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To support its goal of inclusive beach access, Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore SLSC sought to investigate permanent DDA-compliant beach access infrastructure. ICM was engaged to assess erosion vulnerability and provide feasibility advice for resilient ramp designs. Project Details: Client: Ballina Shire Council Date: 2021 Location: Lighthouse Beach, Ballina, NSW About This Project The Challenge: Ballina Lighthouse and Lismore Surf Life Saving Club, in collaboration with Ballina Shire Council, aimed to create a permanent, accessible beach access. However, the dynamic coastal conditions at Lighthouse Beach presented challenges, particularly in relation to long-term erosion, storm cut risk, and swash zone impacts. A detailed feasibility study was needed to identify a resilient design solution that would comply with DDA standards while remaining operational under future climate conditions. The Solution: ICM was engaged to assess three potential ramp options, balancing design intent with coastal hazard exposure. A 2D S-beach model was developed to simulate erosion risk from a range of design storm events, allowing for the determination of current and projected erosion hazard lines. Each design was assessed for: Erosion vulnerability Construction and maintenance implications Compatibility with existing infrastructure Safety, longevity, and operational access requirements Toe scour protection was also recommended as a necessary feature, given the structure’s exposure to active erosion zones. Services Provided: Site inspection & review 2D coastal modelling (S-beach) Erosion hazard line determination Long-term erosion and climate impact projections Design vulnerability and feasibility assessment Strategic recommendations for future construction Get in Touch: ICM has extensive experience delivering accessible, resilient coastal infrastructure along dynamic shorelines. Our team has worked with councils across Queensland and NSW to develop practical, cost-effective solutions that meet engineering standards, community needs, and environmental conditions. If your council or community organisation is considering an accessible beach access project, we’re here to help.

ICM conducted a feasibility study to assess the practicality of constructing an artificial surfing reef at Middleton Beach, Albany, to enhance surf quality and frequency. The study concluded that an artificial reef is feasible and would offer significant social, environmental, and economic benefits to the local community.  Project Details  Client:  Southern Ocean Surfers (SOS) with support from Great Southern Development Commission and the City of Albany  Date:  2003-2004  Location:  Middleton Beach, Albany, Western Australia  About this Project  The Challenge:  Middleton Beach, located near Albany, lacked consistent and quality surf due to its dependence on favorable wave conditions and sandbar formations. While high-quality surf spots existed nearby, they were at least a 40-minute drive away and suited mainly to experienced surfers due to heavy ocean swells. This limited opportunities for local surfers, especially youth and beginners, and reduced the area's potential to attract surf tourism and related economic benefits.  The Solution:  ICM was commissioned to evaluate the feasibility of constructing an artificial surfing reef at Middleton Beach. Key aspects included:  Feasibility Study:  Investigating site conditions and various design options, including V-shaped artificial banks, surf banks integrated with erosion protection works, and standalone structures. Considering various construction materials such as sand-filled geotextile containers, rock, and innovative reef systems.  Cost-benefit Analysis: Considering social, environmental and economic aspects.   The study concluded that a surf reef at Middleton Beach would provide the best outcomes, balancing economic, social, and environmental benefits. In the long term, a number of reefs could be implemented progressively, and Middleton Beach promoted as a surfing precinct with a range of surf reefs exhibiting different characteristics.    “This project demonstrates how thoughtful coastal engineering can enhance recreational opportunities while addressing environmental and economic goals” - Angus Jackson, Director at International Coastal Management Services Provided:  Feasibility Study  Preliminary Design & Modelling  Economic & Environmental Assessments  Stakeholder Consultation    Get in Touch:  With over 40 years of coastal engineering expertise, ICM specialises in designing innovative solutions like surf enhancement reefs. Contact us to learn how we can help bring your coastal vision to life.

The canal revetment at Anchorage Isle required upgrades to safeguard residential properties from erosion and structural instability. ICM designed and supervised the transformation of the revetment into a durable geotextile and rip-rap structure.  Project Details  Client:  The Isle Neighbourhood Association  Date:  2002  Location:  Anchorage Isle, Mariner’s Drive East, Tweed Heads, Australia  About This Project  The Challenge  Anchorage Isle's existing basalt boulder revetment was showing signs of wear and erosion, threatening the stability of nearby residential properties and infrastructure. Without prompt action, the degradation posed risks of further erosion, property damage, and significant repair costs.  The Solution  ICM conducted a comprehensive site inspection and condition assessment to identify the extent of the issues. A detailed rectification plan was developed, incorporating:  Geotextile & Rip-Rap Design: Replacing the existing basalt boulder structure with a modern geotextile and rip-rap system to enhance stability and longevity.  Approvals & Technical Specifications: Securing all necessary approvals and preparing technical specifications for precise construction implementation.  Construction Supervision: Overseeing the construction process to ensure quality and compliance, providing certification upon completion.  The rectified revetment now offers robust protection against erosion, safeguarding the residential estate and enhancing the canal-front aesthetic.  “Our work at Anchorage Isle demonstrates ICM’s commitment to delivering practical, long-lasting coastal protection solutions that align with community needs.” - Angus Jackson, Founder, International Coastal Management Services Provided  Site Inspection  Condition Assessment  Rectification Recommendations  Rectification Design  Approvals  Technical Specification  Contract Management  Construction Supervision and Certification    Get in Touch  ICM specialises in designing and delivering durable coastal protection solutions for residential and community waterfronts. Contact us to ensure your shoreline remains resilient and secure.

To support the restocking of the endangered Safi fish, ICM partnered with EcoCoast to design and install eco-engineered artificial reef modules in the Al Yasat Ali Island harbour. These innovative structures provide a safe habitat and promote algae growth, creating optimal conditions for juvenile Safi survival.  Project Details  Date:  2012  Location:  Al Yasat Ali Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates  Project Partners:  EcoCoast  About This Project  The Challenge  The endangered Safi fish faced low survival rates during a restocking program due to limited natural habitat and insufficient food sources in the harbour. The project required a habitat enhancement solution that could support algae growth and protect juvenile Safi fish while maintaining harbour usability for vessels and recreational activities.  The Solution  ICM , in partnership with EcoCoast , implemented a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges:  Site Investigation: Comprehensive assessments of site characteristics, including currents, wave action, water depth, salinity, and temperature, to ensure the design met environmental and operational requirements.  Detailed Design: Creation of custom Eco-Mat modules featuring a geotextile base to promote algae growth and vertical elements to provide shelter and enhance the growth of filamentous algae as a food source. A strategic placement plan for the modules was developed to maximise effectiveness while accommodating harbour constraints.  Installation: Partnered with EcoCoast for the fabrication and supervised the installation of 52 modules, completing the deployment in just one day with the help of a skilled diving team.  Ongoing monitoring post-installation demonstrated the modules’ success in fostering algae growth and providing safe habitats for juvenile Safi fish, contributing to the species' survival and population growth.  “Our innovative reef modules have transformed the harbour into a thriving habitat, offering hope for the endangered Safi fish population.” - Aaron Salyer, International Coastal Management    Services Provided  Site Investigation  Detailed Design  Installation  Research & Development  Project Management    Get in Touch  ICM brings expertise in eco-engineering solutions for habitat restoration and marine biodiversity enhancement. Contact us to discuss how we can support your environmental and conservation goals.

Coastal cliff erosion is a common problem worldwide, including at the iconic 320m stretch of cliffs at Scarborough in Moreton Bay. They had 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 cliff stabilisation 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 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 cliff stabilisation 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 cliff stabilisation 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 of experience, 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?

The Fairmont Ajman, a luxury 5-star resort in the UAE, faced severe coastal erosion caused by storm conditions. ICM delivered a robust, long-term coastal management solution to stabilise the beach while preserving its natural beauty and guest amenity.  Project Details  Client:  Fairmont Ajman  Date:  2015  Location:  Ajman, UAE    About This Project  The Challenge  Situated on an exposed Arabian Gulf coastline, the Fairmont Ajman faced persistent beach erosion driven by shamal storm conditions. Previous coastal protection attempts, including a low-crested rubble breakwater and beach nourishment, failed to provide adequate protection or maintain the site’s aesthetic appeal. With only 14 weeks before the resort’s grand opening, a comprehensive and resilient solution was required to create a stable beach and a safe swimming area for guests.  The client requested a guaranteed stable beach guarantee for 8 years while maintaining clear, uninterrupted views out oi the Arabian Gulf. This was achieved successfully.   The Solution  ICM developed and implemented an innovative coastal management plan designed to protect the beach from erosion while preserving uninterrupted ocean views. Key elements included:  Submerged Breakwater Reef:  A wide-crested submerged reef was designed to reduce erosion during typical storm events, maintaining the natural beach profile.  Terminal Seawall:  Constructed using sand-filled geotextile containers , this soft protection measure limited landward erosion during severe weather while minimising user impacts. Trapbags were incorporated to enable rapid deployment.  Nourished Profile:  The beach was replenished and reshaped to enhance guest amenity and provide a resilient coastal ecosystem.  With detailed and rapid planning and execution, ICM transformed the eroding shoreline into a stable and picturesque beach capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions. The project was completed on schedule, ensuring the resort’s readiness for its grand opening and guaranteeing an eight-year stabilised beach performance. “This project highlights how innovative coastal engineering can achieve both functional resilience and aesthetic harmony. At Fairmont Ajman, we delivered a solution that not only protects the coastline but enhances its value for guests and the environment.” - Aaron Salyer, Project Lead, International Coastal Management  Services Provided  Concept Design  Numerical Modelling  Detailed Design  Construction Supervision  Monitoring  Get in Touch  ICM’s expertise in delivering innovative coastal management solutions ensures optimal outcomes for luxury waterfront developments. Contact us to learn how we can stabilise your coastline while enhancing its natural appeal.

At International Coastal Management, we have personally witnessed the effectiveness of nature-based solutions (NBS) in addressing climate change and societal issues. Ecosystem services – the benefits provided by natural ecosystems that contribute to human well-being – are central to the concept of NBS. In this blog post, we'll delve into the concept of ecosystem services and the role they played in our project at Emu Lake. 4 Categories of the Natural World Ecosystem services are the numerous advantages we obtain from nature. They are typically divided into four categories: provisioning (e.g., food and water), regulating (e.g., climate regulation and flood control), cultural (e.g., spiritual and recreational advantages), and supporting (e.g., nutrient cycling, which supports all other ecosystem services). Coastal engineering has become increasingly aware of the crucial role ecosystem services play in protecting and enhancing coastal communities. By utilising these services, NBS can sustainably address societal challenges such as disaster risk reduction and adaptation to climate change. Emu Lake Floating Islands: Addressing Challenges with Ecosystem Services Due to seasonal rainfall and evaporation, the water level of Emu Lake fluctuates, resulting in nutrient flows that produce seasonal algal blooms. Our response? A series of artificial floating islands functioning as an artificial wetland to treat nutrient-rich water, enclosed by an impermeable clay bund in a designated area. The design of the project took into account the number and arrangement of floating islands, the space required around them for optimal performance, and the water depths required for optimal performance of the islands. The design of the bund centred on providing a separate area of consistent water level for effective water treatment, with special attention paid to alignment, stability, permeability, and wave action protection. These floating islands provide numerous ecological benefits. They provide habitats for local fauna (provisioning services), improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients (regulating services), and increase the lake's aesthetic and recreational value (cultural services). The islands sustain a thriving ecosystem (supporting services) by facilitating nutrient cycling and primary production. Why Ecosystem Services Matter Ecosystem services are invaluable, as they provide a wide range of benefits, from preserving biodiversity to improving the cost-effectiveness of conventional engineering techniques. In addition, recognising and valuing ecosystem services can aid in securing community and stakeholder support. When the community understands the value of thriving ecosystems, they are more likely to support conservation and restoration efforts. Do you want a Nature Based Solution at your Site? At International Coastal Management, we integrate ecosystem services into our projects, showcasing the immense value of nature-based solutions in coastal engineering. The Emu Lake Floating Islands project is a testament to our commitment to harnessing nature's power in addressing climate change and societal challenges. Want to know more about how ecosystem services can benefit your community or coastal project? Visit our website or contact us directly for more information.

The Beree-Badalla Boardwalk, a 40-year-old elevated timber structure along Currumbin Creek, is set to be upgraded by the City of Gold Coast. ICM conducted a comprehensive Coastal Processes Impact Assessment to ensure the proposed design is resilient to erosion and inundation risks in this sensitive tidal nature reserve. Existing Beree-Badalla Boardwalk to be upgrade Project Details Client : Planit Consulting (for the City of Gold Coast) Date : 2022 Location : Currumbin Creek, Gold Coast, QLD About This Project The Challenge The Beree-Badalla Boardwalk, spanning 1.2km over the tidal nature reserve along Currumbin Creek, provides pedestrian access. After 40 years of service, the City of Gold Coast is planning to replace it with an upgraded structure. Situated within the Coastal Management District and an Erosion Prone Area, the project required a Coastal Processes Impact Assessment. The Solution ICM, engaged as sub-consultants by Planit Consulting, provided critical coastal engineering input to support the Development Application. The team undertook a thorough Coastal Processes Impact Assessment, which included: Data Review and Analysis : ICM reviewed available site data, including historic aerial imagery, surveys, previous reports, state mapping, geotechnical data and conducted a site inspection. These insights informed a conceptual coastal processes model that was developed to understand site-specific dynamics. Impact Assessment : The proposed alignment’s vulnerability to inundation and erosion was rigorously assessed. The impact assessment found that the proposed alignment was suitable, with recommended scour depth provided for boardwalk piles. These analyses and recommendations ensure the upgraded Beree-Badalla Boardwalk is resilient, sustainable, and capable of serving the community needs. “This project reflects our commitment to sustainable, resilient design in sensitive coastal environments, ensuring infrastructure supports both the community and the natural ecosystem.” – Angus Jackson, Founder, International Coastal Management Services Provided Site inspection and review Coastal Processes Impact Assessment Responses to State Code 8 and Schedule 3 Get in Touch ICM specialises in coastal engineering solutions that integrate resilience, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. If you’re planning infrastructure upgrades or coastal developments, contact our team of experts to ensure your project is designed for long-term success.

ICM collaborated on the first large-scale oyster reef restoration project in Queensland, designing oyster reef systems to restore habitat in the Noosa River Estuary. The project, implemented in a highly developed area, successfully enhanced ecosystem health while preserving the estuary's delicate balance.  Project Details Client:   The Nature Conservancy , in partnership with the Noosa Shire Council and The Thomas Foundation, with funding from the Australian Government Reef builder program  Date:  2021-2022  Location:  Noosa River, Queensland, Australia  About This Project  The Challenge:  Restoring oyster reefs in the Noosa River Estuary presented unique challenges due to its highly developed surroundings, sensitive marine ecosystems, and proximity to busy navigation channels. The project required designs that balanced ecological restoration with minimal disruption to human activity and marine vegetation, including seagrasses.  The Solution:  ICM delivered a multi-phase approach to overcome these challenges:  Oyster Reef Design:  Developed three reef layouts tailored to varying site conditions, including sediment transport rates, water currents, and bathymetry. Designs focused on stability, manual seeding potential, and compatibility with monitoring programs.  Site-Specific Design:  Detailed designs for Phase 1 sites addressed unique factors like sediment characteristics, nearby vegetation, and human-use constraints. To limit marine plant impacts, reefs were placed using strict offset criteria.  Construction Supervision:  Collaborated with M&J Marine Services to construct 2,300m² of reefs across four sites, using a barge-mounted excavator for rock placement. ICM provided technical oversight, confirming placement accuracy with RTK GNSS technology and ensuring substrate stability.  Outcomes and Benefits:  Ongoing monitoring by The Nature Conservancy confirms the project's ecological success. The project restored 500 meters of shoreline habitat, providing critical ecosystem services such as water filtration, sediment stabilisation, and biodiversity enhancement. Ongoing monitoring has revealed:  High Oyster Density : Post-construction surveys showed densities exceeding 550 oysters per m², well above the 200 per m² target for healthy reef development.  Increased Biodiversity : The reefs have become hotspots for marine life, supporting fish, invertebrates, and other estuarine species.  Coastal Protection : The reefs stabilised sediment and reduced erosion, creating a natural buffer that protects the shoreline.  “This project demonstrates how innovative, site-specific designs can restore vital habitats while coexisting with human and environmental needs.” - Sam King, Project Lead, International Coastal Management  Services Provided:  Oyster Reef Layout Design  Site-Specific Detailed Design   Safety In Design Assessment  RPEQ-Certified Engineering Drawings  State Code Assessments  Permit Application Preparation   Construction Supervision and Inspection  As-Constructed Drawings with RPEQ Certification  Project Documents: Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restoration Project Annual Report Monitoring Update 2024   Get in Touch:  ICM excels in designing and delivering eco-engineering solutions for habitat restoration and marine biodiversity. Contact us to explore how we can help achieve your conservation and restoration goals.

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

ICM designed and supervised the construction of four sand-filled geotextile container groynes and a seawall at Maroochydore between 2001 and 2003 to address severe shoreline erosion and enhance recreational beach use. A 2017 condition assessment provided recommendations for maintaining long-term functionality and stability in a dynamic coastal environment.  Project Details:  Client:  Sunshine Coast Regional Council  Date:  2001–2003 (Initial Construction) & 2017 (Condition Assessment)  Location:  Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia    About this project:  The Challenge:  The beaches south of the Maroochy River had experienced significant erosion, threatening valuable assets such as the Cotton Tree Holiday Park and reducing the area’s recreational value. In response, the Sunshine Coast Regional Council commissioned ICM to design a series of coastal structures to mitigate erosion and maintain a stable and accessible beach.  The Solution:  2001–2003 Design & Construction:  ICM designed four groynes (50–100m in length) and a seawall, incorporating sand nourishment to restore the beach profile.  The structures were built using 2.5m³ sand-filled geotextile containers, an innovation developed specifically for this project to provide increased stability over the previously used 0.75m³ containers.  The works were staged, with the first groyne completed in November 2001 and the remaining groynes and seawall finalised by May 2003.  2017 Condition Assessment:  As the sand filled geotextile containers were nearing their end of design life, ICM conducted a detailed condition assessment, identifying maintenance needs and recommending design improvements. Council initiated extensive community consultation through the Maroochy River Estuary Consultation Group and public feedback sessions, ensuring the renewal reflected local preferences.  Based on community input, the decision was made to retain geotextile bags instead of switching to rock, prioritising user-friendliness and accessibility.  This approach earned national recognition, receiving the 2019 Australian Coastal Award for Community Engagement.  The success of these works has been evidenced by the retention of a wide, stable beach, which has provided both erosion protection and enhanced recreational opportunities for the community. – Angus Jackson, Founder, International Coastal Management    Services Provided:  Concept design and construction (2001-2003)  Development of geotextile container construction techniques  Comprehensive condition assessment and maintenance recommendations (2017)   Get in touch:  ICM has decades of expertise in designing and maintaining innovative coastal protection structures like the Maroochydore groynes. Contact us to discover how we can create sustainable, resilient solutions for your coastline

Oceanside, California has faced decades of severe beach erosion, threatening its coastline and recreational areas. Responding to community advocacy, the city launched the Re:Beach Design Competition to source innovative solutions from international firms, where ICM’s Living Speed Bumps concept was selected as the winning design.  Project Details  Client:  City of Oceanside  Date:  2023-2027  Location:  Oceanside, California    About this Project:  The Challenge  Oceanside has struggled with coastal erosion for over 80 years, losing significant amounts of sand despite repeated replenishment efforts. The community, recognising the critical need for long-term solutions, advocated for the city to launch the Re:Beach Design Competition . This initiative invited international firms to propose innovative approaches that balanced sand retention with community and environmental priorities, such as preserving surf conditions, recreational spaces, and ecological health.  The Solution  ICM’s winning proposal introduced the Living Speed Bumps concept, a sustainable, nature-based approach to sand retention. This design slows natural sand movement without disrupting coastal dynamics, ensuring long-term stability and adaptability.  Key features of the project include:  Onshore Artificial Headlands: Situated at Tyson Street Park and Wisconsin Avenue, these headlands slow sand movement along the back beach, stabilising sand, encouraging dune growth, and creating accessible green spaces for community use.  Offshore Artificial Reef: Positioned between the headlands, the reef reduces wave energy, encourages nearshore sand retention, and enhances surf conditions by creating more consistent breaks.  Building on proven methodologies like the Narrowneck Reef in Australia , ICM tailored the design to meet Oceanside’s specific challenges. Community input was integral throughout the process, ensuring the project addressed local concerns, including the preservation of surfing conditions, accessible beach areas, and ecological sustainability.  “Our Living Speed Bumps design showcases how nature-based engineering can transform coastal resilience while respecting community and environmental needs. Oceanside’s initiative sets a global example for innovation in coastal resilience.” - Aaron Salyer, Director, ICM    Services Provided:  Coastal erosion analysis  Community and stakeholder engagement  Preliminary Design  Upcoming detailed design phase (2024–2026)  Future construction phase (2026–2027, TBD)    Get in Touch:  With decades of expertise in innovative coastal management solutions, ICM is a global leader in building resilient coastlines through nature-based approaches like the Living Speed Bumps. Whether addressing erosion challenges or enhancing recreational spaces, our tailored designs work with natural processes and deliver long-term results. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your coastal resilience goals.