Living by the ocean offers great views and a unique lifestyle, but it also comes with challenges like coastal erosion and storm surges. For beachfront homeowners, Gold Coast seawalls aren't just a smart investment - it’s a requirement under the City of Gold Coast’s City Plan to protect your property and the surrounding coastline.
At International Coastal Management (ICM), we make the seawalls construction process seamless. From design and certification to final construction sign-off and dune restoration, we handle every step with expertise.
Why Do You Need a Seawall?
Coastal erosion is a natural process, but it can become a significant risk during storms or high tides. Without adequate protection, your property could lose valuable land or face structural damage.
Seawalls in Australia are one line of defence for coastal erosion. On the Gold Coast, it is the responsibility of private property owners to construct and maintain a seawall (to council standards). These are designed to:
Prevent property loss and reduce damage from storms.
Comply with regulations by meeting City Plan requirements for beachfront properties.
Enhance longevity
The Gold Coast A-Line
The A-Line is the approved alignment for seawall construction along the Gold Coast beaches, established after severe erosion in the 1960s and 1970s. It ensures a consistent and connected seawall system along the coastline, protecting both public and private properties.
At ICM, we design seawalls that perfectly align with the A-Line, ensuring they meet Council requirements and integrate seamlessly into the coastal landscape.
Steps to Building a Private Seawall on the Gold Coast
Building a seawall on the Gold Coast can seem complex, but with ICM, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve simplified the Gold Coast City Council’s 11-step process into manageable actions, ensuring compliance at every stage:
1. Understand the City Plan Requirements
Before beginning, review the City Plan Coastal Erosion Hazard Overlay Code and related guidelines and requirements. These documents outline the technical and regulatory standards for seawall construction.
ICM Support: Our team breaks down the technical jargon, ensuring you know exactly what’s required.
2. Get the Necessary Approvals
You’ll need development applications approved by both the City of Gold Coast and relevant Queensland Government departments for tidal or prescribed tidal works.
ICM Advantage: We handle the paperwork for you, from State Government approvals for tidal works to Council permits.
3. Submit the Security Deposit
The City of Gold Coast requires a minimum bond of $16,745 before work begins, ensuring satisfactory restoration of dunes and infrastructure, certification and approvals.
Why ICM: We'll guide you through the deposit requirements, and ensure your seawall and dune system is built to council standards so your bond can be returned promptly after project completion.
4. Design and Certification
Your seawall must be designed by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) to meet Council standards.
Why ICM: Our RPEQ-certified engineers bring decades of experience to create designs that are durable, compliant, and environmentally integrated.
5. Pre-Construction Activities
Prepare for construction by managing temporary road/pathway closures and ensuring minimal disruption to public access.
ICM’s Full-Service Approach: We manage all pre-construction logistics, including obtaining necessary permits.
6. Construction of Seawall
Work with a qualified contractor to construct your seawall to Council standards.
ICM Expertise: We oversee construction to ensure quality and compliance every step of the way.
7. Restore the Dune and Vegetation
After construction, dunes must be reformed with clean sand, native vegetation planted, and dune fencing installed.
Our Complete Solution: We integrate dune restoration to ensure your seawall functions as part of a resilient coastal system to council standards.
8. Final Certification and Inspections
Submit certifications and inspections to the City of Gold Coast for final approval.
ICM’s Commitment: We ensure your seawall and dune system meet the highest standards.
Gold Coast Coastal Management
To counteract Gold Coast erosion, there are a range of innovative and multifaceted coastal protection measures implemented. Combining coastal protection structures, artificial reefs (like the Narrowneck Artificial Reef), beach nourishment, and stable dune systems, the region addresses erosion and ensures resilient coastlines. Additionally, sand bypassing and backpassing maintain natural sediment flows, while native vegetation stabilises dunes, providing critical storm buffers and wildlife habitats. This holistic approach balances environmental, community, and surf amenity benefits, safeguarding the coastline for future generations.
FAQ: Your Seawall Questions Answered
1. How long does seawall construction take?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the site but typically ranges from 4 to 5 months. The design and construction of a seawall can be relatively quick (2-4 weeks), however the approval process can take up to 4 months.
2. What’s the typical cost of a seawall?
Costs vary based on site conditions, materials, and regulatory requirements. We provide a tailored quote after an initial site assessment.
3. Do I need a seawall if I already have dunes?
Dunes are an essential part of coastal resilience but may not be sufficient on their own. Terminal seawalls provide a critical defence against wave action and erosion, especially during storms.
4. Can ICM handle the entire process?
Yes! From design and approvals to construction management and dune restoration, ICM offers an end-to-end solution tailored to your property’s needs.
5. Why is dune restoration necessary after building a seawall?
Dunes stabilise the area, reduce wind erosion, and enhance the natural resilience of your property. Dune restoration helps your seawall works in harmony with the environment, and is a requirement from the Gold Coast City Council.
ICM’s Expertise in Seawall Construction
ICM provides end-to-end seawall solutions, including:
Design: Engineering seawalls to meet Gold Coast standards.
Construction: Managing the building process (working with local contractors) from start to finish.
Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the approval process for you.
Dune Restoration: Stabilising the site with sand, vegetation, and fencing plans.
Our team ensures your seawall not only protects your property but also integrates seamlessly with natural coastal processes, enhancing long-term resilience.
Ready to protect your beachfront property?
Contact ICM for tailored seawall solutions designed to safeguard your home and investment while meeting Gold Coast regulations.