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Narrowneck Artificial Reef Renewal

ICM led the renewal design for the Narrowneck Artificial Reef, a multi-purpose coastal structure originally built offshore of Surfers Paradise to improve beach protection and surf amenity. The renewal extended the reef’s service life and refined its performance through concept design, numerical and physical modelling, detailed design, and construction certification. 


dredge over Narrowneck Artificial Reef

Project Details

  • Client: City of Gold Coast and McQuade Marine

  • Date: 2014-2018

  • Location: Narrowneck, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia


About the Narrowneck Artificial Reef Renewal

The Challenge

Originally constructed in 1999 as part of the Northern Gold Coast Beach Protection Strategy, the Narrowneck Artificial Reef was designed to act as a coastal control point, widen the beach, reduce storm erosion pressure, and improve surf quality without creating hazards for users. After nearly two decades of service, the City of Gold Coast initiated a renewal program to maintain the reef’s coastal protection function and extend its operational life. 


The Solution

ICM developed the concept and detailed design for the reef renewal, testing alternative geotextile container layouts to improve coastal performance, surf outcomes, and constructability. Numerical assessments were combined with a 1:43 scale physical model undertaken with the Queensland Government Hydraulics Laboratory to evaluate wave breaking behaviour, transmission, currents, and user safety for the existing reef and renewal options. The final package included Safety in Design, design reporting, RPEQ-certified drawings, technical specifications, quantities, and cost estimates. During construction, ICM reviewed quality, safety, and environmental documentation, monitored placement sequencing, verified positioning through rapid-response surveys and underwater inspections, and provided final certification of the completed works. 


Services Provided

  • Concept Design

  • Numerical Modelling

  • Physical Modelling

  • Detail Design

  • Construction Certification and Project Management

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