdift erosion expected during design phase (Turner et al, 2001) has not been observed in the data." "Twenty years after construction, the Narrowneck reef site has more sand deposited updrift and the longshore transport seems to have re-established with minimal impacts on the upper beach. The location of the reef within the active surf zone worked as planned allowing sand to bypass inshore of the reef, particularly under modal wave conditions. Although not initially expected, the results presented in this work demonstrate that the sand bypassing can also occurs offshore of the structure under certain conditions (large oblique waves). Whilst a persistent salient at the shoreline was not observed in the dataset presented here, Narrowneck reef evidently does affect the sediment transport and morphological changes in the short-term, helping to sustain the overall medium to long-term increased volume of sand while allowing sand to also bypass the reef and continue downdrift without significant negative impacts." "The short-term morphological response to the MPAR after two decades is more closely related to the deflection of longshore currents as they encounter the reef than to the dissipation of wave energy, mainly because MPARs are designed to dissipate just enough wave energy so that the wave can still be surfed." Sand Bypassing Systems (Nerang and Tweed Rivers) Recognizing the importance of maintaining navigational access and natural sand flow, sand bypassing systems were established at both the Nerang and Tweed Rivers. They've led the way in coastal management, with additional benefits observed in surf conditions at places like the Superbank and South Stradbroke Island. These systems not only ensured uninterrupted sand delivery to nourish southern beaches but also played a pivotal role in mitigating erosion. Succesful Outcomes: Pioneered sustainable coastal management, ensuring uninterrupted sand delivery. Improved navigational access and natural sand flow. Enhanced surf conditions at iconic spots like the Superbank and South Stradbroke Island. Palm Beach Artificial Reef (PBAR) Informed by the monitoring results from Narrowneck, PBAR was completed in September 2019. Recent Wave Peel Tracking (WPT) has shown the development of sandbank surf breaks around the reef. Ongoing surveys also indicate that the nourished sand remains retained around the reef, enhancing the coastal landscape and supporting its recreational potential. Succesful Outcomes: Used monitoring results from Narrowneck for informed design and implementation. Wave Peel Tracking (WPT) indicated the development of desirable sandbank surf breaks around the reef. Ongoing surveys showed retained nourished sand around the reef, indicating long-term effectiveness. The 2017 Gold Coast Beach Nourishment Project (GCBNP) Spanning June to September 2017, this project added over 3 million cubic meters of sand to the Gold Coast's beaches. The project utilised the novel nearshore nourishment approach to achieve high volumes. Survey results five years post-implementation indicate that a commendable 75% of the nourished sand at Palm Beach still remains within the system. This retention is believed to be due to the combination of nearshore nourishment and the Palm Beach reef, which have jointly contributed to sand retention despite facing significant storms over the past half-decade. This project was built on decades of research and development in the field of mass nourishment, led by Angus Jackson and ICM. Succesful Outcomes: Successfully added over 3 million cubic meters of sand to vulnerable beach sections. Five-year post-implementation surveys revealed 75% of nourished sand at Palm Beach still within the system. Proved the combined efficacy of nearshore nourishment and the Palm Beach reef, retaining sand even after significant storm events. Some Key Successes The accomplishments stemming from these projects are manifold: Sustained Sand Retention : Post GCBNP, a remarkable 75% of the nourished sand remained active within the beach system, underscoring the project's efficacy. Revitalized Surf Conditions : The emergence of surf-conducive sandbanks adjacent to the artificial reefs, especially the right-hander near PBAR, bolstered the region's recreational appeal. The Road Ahead The tale of the Gold Coast's artificial reefs and nearshore nourishment is one of innovation, resilience, and sustainable progress. However, as any coastal engineer or environmentalist would attest, coastlines are inherently dynamic zones. Their ever-changing nature, shaped by tides, currents, and human activities, mandates a proactive and adaptive approach to management. As we stand at the cusp of a future marked by climate change challenges, the significance of ongoing monitoring cannot be understated. The lessons learned from each project on the Gold Coast serve as stepping stones, guiding the next phase of innovations. The insights gleaned from the past become particularly vital as we grapple with the looming threats of sea-level rise and increased storm events. Predicted changes, fueled by global warming, will undeniably reshape our coastal landscapes, making the field of coastal engineering in Australia and globally even more crucial. Building upon the foundation laid by trailblazers like Angus Jackson and the entire team at International Coastal Management (ICM), the future will see coastal management strategies that are not only reactive but also anticipatory. Harnessing the symbiotic alliance of science, engineering, and the nature based solutions , we can ensure the Gold Coast's legacy endures, not just as a testament to its past glories, but as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of future challenges. Acknowledgements An acknowledgment is due to the Gold Coast city and their dedicated team, both past and present. Their unwavering support and openness to pilot projects have been instrumental in advancing coastal management strategies. Their emphasis on rigorous monitoring and development has set a benchmark for other coastal regions to emulate. Additionally, a special mention goes out to the consultants and contractors who have seamlessly integrated into the Gold Coast coastal management team. Their expertise, commitment, and collaborative spirit have been invaluable in shaping the Gold Coast's legacy as a pioneer in sustainable coastal management.

Discovering an article from the 1989 edition of Engineers Australia detailing Angus Jackson's innovative approach to combating beach erosion on the Gold Coast was like uncovering a time capsule filled with visionary predictions for coastal management. It's fascinating to reflect on the relevance of Angus Jackson's work today, as we witness the tangible outcomes of his strategies. His predictions, once hopes for a future at risk, have materialised into significant successes. The iconic nourishment techniques, dune management, multi-purpose artificial reefs, sand bypassing and comprehensive coastal preservation efforts he envisioned have not only safeguarded the Gold Coast's beaches but also served as a model for global coastal resilience. As we look back, it's clear that Jackson's foresight and dedication have left an indelible mark on the field of coastal engineering in Australia and globally, offering lessons on the power of innovation and the critical importance of harmonizing human activity with nature's dynamics. This article serves as a testament to the enduring impact of visionary thinking in addressing environmental challenges, proving that proactive and innovative solutions can create a sustainable future for communities worldwide. How it Started In the late 70's and early 80's, the Gold Coast's sparkling beaches faced a dire threat from erosion, endangering both its environmental treasure and booming tourism sector. Angus Jackson, a coastal engineer with foresight and innovation, embarked on a journey that would not only redefine coastal management on the Gold Coast but also set a global benchmark for shoreline preservation. His strategic interventions, well-documented over the decades, reveal a legacy of success, innovation, and environmental stewardship that continues to inspire. Pioneering Nearshore Nourishment Facing the erosion crisis, Jackson, then supervising engineer for special projects at the Gold Coast City Council, pioneered a nearshore nourishment (sand placement) program in 1985. His approach was revolutionary: "to work with nature." This initiative aimed to replenish the beaches naturally, complementing an existing beach nourishment program that began in 1974 after a critical study by Holland’s Delft Hydraulics Laboratory. Jackson began his works with the Godl Coast City in 1976 and would lead to the confidence in this approach was palpable. He famously stated, “Either Christmas '89 is a good beach, or I'm looking for a new job,” underscoring his commitment and belief in the project's success. Nearshore Nourishment Success The foresight and effectiveness of Jackson's strategies were not merely speculative. Over the years, the success of these initiatives has been extensively documented, showcasing not just the revitalization of the Gold Coast's beaches but also marking significant progress in coastal management practices globally. Jackson's work extended beyond sand replenishment; he was instrumental in developing vegetated dunes , sand management, and monitoring procedures that stand as a testament to sustainable coastal resilience. Coastal Innovations that Resonated Globally Angus' influence expanded internationally through his company International Coastal Management , where he championed the multi-purpose artificial reef approach at Narrowneck utilising geotextile sand containers . This innovative solution for coastal stabilization, over two decades later, is celebrated for its multifaceted success in environmental, recreational, and protective dimensions. "The creation of the large nearshore shoals has modified the wave climate and given immediate protection to the foreshore," Jackson observed, highlighting the project's immediate benefits. A recent study on the sediment transport around the Narrowneck Reef highlights that it is having a positive effect on stabilising the beach around the reef, improving marine habitat and providing surf amenity in the reef vicinity. Research and Education in Coastal Resilience Jackson's work through council and International Coastal Management laid the groundwork for ongoing research and education in coastal resilience. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Griffith University Centre for Coastal Management department (now called Coastal Marine and Research Centre ), aiming to preserve the accumulated knowledge and continue the advancement of coastal adaptation techniques and lessons. This initiative has made the Gold Coast a hub for cutting-edge research and a beacon for communities worldwide striving to enhance their coastal adaptability. A Future Built on Foundations of the Past Today, the Gold Coast shines as a prime example of how vision, innovation, and commitment can transform environmental challenges into success stories. Angus Jackson's legacy is not just in the sands of the Gold Coast but in the global community of coastal management, where his strategies and teachings continue to inspire action and innovation. In a world facing the urgent challenges of climate change and rising sea levels, the work initiated by Jackson and carried forward by entities like International Coastal Management and Griffith University have proven that coastal management strategies can have a multitude of benefits while providing ongoing resilience. It underscores the importance of embracing innovative solutions and fostering knowledge-sharing communities to protect our planet's precious coastal environments for future generations. The Gold Coast, once damaged by eroding coastlines, now exemplifies the power of sustainable intervention and working with nature. The Future of Coastal Resilience With our recent win in the RE:BEACH design competition in Oceanside, California up against world leading design consultants and teams, International Coastal Management have been awarded the chance to design and implement a coastal resilience approach based on the success of the Gold Coast. The design approach includes a multi purpose artificial reef, nearshore nourishment, sand/dune management plan and sand bypassing . This could be the new blueprint for coastal adaption methods in southern California. The full Engineers Australia 1989 Article You can read the Engineers Australia article below. Looking for Coastal Resilience and Adaptation Specialists? With decades at the leading edge of coastal resilience design and management approaches, International Coastal Management (ICM), have a dedicated and passionate team working in the coastal resilience space. From coastal management strategies to multi purpose artificial reefs, vegetated dune systems or sand nourishment programs, our team can assist with all levels from concept designs to budgeting, implementation and monitoring.

In the face of growing climate change impacts, such as rising sea levels, extreme storm events, and environmental unpredictability, coastal engineering has shifted toward solutions that work with nature to enhance resilience and sustainability. While nature-based solutions have been successfully implemented in inshore and estuarine environments, high-wave energy open coasts present unique challenges that require innovative approaches. At the recent International Conference on Coastal Engineering (ICCE 2024) , ICM's Senior Coastal Engineer, Sam King , presented on the topic of " Working with Nature Along Open Coasts, The Past, Present and Future .” This research highlights the progress and potential of nature-based solutions, particularly in challenging environments like open coasts, where the forces of nature are often more extreme. Below, we explore the key takeaways from this important work, which focuses on balancing coastal protection with ecological and community values. The Shift Toward Nature-Based Solutions In recent years, the field of coastal engineering has increasingly adopted nature-based solutions to address the dual goals of coastal protection and ecological restoration. These approaches aim to harness natural processes to improve ecosystem health, sequester carbon, and preserve coastal community values, while also providing practical benefits like erosion control and improved fisheries. However, when it comes to high-wave energy open coasts, where the environment is more dynamic and extreme, nature-based solutions alone often struggle to provide immediate or long-term protection. As a result, hybrid solutions—which combine both natural and engineered elements—are becoming increasingly critical for achieving the desired outcomes. Past Experiences and Proven Hybrid Solutions Drawing from past projects, ICM’s research has explored how hybrid nature-based solutions can be applied to high-wave energy environments. Examples include the use of dune management  and beach vegetation practices alongside buried seawalls, which allow natural processes to absorb and respond to coastal erosion trends while maintaining the protective capabilities of engineered infrastructure. Similarly, the use of artificial reefs  and nearshore nourishment  has proven successful in maintaining beach amenity and resilience while enhancing coastal protection during severe storm events. The Narrowneck Artificial Reef on the Gold Coast, Australia , serves as a prime example of this approach, where environmental values were improved through the integration of sustainable materials to support marine habitats. Present Innovations and Challenges  As the field of coastal engineering continues to evolve, coastal communities are increasingly calling for more innovative and sustainable solutions. Competitions like the Oceanside Re:Beach Design Competition  in the U.S. and recent policy developments, such as the Biden-Harris roadmap for nature-based solutions , highlight the growing demand for environmentally conscious approaches to coastal protection. However, implementing these solutions on open coasts comes with its own set of challenges: Immediate protection needs: Ecological processes take time to fully develop. In high-energy environments, this can leave areas vulnerable in the short term. Wave energy impacts: The extreme conditions on open coasts can impose significant stress on natural systems, leading to potential loss of protection capacity during severe weather events. Ecological incompatibilities: High-energy environments may not always be conducive to the successful establishment of certain natural systems, particularly those that require stable sediment conditions. Despite these challenges, the present state of nature-based solutions offers promising opportunities. With improved tools such as the Australian Guidelines for Nature-Based Methods  and the USACE Engineering with Nature Toolkit , engineers now have better frameworks to integrate nature-based elements into coastal protection projects. Future Directions Looking ahead, coastal engineers in Australia and globally will need to adopt more integrated coastal management systems that combine both conventional and nature-based solutions to address the long-term impacts of climate change. These approaches will need to preserve coastal values, protect community livelihoods, and ensure sustainable coastal economies. Pilot projects, like ICM’s work on the Oceanside Re:Beach Project , will be key to advancing these strategies. Ongoing monitoring and research will play a vital role in refining nature-based guidelines and ensuring that future projects are both resilient and adaptable to the changing coastal environment. The shift toward working with nature in coastal engineering represents a fundamental change in how we approach coastal protection in the face of climate change. By integrating nature-based solutions with conventional engineering methods, we can create robust, sustainable systems that protect both our coastlines and the communities that rely on them. Interested in learning how nature-based coastal protection can benefit your next project? Contact us today to discuss how ICM’s innovative solutions can help enhance coastal resilience while preserving environmental and community values. Poster: Working with Nature Along Open Coasts, Presented at the ICCE 2024 .

Beach erosion is a natural process and typically happens seasonally throughout the year. There are a wide range of factors that may cause greater than expected erosion and potential property damage. This article looks at beach erosion prevention solutions and how best to integrate them into a site. What is Beach Erosion and How is it Prevented? Beach erosion is the loss of sand, rubble and or rock from a beach front over time. There are various degrees of beach erosion that can occur at a site relative to time: Cyclical erosion – this is typically based on seasonal storm patterns whereby a beach may erode during storm syrge or high wave energy. During the calmer months, the beach will naturally re-build Significant event erosion – this is where a greater than normal storm event may take place and remove a significant amount of beachfront. During the quitter months some sand may re-build, but it will not be back to the same level it was pre-event Ongoing erosion – this is where a storm event or season takes place, causing erosion, however, there is no natural sand reserves to replace or rebuild during the quiet months. Therefore, there is a general erosive trend landward that does not stabilise over time. Is Beach Erosion a Natural Process? Beach erosion is a natural process. It happens at very different rates depending on the site conditions and can result in one of the above-mentioned erosion types (also site dependant). In many cases where a beachfront is left in its natural state, the erosion that occurs will be cyclical. This is how natural beaches stay relatively stable over time. With erosion occurring during storm season and deposition (sand build up) during calmer months. What is the Main Cause of Beach Erosion Some level of beach erosion occurs on most beachfronts around the world over time. In most cases, beach erosion is only really a problem when it relates property boundaries or infrastructure. This is when notable changes in the beach require beach erosion prevention solutions. There are a few factors that contribute to the erosion itself but in many cases, it comes down to a few key factors: Wave impacts direct on shore have changed There may be increased wave impacts on a section of coastline. This may be a combination of climate change, increased sea levels or changes to the surrounding areas (human inference) Reduced sand flow to an area Generally, occurs with interruption of natural sand flow by man-made structures on nearby site) which can reduce the ability for the beach to naturally build-up back up over time A beach may be artificially created (or nourished) with a sand that is not well suited for the wave conditions at the site Beach sand can vary significantly in quality and grain size. Very fine sand requires a significantly flatter slope than larger grains to sit at a ‘stable’ profile What are the Effects of Coastal Erosion? Depending on the site and the severity of the erosion there can be different effects. The most noticeable effects of coastal erosion include: Beach loss Property loss Property damage Landslides If erosion is occurring and the beach is not re-building (no deposition during calm months) it is possible that the rate of erosion may increase over time. The best way to avoid further property loss is to take action as soon as possible. Ways to Prevent Beach Erosion There are a lot of beach erosion prevention solutions out there. Each with their own advantages and disadvantages. However, whater the solution may be, there is a process to determine which will work the best for the site. The general process for preventing beach erosion is to follow the following: Do a site investigation This should be done by a professional coastal engineer It may include survey (both of the land and the sea) Determine the causes and rate of erosion This can also be done by a coastal engineer It can be done using a variety of mathematical equations and even computer simulated models taking into consideration all elements at the site (tide, wind, wave, surrounding interferences that may be man-made or naturally occurring) Review all relevant coastal erosion solutions with their suitability to site This takes into consideration things like constructability, cost, aesthetic, efficiency, etc. Review and narrow down preferred option trough options analysis Detail a solution Once a preferred beach erosion prevention solution has been determined, a detailed design can be done. This will result in drawings and construction material volumes that should be used by a contactor to build Construct the beach erosion control solution(s) There may be a variety of different structures and solutions implemented at the site Monitor the site It is good practice to follow-up with the site after significant storm events to ensure the design is performing as expected What is a Way to Stop Coastal Erosion Naturally? Our environment has developed some amazing nature based solutions to prevent and reduce coastal erosion. These are referred to as blue/green solutions of which there are two primary types: Coral reefs Mangroves Nourishment Coral Reefs to Prevent Beach Erosion Coral reefs are amazing wave breakers and have been said to reduce wave energy by up to 97%. Coral reefs are also very fragile environments and subject to detrimental conditions (both natural and human influenced), which has led to their demise. In most instances, if the coral reef has degraded to a point where it is no longer acting as a significant wave breaker there is likely a multitude of factors at play which may include overfishing, physical damage from construction, sea temperatures rising, etc. Therefore, simply planting more coral may work in the short term but if conditions persist, they may be destined for the same fate. In addition to planting coral, artificial reefs can be used to help reduce wave impact to prevent beach erosion. Mangroves to Prevent Beach Erosion Mangroves are one of nature’s most important coastal inventions. Not only do they provide habitat for the majority of juvenile fish species, they act as wave breaking barriers simultaneously reducing wave energy while ‘holding’ the beach in place through a complex root system. It should be noted that both coral reefs and mangroves do not survive in all weather conditions (the need tropical/sub tropical). However, there are many other types of vegetation that can be used to ‘hold’ beach sand in place. Why do Plants and Trees Prevent Soil Erosion? The root systems of coastal vegetation (especially dune vegetation) are dense, which act as a kind of underground ‘net’ to trap sand and soil in position. Therefore, adding more dune vegetation to a site is a great, natural way to reduce or prevent beach erosion. ‘Soft’ Solutions to Prevent Beach Erosion Beach nourishment is a widely used form of coastal erosion control, however, it is rarely used as a stand-alone solution. Typically, beach nourishment (artificially nourishing the beach with imported or local sand) is done in conjunction with a form of ‘hard’ beach erosion control. This is typically, done so that the newly nourished beach can be ‘held’ in position with some kind of hard structure. However, alternative soft solutions include the creation of offshore sand banks to break waves offshore and reduce the chance of erosion. Nearshore nourishment can be used to get better cost to volume of sand placement. Hard Beach Erosion Prevention Solutions Engineered beach erosion prevention solutions include ‘hard’ structures such as: Seawalls (make sure you review advantages and disadvantages of seawalls ) Breakwaters Artificial Reefs Floating breakwaters Groynes/ Groines These can be arranged in a variety of ways to best suit a site. They can also be made from a variety of materials including concrete, rip rap rock, geotextile sand containers or modules. Note that these kinds of solutions should only be installed with consultation of experienced coastal engineers as in many cases, improper installation can actually increase beach erosion and cause further damage to nearby properties. How do Groynes Reduce Coastal Erosion One example of how the hard structures (groynes) can reduce beach erosion is that groynes act as beach compartmentalisation structures. This means that they can prevent sand from being lost from the system if there is a significant storm event. In this case the sand may shift slightly within the confines of the groynes, but would not be totally removed from the beach. The beach may then naturally re-align over time or some maintenance (beach scraping or shitting) can be done to manually shift the beach back into alignment. Stabilising Shoreland Property to Prevent Erosion There are a lot of beach erosion prevention solutions available and with the right design, almost any beach can be protected. In the dynamic, coastal environment things are always changing and therefore need to take into consideration things like sea-level rise, increased storm severity and more. It is always recommended that a professional coastal engineer be consulted when looking to prevent beach erosion at a site, as in many cases world-wide when coastal structures are installed incorrectly, they can actually cause more damage than good. Costs Consideration of Beach Erosion Prevention Solutions There is a range of cost-effective solutions that can be implemented at a site to reduce upfront (capital costs). It should be taken into consideration that costs for beach erosion prevention solutions can be distributed between capital and maintenance. In general, large upfront costs for large scale construction can lead to minimal need for maintenance or future works, however, if a low impact/low cost solution is preferred then a maintenance plan can also be developed. For example, a breakwater may be constructed offshore of a site to be large and stop ALL waves at all expected conditions. This would be a significant upfront cost. It would also be a large aesthetic disturbance. However, if reduced in size to be approximately half the size (and cost) and stop waves 60% of the time then, there would be still a significant improvement at the site/reduction in beach erosion compared to the ‘do-nothing’ option. And the cost to maintain the site over time would be much less that the ‘do nothing’ option. When a coastal engineer reviews relevant coastal erosion prevention solutions (step 3 as mentioned above) costs of capital vs. maintenance should be considered and discussed and built into the design process.

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. It should be noted that 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) Cost Aesthetic 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

Coastal cliff erosion is a common problem worldwide, including at the iconic 320m stretch of cliffs at Scarborough in Moreton Bay. They have been suffering from long-term retreat due to natural coastal processes. The retreat of these cliffs not only threatened the loss and damage to infrastructure and public amenities, including parkland, paths and road, but also the iconic aesthetic of the cliffs for which the Redcliffe Peninsular were named after. Without an effective coastal protection solution, erosion of the cliffs would continue and likely accelerate due to sea level rise and climate change impacts. Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC), Queensland, initiated this project to stabilise and protect the cliffs from coastal erosion, whilst also preserving the iconic aesthetic of the historically and culturally significant cliffs. Cliff Erosion Threatening Safety & Public Amenities Investigations into coastal processes and geotechnical conditions at the site found that the retreat of the cliffs was largely driven by slow notch erosion at the cliff base due to wave and tidal impacts, with some rotational collapse of the crest. The notch erosion at the base was then resulting in translational block failure of the overlying laterized cliff face, destabilisation of the upper cliff and undermining of vegetation. Aesthetic Integrity - a Key Design Factor While stabilising the cliffs was a key objective for project, it was essential for the design solution to also: preserve the iconic aesthetic of the cliffs as much as possible, minimise impacts to the foreshore environment, maximise usable beach width and provide adaptability to sea level rise and climate change. The Coastal Cliff Stabilisation Solution While multiple conventional design options were investigated (rock revetment walls, rock gabions and large-scale precast blockwork walls) these options were not able to suitably meet each of the project objectives, or required a significant footprint to be effective. The solution required an 'out of the box' and site-specific design approach to achieve the design objectives. ICM developed an innovative two part solution to protect the base of the cliff from notch erosion (Lower Cliff Works) and enhance the resilience of the upper cliff (Upper Cliff Works). Lower Cliff Design An innovative coloured and textured, fibre-reinforced shotcrete wall was designed to best mimic the natural form and aesthetic of the cliff, whilst protecting the lower cliff from erosion. The wall included soil nails to provide attachment to the cliff face and a bull nose wave return at the crest to reduce overtopping impacts to the upper cliff. Due to the extreme exposure to the marine environment, the structural reinforcement and soil nails were all comprised of non-corrosive Glass-Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP). The drainage system was comprised of vertical strip-drains behind the wall with PVC weep holes to release water from the cliff. A geotextile wrapped ‘bladder’ of drainage aggregate was included at the toe to dissipate wave impact and prevent sediment loss due to water ingress through the weepholes. To provide some flexibility to the shotcrete, the wall was designed as a segmented structure, allowing for controlled shrinkage and displacement at specified intervals. Each of these intervals included a geotextile filter layer to prevent sediment loss, and GFRP dowels to allow for lateral expansion and contraction. The footprint of the design was significantly smaller than a conventional rock wall and maintained significantly more usable beach width, whilst producing an aesthetic that resembled the iconic cliffs. Upper Cliff Design A low impact and aesthetically friendly solution was required to improve the stability of the upper portion of the cliffs, whilst preserving the vibrant red earth. This included identifying all existing unstable vegetation, soil blocks, near vertical and overhanging sections of the cliff for removal; re-profiling the cliff crest to a more stable configuration and spray applying an environmentally safe soil stabiliser. The soil stabiliser was applied to reduce surface soil erosion due to rainfall run-off and wave overtopping, as well as limiting regrowth of unfavorable vegetation. The site-specific design provided a low impact and cost-effective stabilisation solution that retained the natural and iconic aesthetic of the red Scarborough Cliffs. Effective Resilience Against Storm Conditions The ‘hardening’ solution was designed to replicate the natural form and aesthetic of the existing cliff and included a ‘bullnose’ wave return at the crest to reduce overtopping and reflect wave energy similar to the existing conditions at the cliff. Several storm events have occurred since construction of the works was completed, including in December 2020 and a significant rainfall event in February 2022 due to ex-tropical cyclone Seth. These events have provided an opportunity to observe the performance of the structure against wave conditions that would have previously contributed to notch erosion at the base of the cliff. The post-construction monitoring has shown the following: The works have been successful in protecting the lower cliff from further erosion and preventing the retreat of the cliff. The drainage system has been successful in allow release of water from the cliff whilst preventing the loss of cliff sediments due to wave attack. The wave return has been successful in reducing wave attack and overtopping to the upper cliff. The shotcrete wall remains well integrated with the cliff face. Monitoring of the works is on-going. Advanced Technical Design and Monitoring Terrestrial Laser Scanning of the cliffs has undertaken by MBRC both prior to the works and following the works to serve as a ‘digital twin’ of the site. In conjunction with LiDAR survey and models, conceptual designs were able to be digitally tested for efficiency. Ongoing monitoring using advanced survey methods allows for accurate measurement of the site for detailed analysis. Need investigation or survey of a coastal site? Biological Benefit of Mimicking a Natural Cliff Face The shotcrete wall was carefully constructed to not only match the colour of the existing cliff face but also the texture. This mimicking of the natural conditions made the site not only visually cohesive but also allowed for the natural process of marine habitat creation, specifically for local mollusk species that have taken refuge in the texture of the shotcrete. Site Specific vs. Conventional While there were a variety of conventional coastal engineering solutions that would have been suitable for the site from a coastal protection standpoint, a 'beyond conventional' design approach was required to best achieve the objectives required by Moreton Bay Regional Council. For ICM, this is where our design capacity thrives. With a 'bespoke' approach to site specific design and coastal erosion solutions , we are able to continually achieve successful projects that require 'out of the box' approaches. For a comparative example, a site specific approach vs. conventional design approach is highlighted in the figure below. Leading the way in Innovative Coastal Engineering Designs For over 35 years, International Coastal Management has been working to push the coastal engineering industry beyond conventional methodologies. Working with governments, private and public organisations across the globe we been bringing together the latest in technology and knowledge with coastal engineering experience and passion to derive the best and most cost effective solutions. Need a site specific solution to coastal erosion?