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International Coastal Management (ICM), in partnership with RPS, has been appointed by Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) to lead delivery of the Port Hinchinbrook Revitalisation Project. Port Hinchinbrook is a marina-based tourism and residential precinct south of Cardwell, providing access to the Hinchinbrook Channel. Sedimentation has reduced navigable depths across the marina and its access channels over time, compounded by events such as Cyclone Yasi. EDQ declared the Port Hinchinbrook Provisional Priority Development Area (PPDA), Queensland's first ever PPDA, in October 2025 to support the precinct's long-term revitalisation and restore Port Hinchinbrook as a thriving tourism, commercial and residential precinct. As Project Manager and Technical Lead, ICM & RPS will oversee the technical investigations, approvals and delivery planning required to restore navigability and support the precinct's long-term future. We've just come off the Bribie Island & Mooloolaba Boat Harbour reviews with RPS, and this appointment lets us keep applying our expertise to another Queensland coastline that needs it. Port Hinchinbrook's community has waited a long time for this - and we look forward to progressing this project." - Aaron Salyer, Director, ICM Early market sounding for the project's dredging and sediment management works opened Friday 3 July 2026 and closes 5:00pm AEST on 17 July 2026. Details are available at www.coastalmanagement.com.au/PHBMarketsounding

International Coastal Management Pty Ltd (ICM) and RPS are undertaking a market sounding process on behalf of Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) for the Port Hinchinbrook Revitalisation Project at Cardwell, Queensland. The project is expected to include dredging of the marina and connected waterways, dredged material pumping and placement (400,000m3 to 800,000m3), onshore bund preparation and civil works, sediment treatment and management, acid sulfate soil management, water management, environmental controls, marine debris removal, and potential disposal or reuse of treated material. Due to the nature and scale of the works, only dredging-led contractors or contractor teams capable of taking responsibility for the whole of project scope will be considered for any future Early Contractor Involvement phase. Local subcontractors, suppliers, civil contractors, plant providers, transport operators, treatment specialists, and other service providers who may be able to assist a lead contractor are encouraged to provide their details. This information may be retained and distributed during the Early Contractor Involvement phase to assist lead contractors in identifying suitable local subcontractors and suppliers. The market sounding period will close at 5:00 pm AEST on 17 July 2026. Respondents who meet the lead contractor criteria may be invited to participate in a discussion with ICM and RPS before any future Early Contractor Involvement phase. EDQ may use the outcome of this process to identify suitable candidates to progress to the next stage of the market approach. Responses must address the following: Company overview, organisation details, and primary contact. Confirmation of whether the respondent is seeking to act as the lead contractor for the whole of project scope and has sufficient insurances, including $20 million public liability insurance and Contractors Works insurance in excess of $20M. If responding as a contractor team, nominate the proposed lead contractor, any expected subcontractors, and the role of each subcontractor. Relevant project experience, with emphasis on dredging-led delivery and whole of project coordination, including civil bund works, sediment treatment, acid sulfate soil management, and marine debris removal. Available dredging plant, pumping systems, pipelines, people, and specialist resources. Indicative availability and soonest mobilisation timeframe. Local or regional experience and supply chain capacity. Key risks, constraints, and opportunities. Interest in participating in a future Early Contractor Involvement phase. Any information the project team should consider when planning the next stage. Full Market Sounding details are available in the document below. Responses should be concise and practical with a response of maximum 6 pages (excluding relevant project sheets, plant information, and CVs - keep additional information to a minimum to allow for email size 20MB). Responses should be submitted by email to ICM by the nominated closing date. Responses should be in a single email titled “PHB Market Sounding” with attachments. Multiple emails from the same contractor will not be accepted. Closing date and time: 5:00 pm AEST on 17 July 2026.

International Coastal Management (ICM) is inviting expressions of interest from Early-Career and Graduate Coastal Engineers (0-5 years’ experience) who are eager to build a long-term career in coastal and marine engineering. This role is perfect for individuals passionate about coastal resilience, practical design, and innovative approaches to complex coastal challenges. You will contribute to projects across Australia and internationally, ranging from coastal protection and modelling assessments to nature-based solutions, marina developments, and field investigations. The role involves collaborating with senior engineers and project teams, performing fieldwork, conducting research, preparing technical reports, and engaging with clients and stakeholders. Occasional travel (national and international) is part of the role, depending on project needs. About the Role As a Graduate or Early-Career Coastal Engineer at ICM, you will contribute to a wide range of coastal and marine engineering projects, both locally and overseas. Working closely with senior coastal engineers, your role will involve: Assisting with coastal engineering design, calculations, and technical documentation. Supporting numerical and coastal process modelling. Contributing to technical reports, assessments, and project deliverables. Participating in field investigations, surveys, and site inspections. Collaborating across multidisciplinary project teams on coastal protection, marina developments, and nature-based solutions. This role offers hands-on exposure to real-world coastal challenges and is designed to develop technical capability, professional judgement, and long-term career growth. Skills and Experience We’re Looking For We are interested in hearing from candidates with: A degree in Coastal Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline. 0-5 years’ experience in coastal or marine engineering (graduates encouraged to apply). Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Experience using AutoCAD and Civil 3D. Exposure to numerical modelling. A strong understanding of coastal processes and coastal engineering principles. A confident communicator who can work independently, including remotely. Work style: the role is remote, with occasional office days and site visits as needed for project work and collaboration. Location flexibility: our core engineering team is based on the Gold Coast (QLD), so being Queensland-based is advantageous, though applicants from anywhere in Australia are welcome to apply. Why Work at International Coastal Management At ICM, you’ll work alongside coastal specialists who’ve shaped some of the most interesting and technically challenging coastal projects in Australia and internationally. We’re a small, collaborative team that enjoys solving difficult problems, testing innovative ideas, and applying design approaches grounded in real coastal processes and nature-based thinking. There’s long-term room to grow here. We’re looking for someone who wants to build their expertise with us over time and take on increasing responsibility as they develop. The Importance of Coastal Engineering Coastal engineering plays a crucial role in protecting our shorelines. It involves designing structures and solutions that mitigate erosion and flooding while enhancing the natural environment. As climate change continues to impact coastal areas, the demand for skilled coastal engineers is on the rise. By joining ICM, you will be part of a team that is dedicated to creating sustainable solutions. You will have the opportunity to work on projects that not only protect communities but also enhance the natural beauty of our coastlines. How to Apply Please submit your CV and a short introduction via our careers form.

The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s best-known examples of long-term coastal management. Its beaches support tourism, recreation, public infrastructure, private property and internationally recognised surf breaks. They also sit within a highly dynamic coastal system shaped by storms, waves, currents and longshore sand transport. Managing this coastline has required more than one project or one type of coastal structure. Over several decades, the Gold Coast has used beach nourishment, nearshore nourishment, sand bypassing, dune management and artificial reefs as part of an adaptive coastal management strategy. ICM’s experience on the Gold Coast draws on this long-term evidence base, including early nearshore nourishment trials, multi-purpose artificial reef design, beach monitoring and the use of nourishment to support both erosion management and coastal amenity. These initiatives were spearheaded by the efforts of ICM's founder Angus Jackson in the early 80's (as the Gold Coast City's Coastal Engineer) and subsequently by International Coastal Management (ICM). Source: Gold Coast City Why the Gold Coast Needed a Long-Term Coastal Management Strategy The Gold Coast experienced major erosion events during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. These events exposed the vulnerability of a developed coastline where beaches play a central role in recreation, tourism, public access and coastal protection. Early beach nourishment campaigns helped demonstrate that adding sand to the system could improve beach width and buffer capacity. However, large-scale onshore nourishment could be costly, disruptive and difficult to maintain without a long-term sand management strategy. This led to a more integrated approach. The focus shifted from 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, reducing erosion. A Pilot Approach One of the strengths of the Gold Coast approach has been the use of piloting and monitoring to guide future works. With this proactive plan, the area became what could be called a full-scale coastal laboratory. With each project, 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. Key Gold Coast Projects and What They Show A series of landmark projects paved the path of the Gold Coast's transformation: The North Gold Coast Beach Protection Strategy The North Gold Coast Beach Protection Strategy was a major coastal management program delivered between 1997 and 2001 to widen and protect the northern Gold Coast beaches. The strategy combined beach nourishment, completion of the boulder wall, ongoing maintenance nourishment and the construction of a nearshore artificial reef at Narrowneck. The project is important because it shows how artificial reefs and nourishment can be planned together as part of an integrated coastal protection strategy. ICM managed key project elements including design studies, impact assessment, engineering design and implementation. The project also included physical and numerical modelling, environmental management planning and monitoring to assess performance over time. Narrowneck Artificial Reef Narrowneck Artificial Reef was designed as a multi-purpose artificial reef, with coastal protection and surf amenity objectives. 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. Long-term 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. The project remains an important reference point for multi-purpose artificial reef design because it shows how a reef can be designed to influence sand movement, reduce erosion risk and support surf amenity without fully blocking natural coastal processes. Key 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. Provided lessons that informed later artificial reef projects. A 20-year scientific review of Narrowneck Reef found that the reef has had a localised influence on nearshore morphology and has helped maintain the beach in a more stable condition than before construction. The review also found that sand transport can occur both inshore and offshore of the reef, depending on wave conditions. This is important because it shows that a multi-purpose artificial reef can influence sediment movement without preventing sand from continuing through the coastal system. Sand Bypassing Systems at the Nerang and Tweed Rivers Sand bypassing has been central to the Gold Coast’s long-term sand management strategy. At tidal entrances such as the Nerang River and Tweed River, training walls and entrance works can interrupt natural longshore sand transport. Bypassing systems help move sand past these entrances so it can continue feeding downdrift beaches. These systems also support navigation by managing sand accumulation near entrances and channels. On the southern Gold Coast, sand bypassing has also contributed to well-known surf outcomes, including 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. Key outcomes: Supported the continuation of longshore sand transport past trained entrances. Helped manage sand accumulation near navigation channels and entrances. Improved navigational access Provided a long-term sand supply mechanism for beaches. Enhanced surf conditions at iconic spots like the Superbank and South Stradbroke Island. Source: Gold Coast City Palm Beach Artificial Reef (PBAR) Palm Beach Artificial Reef was completed in 2019 and was informed by lessons from Narrowneck Reef and previous nourishment works. The reef was designed to contribute to coastal protection while also supporting surf amenity where conditions allow. Monitoring has shown the development of sandbank surf breaks around the reef, including waves associated with sand movement and reef influence. Surveys have also indicated that nourished sand has remained within the Palm Beach system, enhancing the coastal landscape and supporting its recreational potential. Key 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. Aerial of sand build up and interruption around reef The 2017 Gold Coast Beach Nourishment Project (GCBNP) The 2017 Gold Coast Beach Nourishment Project placed more than 3 million cubic metres of sand along vulnerable sections of the Gold Coast coastline. The project used nearshore nourishment to deliver large volumes efficiently, with sand placed offshore where waves and currents could move it through the active beach system over time. At Palm Beach, survey results five years after implementation indicated that around 75% of the nourished sand remained within the system. This outcome is important because Palm Beach has historically been one of the Gold Coast’s more erosion-prone beaches. The result reflects the value of combining nourishment, reef design and monitoring within a broader coastal management strategy. Rather than treating nourishment as a stand-alone campaign, the Gold Coast approach has used repeated monitoring and adaptive design to improve long-term performance. This project was built on decades of research and development in the field of mass nourishment, led by Angus Jackson and ICM. Key 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. Key Lessons from the Gold Coast The Gold Coast experience highlights several lessons for coastal managers considering nearshore nourishment, artificial reefs or integrated coastal protection strategies. Monitoring is essential. Coastal works need to be assessed over time, not judged only by the immediate post-construction beach condition. Nourishment and structures can work together. Artificial reefs can influence wave breaking, sediment pathways and local sand retention when designed for the right site. Understand sand systems. Nearshore nourishment can be an effective way to work with nature - sand is placed where waves and currents can move it through the beach profile. Surf amenity can be part of the design brief. On the Gold Coast, reef and nourishment projects have shown that coastal protection can also consider recreation outcomes. There is no single solution for every beach. The best outcomes come from understanding the sediment budget, wave climate, community values, asset risk and long-term management objectives. What This Means for Other Coastal Communities The Gold Coast shows that coastal resilience is built over time. Nearshore nourishment, artificial reefs and sand bypassing are most effective when they are planned as part of a wider coastal management strategy and supported by monitoring. For other coastal communities, the lesson is not to copy the Gold Coast exactly. Every site has different wave conditions, sand sources, coastal processes, environmental constraints, community values and asset risks. The value of the Gold Coast experience is that it shows how evidence, staged delivery and adaptive management can improve long-term outcomes. ICM supports councils, agencies and coastal asset owners with feasibility studies, concept design, detailed design, approvals support, nourishment planning, artificial reef design and monitoring programs for complex coastal environments. Acknowledgements ICM acknowledges the City of Gold Coast and the many coastal managers, researchers, consultants and contractors who have contributed to the Gold Coast’s long-term coastal management program. The success of these projects reflects decades of monitoring, practical decision-making, design refinement and collaboration across government, industry and research partners.

Artificial headlands are an increasingly important coastal protection option for managing erosion on open coast shorelines. For beachfront communities, councils, resort owners and infrastructure managers, coastal erosion remains one of the most persistent challenges. Sand is rarely static. It moves along the coast under wave action, shifts offshore during storms, returns during calmer conditions and responds continuously to changes in wave climate, sea level, storms, entrances, training walls, seawalls, groynes and other coastal structures. For many decades, coastal protection relied heavily on linear hard structures such as seawalls, revetments and groynes. These assets still have an important role, particularly where infrastructure is already at risk. However, many coastal managers are now seeking solutions that do more than hold a line. They want sustainable coastal protection that can retain beach amenity, reduce erosion risk, support recreation, improve public access and work with nature by responding more effectively with natural coastal processes. Artificial headlands are one of the options in this space. An artificial headland is an engineered coastal structure designed to mimic some of the stabilising functions of a natural headland. Rather than acting as a simple barrier, a well-designed artificial headland influences wave transformation, longshore sediment transport, beach plan shape and sand retention. It can help create a more stable beach compartment, support nourishment longevity and provide new public or ecological value. At International Coastal Management, artificial headlands have been part of our coastal protection research and design thinking since the early 1990s. Artificial headlands can be used as a multi-functional coastal protection solution that provides advantages over more traditional structures when designed by experienced coastal engineers. However, they are complex coastal systems. Modelling is essential, but it can oversimplify the design if it is not informed by coastal engineering judgement, field evidence, sediment behaviour, storm response and local knowledge. The strongest artificial headland designs combine numerical modelling with practical experience, monitoring data and a clear understanding of how the beach is likely to respond over time. What is an artificial headland? An artificial headland is a purpose-designed coastal structure that projects from, or is connected to, the shoreline to influence waves, currents and sediment movement. It is typically constructed from rock and backfilled with sand, or concrete armour units or hybrid materials, depending on the site conditions, environmental setting, design life and construction constraints. Artificial headlands are designed to replicate selected functions of natural rocky headlands. Natural headlands protrude through the beach profile and interact with littoral transport, wave refraction, wave diffraction and beach alignment. Coastal headlands are features that act like “valves” regulating sediment transport and influencing the plan shape of the beach. Their performance depends on seaward protrusion, shape, orientation, wave climate, material, sediment budget and grain size. Artificial headlands may be: Emergent headlands, which are visible above the water level and function more like natural rocky points. Low-crested or partially submerged headlands, which reduce visual impact while still influencing wave energy, currents and sediment movement. Hybrid headland systems, where a headland is combined with beach nourishment, artificial reefs, submerged berms, groynes, public space, habitat features or backpassing systems. The right arrangement depends on the coastal setting. A headland designed for beach stabilisation in a high-energy open coast setting will differ from one designed for a sheltered resort beach, surf amenity, marina protection or public foreshore renewal. How artificial headlands help manage coastal erosion Artificial headlands do not create sand. This is an important point. A headland changes how sand moves, where it is retained and how the beach responds to wave conditions. For this reason, artificial headlands are often most effective when designed as part of a wider sediment management strategy, including beach nourishment or sand backpassing. There are three main ways artificial headlands can support coastal protection. 1. Regulating longshore sediment transport On many sandy coasts, waves approach the shoreline at an angle. This generates longshore currents that move sand along the beach. Where there is a strong net direction of sediment transport, beaches may erode if sediment supply is interrupted, reduced or unable to keep pace with losses. A headland can slow or partially interrupt this transport, allowing sand to accumulate on the updrift side. This is sometimes compared with the effect of a groyne, but the processes are more complex, intentionally letting some sand bypass the structure. Headland shape, width, crest elevation, seaward extent and orientation all influence how sand moves around the structure. Headlands can stabilise beaches by suppressing longshore transport currents, with updrift benefit depending on the size of the feature relative to the surf zone width. The headland shape affects whether sediment is blocked, redirected, bypassed or moved through more complex circulation pathways. This is why artificial headlands should not be treated as standard catalogue structures. A headland that is too small may have limited effect. A headland that is too large may interrupt bypassing, increase downdrift sediment deficits or create unintended erosion patterns. 2. Influencing wave refraction and diffraction As waves approach a headland, they bend, spread and interact with the structure. For larger headland systems, wave diffraction can also influence the equilibrium plan shape of the beach. This can lead to a zeta-curve, also known as a headland-bay beach shape. This form is related to the point of diffraction and predominant wave direction, and may develop on both sides of a structure or mainly downdrift depending on wave angle and headland alignment. For design, this matters because the shoreline response is not only a function of structure length. It is also controlled by the relationship between the structure, wave approach, sediment pathways and the natural beach compartment. 3. Creating a more stable beach compartment Artificial headlands can help define smaller beach compartments within longer open coast systems. This can improve the performance of beach nourishment by reducing the rate at which placed sand disperses alongshore. For communities investing in nourishment, this can be particularly valuable. Nourishment alone can provide immediate beach width and storm buffer, but on high-energy coastlines sand may continue to move away from the placement area. A headland can help increase the residence time of nourished sand, improving the value of the nourishment campaign and supporting longer-term beach stability. This is one reason headlands are increasingly considered as part of integrated coastal resilience strategies rather than as stand-alone structures. Artificial headlands compared with groynes and seawalls Artificial headlands are often discussed alongside groynes, seawalls, breakwaters and artificial reefs. Each option has a different role. A seawall protects landward assets by resisting waves, but it does not usually restore a beach by itself. If fronting beach levels fall, wave exposure at the wall can increase erosion. The impacts of a seawall depend heavily on its position within the beach system. Terminal seawalls, such as those used on the Gold Coast, are typically buried within the dune system and only exposed during severe erosion events. In this context, they can provide major protection benefits without the same adverse beach impacts often associated with seawalls located too far seaward. A groyne interrupts longshore sediment transport and can trap sand on the updrift side, but may increase downdrift erosion if not designed with sediment supply in mind. A key difference between headland and groyne is that the headland is designed to allow some sand to bypass and can also be used as a multi functional asset (public space). A detached breakwater reduces wave energy in its lee and can form a salient or tombolo, but it may affect water circulation, visual amenity, navigation and beach shape. An artificial reef can reduce wave energy, influence surf amenity and support habitat, but its shoreline response depends heavily on crest level, geometry, wave climate and sediment supply. An artificial headland can combine elements of several of these approaches. It can provide a control point for beach alignment, influence waves and sediment transport, support public use and potentially integrate ecological or recreational functions. This multi-functional role is one of the main reasons artificial headlands are attractive. However, it is also why they require careful design. They are not a low-risk shortcut. They are complex coastal engineering structures that need site-specific modelling, sediment budget assessment and staged implementation planning. Nourishment plays a key role when used in combination with artificial headlands, as the presence of a headland can help retain nourished material on the beach for a longer period. By strategically placing nourishment in conjunction with a headland, communities can enhance the longevity of their investment and achieve more sustainable shoreline management. Key design considerations for artificial headlands A successful artificial headland begins with a clear understanding of the coastal process problem. Is the issue chronic erosion, storm bite, longshore sediment deficit, poor nourishment retention, entrance instability, loss of public beach width, surf amenity decline, or risk to landward assets? Once the problem is defined, the design must consider several core parameters. Headland size and seaward extent The size of the headland affects how strongly it influences sediment transport and wave transformation. Larger headlands may provide greater updrift stabilisation, but they can also increase downdrift impacts or make sediment bypassing more intermittent. Headland size is an important factor in both updrift beach widening and the nature and timescale of sediment bypassing. There is also a need to consider whether bypassing occurs regularly or only during larger wave events. This is a critical design issue. A headland that traps sand too effectively may starve downdrift beaches. A headland that allows uncontrolled bypassing may not provide enough stabilisation benefit. Headland shape and orientation Headland geometry controls the way waves interact with the structure. Sharp ends can create stronger diffraction effects, eddies and local scour. Rounded ends can reduce some of these effects and support safer, more natural sediment bypassing pathways. Rounding breakwater ends into a more natural headland shape can improve sediment bypassing, reduce downdrift erosion shadow risk, reduce the chance of sediment moving into deeper inactive areas and improve swimmer safety by reducing eddy risks. The ideal shape is not always the most visually obvious one. It must respond to the dominant and extreme wave directions, the local surf zone width, the design beach alignment and the required level of sediment retention. Sediment budget and nourishment requirements Because artificial headlands redistribute sand rather than create it, the sediment budget is central to design. The coastal engineering team must understand existing longshore transport rates, cross-shore storm demand, beach recovery behaviour, sediment grain size, sources of compatible nourishment material and potential downdrift effects. In many cases, artificial headlands should be paired with beach nourishment. This allows the system to be “pre-filled” so that the headland does not rely on capturing sand from adjacent beaches. Storm performance and design life Artificial headlands must be designed for both daily coastal processes and extreme storm events. This includes armour stability, toe protection, overtopping, wave setup, scour, settlement, constructability and safe access. For public-facing headlands, the design must also consider how people will interact with the structure. This may include beach access, viewing areas, surf lifesaving operations, maintenance access, public safety, signage, fall risk and emergency response. Downdrift impacts and bypassing strategy One of the most important questions for any artificial headland is: what happens downdrift? Headland bypassing can occur regularly, intermittently or only during high-energy events. Bypassing around large headlands may occur in pulses or “slugs”, and downdrift beaches can experience short to medium-term sediment deficits when bypassing is inhibited. For an artificial headland project, this means downdrift management should be designed from the start. Options may include nourishment, sand backpassing, adaptive monitoring triggers or staged construction. Surfing, recreation and public amenity Artificial headlands can also create recreational benefits when designed in the right setting. Natural headlands are associated with some of the world’s best surf breaks because they can influence wave peeling, sandbar shape and wave refraction. However, surf outcomes should not be assumed. Surf amenity requires the headland to act as a meaningful control point for the surf bar, with enough differential in bar position and beach alignment to allow wave refraction and peeling. Detailed modelling is needed before claiming surf benefits. This is an important message for coastal communities. Artificial headlands may support surf and recreation, but only when the geometry, wave climate, sediment response and design objectives align. Where artificial headlands are most suitable Artificial headlands may be suitable where: A sandy open coast beach is experiencing chronic erosion. Beach nourishment alone is unlikely to provide sufficient sand retention. There is a need to create or strengthen a beach compartment. Public amenity, recreation and coastal protection need to be delivered together. A seawall-only response would protect assets but reduce beach value over time. There is enough space to design the headland without unacceptable downdrift effects. Sand management measures can be implemented as part of the wider project. They may be less suitable where there is limited sediment supply, highly constrained downdrift assets, unacceptable ecological impacts, poor foundation conditions, navigation conflicts or insufficient space for a stable shoreline response. ICM’s experience with artificial headlands ICM has a long history of working with artificial headlands, artificial reefs, beach nourishment, sand bypassing, coastal structures and open coast adaptation. Our team has developed a technical note on The Added Value of Headlands for Coastal Protection, alongside decades of related coastal engineering publications. ICM’s work has included headland and reef concepts for high-energy open coast environments, including the RE:BEACH Oceanside design, where artificial headlands are being developed with an offshore artificial reef and targeted nourishment to improve shoreline stability, beach amenity and surf outcomes, and a review of natural headlands, control structures and artificial headland configurations for the Gold Coast. The future of artificial headlands in coastal resilience As sea levels rise and coastal communities face increasing pressure, artificial headlands are likely to become a more important part of the coastal adaptation toolkit. They offer the potential to combine protection, beach amenity, recreation, ecological value and public space in a single integrated design. However, their value depends on careful application. A successful artificial headland is not simply a rock structure placed into the surf zone. It is a coastal process intervention that must be designed around wave climate, sediment transport, beach morphology, storm response, public use, environmental constraints and long-term maintenance. For councils, developers and coastal asset owners, the key question is not simply “Will an artificial headland stop erosion?” A better question is: Can an artificial headland help create a more stable, usable and resilient beach system at this specific site? When the answer is yes, artificial headlands may provide an alternative to traditional coastal protection. For ICM, this is where the real value sits: designing coastal infrastructure that does more than resist the ocean. It works with coastal processes to create longer-term resilience for beaches, communities and coastal assets.

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.

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 surge 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 shifting) 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.

To protect beach amenity value, the prevention of coastal erosion is critical. With factors like climate change and sea level rise there's never been more need for well designed measures against coastal erosion. Seawalls are a great example of one solution. But is a seawall suitable for your site/project? This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of seawalls and how to determine suitability for your site. What is a seawall? A seawall is a manmade barrier constructed where the land meets the sea. Their main purposes are: To prevent land loss through the coastal erosion process To hold the land in position, creating a permanent/fixed border in the case of marine infrastructure, like marinas or harbours. There are many different types of seawall (both in design and material makeup), that perform differently under various exposed conditions. And there is not necessarily one ‘best’ kind of seawall, as each site has its own unique requirements and interacts with the dynamic coastal environment in their own way. In most cases, seawalls are exposed to the natural conditions and can therefore be seen. This can disrupt the aesthetic of a location. However, without the seawall, the natural conditions may be subject to serious erosional damage and land loss. This may be due to natural causes, such as high wave conditions, or man-made changes, such as disruption to the coastline/the natural sand and water flow which can create erosion ‘hotspots’ that need coastal erosion solutions. Types of Seawalls While the advantages and disadvantages of seawalls can vary depending on the design, several factors influence which type is best suited for your site. These factors include: Cost Visual aesthetic Sit location in the coastal zone Functionality and usability Impact on the site/environment These factors should be taken into consideration when choosing the right type of seawall for the site to deter from unwanted disadvantages of seawalls. The most common types of seawall include: Sloped Sewall Stepped Seawall Vertical Sewall Curved Sewall Stacked or Module Seawall There are also combinations of the above mentioned. And, each of these different types of seawalls can be made of different types of material (discussed in the following sections). Emergency or Temporary Seawalls In many coastal locations around the globe the beaches are considered government or state land. Typically, in these instances, government approvals are required before there can be any construction of seawall structures (especially if they are going to directly touch/impact the beach). In some cases, where there is a direct threat to property or infrastructure, an emergency or temporary seawall may be installed/constructed without going through the typical approval process. Note that regulations can very significantly between states and local governments, so it is always best to check on which approvals are required (as some locations implement what is called 'managed retreat' whereby you may not be able to build any kind of seawall, temporary or not). Emergency or temporary seawalls can be built quickly and are often made using material that is easy to remove if/when it is necessary. These include materials like geotextile sand containers and other emergency flood protection filling modules. Advantages and Disadvantages of Seawalls for Emergency Works Like all coastal erosion protection structures there are advantages and disadvantages, with the emergency or temporary works there are a few things to consider. Advantages: Typically, works can be performed quickly bypassing the lengthy approval process required for some other types of seawalls Generally, as the emergency or temporary works are not designed for longevity, they can be built cheaper (depending on the materials used/site conditions) that traditionally, long-term, exposed seawalls In many cases, the emergency works could be removed if necessary Disadvantages: Quick installation of emergency works may not be the best long-term solution and therefore, the temp works may need to be removed at some point for better long term solutions Quick, cheap solutions may not have the best aesthetic to match the site Exposed Seawalls This is the most common type of seawall. These seawalls are designed to be permanently exposed to the ocean and wave environment. Seawalls interact with the coastal processes of a sandy beach in terms of onshore/offshore sand transport and local longshore sand transport when present in the active zone. Numerous papers evaluate the influence of seawalls based on their location in the active prism and the long-term beach stability - accreting, stable, nourished, or eroding. Nevertheless, a popular and too simplistic idea prevails that seawalls cause coastal erosion and destroy beaches. Consequently, seawalls are often disregarded during option evaluations. An exposed seawall in the surf zone under wave attack would result in reflection and scour in front of the wall and/or accelerated erosion along the seawall, despite eroded volumes being 60 percent of what they would be without the seawall. Refer to ICM’s Coastal Conference Paper on Terminal Seawalls for more info. Advantages and Disadvantages of Seawalls that are Exposed Advantages The biggest and most obvious advantage of exposed seawalls is that they mitigate wave energy from hitting the landmass Exposed seawalls can be used to reshape natural or man-made coastal areas by creating a solid edge/definitive line In most cases, seawalls are used to prevent land loss behind the wall, thereby preserving property or infrastructure Disadvantages Seawalls by design stop/reduce wave energy from passing through or over the wall. This wave energy therefore is either reflected or redistributed somewhere else. Often, part of the wave energy is reflected back to the sea which can create an erosion hotspot at the base of the seawall itself (referred to as scour). Through proper coastal engineering design, scour can be accounted for and therefore built into the seawall design to reduce the scour effect If seawalls are built out of the natural beach alignment the can act as a kind of groyne and disrupt the longshore sand transport to beaches/properties on the leeward side of the wall Exposed seawalls look man-made (as they are) and can therefore take away from the natural beauty of a site (atheistic interruption) It should be noted that proper designed seawalls by experienced coastal engineers can improve site protection and mitigate negative impacts. Get in touch today to speak with real coastal engineering experts in the field of rock wall design. Terminal Seawalls Seawalls that are situated as far inland as possible from "normal" beach changes are termed terminal seawalls. These structures are only active during severe erosion events and remain buried under normal circumstances. A terminal wall, which is often buried within the dune buffer zone, limits erosion during severe events and serves as a clear planning boundary between the active beach and permitted development. Due to the fact that these occurrences may only occur for brief periods a few times per hundred years, the potential for negative impacts on the beach is equally brief. Advantages and Disadvantages of Terminal Seawalls Advantages One of the greatest advantages of terminal seawalls over exposed seawalls is there low visual impact As the seawall only becomes exposed during an extreme event, the storm demand is sourced from almost the entire upper beach profile and not just scour at the base of the seawall. The waves are generally depth limited and of smaller magnitude, resulting in a smaller structure with lower design requirements, less toe scour, and less overtopping Disadvantages Terminal seawalls only come into effect during extreme events when the rest of the beach profile has become eroded and are therefore a ‘last line of defences’ approach Think a terminal seawall may be suitable for your site? Revetment walls Revetment walls are essentially 'small' seawalls that are designed to absorb wave energy and reduce erosion. They can be sloped, stepped, or vertical walls made from durable materials such as rock, concrete, or geotextile containers (for emergency works). By dispersing the force of water, revetments protect canals, riverbanks, and infrastructure from damage during high tides, storms and floods. ​​ ​ How they work: Retain and protect land from erosion Absorb wave energy to prevent structural damage Serve as critical infrastructure for coastal and water-front properties Materials used for seawalls As mentioned previously, there are a wide range of materials used for seawalls. Each will have their own advantages and disadvantages depending on the site. Hard engineering design often refers to materials in seawalls such as: Rock Concrete Steel Gabions (rock baskets) Wood Composite Materials There are also ‘softer’ approaches using technologies such as: Sand filled geotextile containers Self-standing sand filled modules Green solutions are considered dune vegetation or landscaping. While this would not be considered a stand-alone seawall solution, it is often incorporated into the design process to reduce the visual impact and add a more ‘natural’ look to the site on completion. How Effective are Seawalls? Seawall effectiveness comes down to design and installation execution and can vary significantly (depending on how well the design is done). Seawalls can be very effective at protecting landmass from wave impact/erosion. In most cases it is not a question of the seawalls effectiveness of protecting the immediate site, however, how the seawall interacts with the surrounding coastal environment and adjacent sites is often the area of concern. When designing and installing seawalls, careful consideration should be taken into the long-term effects of the wall on the surrounding area. In conjunction with other coastal protection measures like beach nourishment, seawalls can be very effective in maintain both stable beaches and secure property lines. Do Seawalls Stop Tsunamis? Seawalls can be designed for a wide range of impact possibilities and wave conditions. From small waves (boat wake and wash), to large wave events such as Tsunamis and significant storm surge events. Experienced coastal engineers can determine which wave conditions need to be considered when designing seawalls at a site and can accommodate this into the design process. Designing and building seawalls to stop Tsunamis would require for instance, larger/heavier rock or modules with thicker overall width and higher design crests. Do Seawalls Erode Beaches? As discussed, there is a misconception that seawalls only erode beaches. One of the disadvantages of seawalls (if not designed properly) is that they can have negative effect on the immediate beach, through wave reflection and scour. They can also have negative effects on the surrounding beaches and adjacent properties. If designed properly inconjunction with a hollistic approach to coastal protection, they can be very effective. Therefore, it is critical to engage with experienced coastal engineers when considering seawalls as a solution for your site. Are Seawalls Sustainable? Sustainability in design can consider a few different elements: The materials used The impact on the site (and surrounding sites) Sustainability relative to the materials themselves will vary greatly depending on the material source relative the proposed site. For example, quarried rock is often used is seawall design and construction. In areas with accessibility to quarried rock (assuming the quarries themselves are operated in a sustainable way, which may relate to things like volume of rock available vs. time impact on the environment, etc.) the rock may be a viable choice with relatively low transport costs associated. In areas where no quarried rock is available, there may be options to ship in rock or use locally available material such as coral rock, or sand (into containers). In summary, there is no clear-cut answer to sustainability in seawalls as each site and design will vary significantly. It should be noted that sustainability in design is something that needs to be considered for a holistic approach. Are seawalls expensive? The cost of a seawall at different sites can vary significantly. Factor effecting cost include: The design itself Some sites will require larger seawalls to protect against high power wave/storm conditions Some sites will require smaller walls The material Depending on which material type is used it will determine the constructability and associated costs, transport to site costs, etc. In all coastal erosion protection design there are few different costs to consider: Capital cost The upfront cost to design and build the structure The maintenance cost Any ongoing maintenance that may be required In general, higher capital cost require lower ongoing maintenance. Whereas lower capital cost may require more ongoing/higher maintenance costs. Are seawalls affordable to maintain? As mentioned above, the maintenance cost of seawalls will depend heavily on the type of design and material used. For example, at a remote site where no quarried rock is available, coral rock may be used which would be a lower capital cost than importing quarried rock. However, over time, the coral rock will not likely hold up in storm conditions as long as quarry rock. Therefore, the coral rock seawall may need to be maintained with additional coral rock or completely replaced. These kinds of capital vs. long term costs will need to be considered when deciding on seawall material and design. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Seawalls? In summary, there are plenty of advantages and disadvantaged of seawalls. For the most part, seawalls are a very effective way of maintaining a structural line for land and property protection. The main disadvantages of seawalls are that they can create localised erosion. This can be at the base of the seawall itself or at adjacent properties. If designed properly in conjunction with a hollisitc approrach to site resilience building, seawalls can be very effective. Looking at implementing a seawall to your property? Be sure to consult with an industry professional (experienced coastal engineer). Or if you're looking for seawall alternatives, consider a variety of coastal resilient measures like Multi Purpose Artificial Reefs in conjunction with nearshore nourishment. Contact us today for consultation to determine which seawall is right for you. Read more about artificial reefs or sand bypassing systems as a coastal erosion solution.

Managing sand movement is one of the most persistent challenges in coastal engineering. When river entrances, training walls, marinas and navigation channels interrupt natural littoral drift, the impacts are often predictable: erosion on adjacent beaches, shoaling within navigation channels, rising dredging costs and growing pressure on coastal infrastructure. For more than four decades, ICM founder Angus Jackson has worked on projects where managing sand movement has been central to long-term coastal resilience. That experience began on the Gold Coast, where large volumes of sand move north along the coastline every year. Understanding how to work with that movement, rather than against it, helped shape some of Australia’s most recognised coastal engineering projects. What is a sand bypass system? A sand bypass system is designed to transfer sand from one side of an obstruction to the other, allowing natural littoral drift to continue. These systems are commonly used where infrastructure interrupts natural coastal processes, including: river entrances port developments inlets marinas training walls navigation channels Without a functioning bypass system, sand often accumulates at the updrift side of infrastructure while downdrift beaches experience sediment loss and erosion. Depending on site conditions, sand bypassing methods may include: fixed pumping infrastructure dredging and relocation mechanical transfer systems periodic sand backpassing hybrid approaches Every sand bypass system must respond to local coastal processes, wave climate, sediment transport patterns, approvals requirements and operational constraints. The Gold Coast: one of Australia’s most recognised sand bypass systems Few locations demonstrate the importance of sand bypassing better than the Gold Coast. Before the construction of the Gold Coast Seaway, the Nerang River mouth was constantly shifting. Large volumes of sand moving along the coast created dangerous navigation conditions and ongoing instability at the river entrance. Around 500,000 cubic metres of sand moves north along the Gold Coast every year. Without intervention, that sand would have rapidly filled the entrance. As Angus explains: “Because the longshore transport, about a half a million cubic metres of sand every year, would have just clogged up the entrance, that had to be pumped across with a fixed bypass system.” The Gold Coast’s sand bypass system helped maintain navigation access while reducing coastal erosion impacts on surrounding beaches. It also became a major reference point for future sand bypass systems around Australia. "The first fixed jetty mounted system, at the Nerang River entrance, was commissioned in 1986 to provide a safe navigable entrance and has provided proof of concept for permanent bypassing systems in high wave energy environments where dredging was difficult." Why monitoring matters A successful sand bypass system is rarely static. Coastal systems evolve, sediment transport patterns shift and operational needs change over time. That is why ongoing monitoring remains critical. As Angus explains: “The seaway and bypass system proved to be a great example of solid coastal engineering founded on a long-term local data set that provided in-depth understanding of complex local processes.” “The original system was very much a pilot project. It worked well but was not perfect. Ongoing monitoring and modifications have improved the efficiency and allowed backpassing that will be critical to the long-term sustainability of Gold Coast beaches.” That adaptive approach remains central to successful coastal management today. The best bypass systems are monitored, refined and adjusted over time as coastal conditions change. Gold Coast Seaway | ICM Archives Littoral transport Understanding littoral transport is critical when assessing whether a sand bypass system is the right solution. Littoral transport of sediments (generally sand but can be shingles and other beach materials) is a result of the longshore currents generated by waves approaching the beach obliquely. Understanding these transport patterns helps coastal engineers determine whether fixed infrastructure, periodic dredging, backpassing or broader sediment management programs are more appropriate. Advantages of Sand Bypassing Erosion Control: With sand constantly on the move, areas down drift of obstructions can experience erosion. Sand bypassing counteracts this, maintaining beach width and reducing long-term coastal erosion pressures Navigation: For ports and harbours, sediment build-up can create operational and safety issues Recreation and Tourism: Healthy beaches support tourism, recreation and surf amenity. On the Gold Coast, bypass systems have contributed to improved surf conditions at several locations. Economic Benefits: From boosting tourism to reducing the costs associated with dredging, effective systems can reduce dredging costs while supporting tourism, marine industries and coastal development Environmental Balance: maintaining natural sediment transport can reduce unnecessary disruption to surrounding coastal systems ICM's Bypassing and Backpassing Experience Nerang River Bypassing and Backpassing Angus Jackson, serving as the City of Gold Coast's coastal engineer, played a pivotal advisory role in the 1980s implementation of the Nerang River sand bypass system on the Gold Coast. This jetty-mounted pump system, established by the Qld Government, ensured safer navigation at the notorious Nerang River entrance, benefiting both recreational boaters and the commercial fishing fleet, while preserving natural sand transport patterns. The fixed system places sand beyond the entrance and is complemented by a mobile dredge that clears sand build-ups in nearby channels. ICM has overseen several of these operations. This effective system has not only boosted commercial and recreational marine activities, resulting in significant economic gains, but has also enhanced surfing, ensuring even naval vessels can safely access the Seaway. Tweed River Bypass System In 1985, Angus Jackson (Jackson 1985) pinpointed the need for a second sand bypassing system at the Gold Coast's southern end. Data revealed significant sand losses due to the Tweed River training walls since 1962, eroding southern beaches and leading to North Kirra SLSC being the only surf club without a beach. Initiatives began in 1985, focusing on innovative nearshore nourishment to offset these sand losses and address rising sea levels. Research with the University of NSW confirmed the importance of restoring natural sand transport. By 2001, a bypass jetty was established, though occasional dredging remained necessary. Crucially, dredged sand deposition was executed thoughtfully, enhancing a popular surfing location, creating the "superbank", and ensuring minimal beachgoer disruption. Tweed River Bypass System | ICM Archives Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Creek Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creeks presented recurring challenges including sand build-up at their entrances, reduced tidal exchange, flooding risks and water quality concerns. Angus recognized the multifaceted benefits of sand bypassing. By implementing annual pumping from these creeks, not only was the trapped sand effectively relocated to replenish the beaches, but two critical issues were simultaneously addressed: flood mitigation and water quality enhancement. Removing excess sand would ensure smoother water flow, reducing the potential for floods. At the same time, with improved flow, water stagnation was minimised, leading to healthier, cleaner water in the creeks. To achieve this, a 12-14’ cutter suction dredge was used, designed to lift and transfer sediment. This dredge continues to support these operations today, helping maintain entrance stability while improving flood capacity and water circulation. Source: Carles Rabada Noosa Main Beach Backpassing System Noosa Main Beach is one of Queensland’s most recognisable coastal tourism assets, but like many high-use beaches, it requires active sand management to maintain beach width, amenity and resilience. ICM was engaged to provide coastal engineering advice on a proposed backpass system for Noosa, designed by Slurry Systems. The system was developed to move sand from areas of accumulation back toward areas experiencing erosion, helping keep sand within the local beach system. Backpassing is a sand management method where sand is mechanically transferred against the dominant net transport direction. In practical terms, it allows a beach system to “recycle” its own sand, reducing net loss and supporting long-term beach stability. ICM’s role included advising on the preferred location for the system, considering coastal processes, operational efficiency, environmental impacts and approvals requirements. Placement was critical to ensure the system could function effectively while minimising disruption to beach users, local amenity and the surrounding coastal environment. The backpass system was designed to pump approximately 30,000 cubic metres of sand annually in a southward direction to help maintain Noosa Main Beach. Today, the system remains an important example of how targeted sand backpassing can support high-value recreational beaches while working within natural coastal processes. Source: Lynnette Greenslade Other Locations Some other implementation dredge based bypassing systems by ICM include: Rosslyn Bay Marina Port Hacking Scarborough Marina Woorim Runaway Bay Canal Entrance Coffs Harbour Mooloolaba River Entrance Working with Coastal Processes Sand bypassing is most effective when it works with natural coastal processes rather than against them. As Angus explains: “Sand bypassing systems can be synchronous with the sand transport, such as a fixed pump system, or intermittent, such as by a mobile dredge that recovers sand ‘lost’ into a natural or man-made tidal entrance, such as a harbour.” This flexibility is important. Different sites require different sand bypassing methods depending on wave climate, sediment transport, navigation needs, environmental constraints and available infrastructure. The benefits can also extend beyond coastal management alone. As Angus notes: "With appropriate discharge locations, sand bypassing systems can improve surfing, such as the Superbank, and provide substantial economic benefits.” For ICM, sand bypassing remains an important part of the coastal engineering toolbox. When designed and managed well, a sand bypass system can help maintain natural sediment movement, reduce coastal erosion, improve navigation, support beach amenity and work alongside nearshore nourishment and artificial reefs. The Gold Coast remains one of the clearest examples of this integrated approach in practice. Contact us about Sand Bypassing Sand bypass systems are not one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on local coastal processes, sediment transport patterns, navigation requirements, environmental constraints and long-term maintenance considerations. ICM has advised on sand bypassing, backpassing, dredging and coastal entrance management projects across Australia and internationally. If your project involves coastal erosion, entrance instability, sediment build-up or long-term beach management, contact our team to discuss practical solutions.

Forty years ago, Queensland delivered one of the most significant coastal infrastructure projects in the state’s history, the Gold Coast Seaway. Today, it’s often viewed as the gateway between the Broadwater and the Ocean. It is where boats head offshore, where surfers enjoy waves at The Spit, and where locals walk the rock wall promenade. But before the Seaway was built, this stretch of coastline was unstable, dangerous and constantly moving. The former Southport Bar shifted north by around 60 metres every year as sand moved along the coast. Over time, that migration dramatically reshaped the coastline. In the 1840s, the entrance was located much further south, roughly where Broadbeach now sits. By the 1930s, it had moved north toward what is now Sea World, prompting the construction of a seawall to protect Southport. By the 1980s, the entrance had moved even further north, eroding parts of South Stradbroke Island and contributing to the loss of the former coastal settlement of Moondarewa. Without intervention, that movement would have continued. Angus Jackson saw the challenge firsthand. “The bar was one of the most dangerous in Australia and sinkings of trawlers and recreational vessels (including one my father’s boats) was common. Before founding International Coastal Management in 1989, Angus Jackson served as the City of Gold Coast’s Coastal Engineer and later became Director of Beaches and Waterways, helping shape this project, and many of the coastal management initiatives that transformed the city during the 1980s and 1990s. Reflecting on the recent 40-year milestone, Angus said: “The seaway and bypass system proved to be a great example of solid coastal engineering founded on a long term local data set that provided in depth understanding of the complex local processes. The original system was very much a pilot project - it worked well but was not perfect. Ongoing monitoring and modifications have improved the efficiency and allowed backpassing that will be critical to the long term sustainability of the GC beaches.” A long-term coastal management decision The Seaway was not a standalone idea. Training the entrance formed part of the Delft Report recommendations and aligned with the City of Gold Coast’s broader coastal management scheme gazetted in 1972. Council understood the importance of stabilising the entrance, but the project was well beyond local government budgets at the time. During the mid-1970s to mid-1980s, Council was focused on major city-building priorities, including sealing roads and transitioning the city from septic tanks to sewer collection and tertiary treatment systems that significantly improved water quality. The Seaway required state support. At approximately $50 million, it was a major investment for Queensland at the time. The State accepted responsibility for design and funding, launching concept designs in 1983 and fast-tracking the project as critical infrastructure. It was also designed and built by Queensland engineers and contractors, helping build specialist expertise that would later be applied across Australia and internationally. Solving a dangerous navigation problem The Southport Bar had become notorious among local boaties. Commercial fishing fleets often struggled to safely cross the entrance. Recreational vessels regularly encountered dangerous conditions. Multiple sinkings and fatalities occurred over the years. The dangers became impossible for government to ignore when Queensland Treasurer Sir William Knox visited the site to inspect conditions and was injured while crossing the bar. According to Angus, that moment helped accelerate state support for a permanent solution. The coastal engineering challenge Building the rock walls was only part of the challenge. The Gold Coast moves around 500,000 cubic metres of sand northward each year. Without intervention, that sand would have quickly blocked a fixed entrance. As Angus explained: “Because of the longshore transport, about a half a million cubic metres of sand every year would have just clogged up the entrance, that had to be pumped across with a fixed bypass system.” That thinking helped create one of Australia’s most important sand management systems. The project also required approximately one million tonnes of rock, with some armour units weighing up to 20 tonnes. “We had truck after truck with those massive boulders,” Angus said. Gold Coast Seaway | ICM Archives Why the Gold Coast Seaway delivered exceptional value The Seaway solved far more than a navigation issue. It: stabilised the entrance and stopped valuable beach sand being lost into the Broadwater created deep and reliable navigation access made millions of cubic metres of beach-quality sand available for beach nourishment and continues providing approximately 80,000 cubic metres annually for northern Gold Coast beaches, helping improve long-term resilience reduced flood levels improved flushing and supported higher water quality outcomes helped unlock Wave Break Island, recreational access at The Spit, and popular surf breaks also enabled major economic development including marinas, waterfront development and marine industries across the northern Gold Coast Few infrastructure projects create this level of public return across coastal management, safety, recreation and economic growth. Gold Coast Seaway | ICM Archives The Gold Coast coastal management program The Seaway was not the end of the Gold Coast’s coastal transformation. It became the foundation for many of the strategies that followed. During his time leading the city’s coastal program, Angus helped advance initiatives that are now widely recognised across Australia, including: the Tweed River Sand Bypass System large-scale beach nourishment programs urban dune management policies surf amenity planning the foundations that eventually led to projects such as Narrowneck Artificial Reef Many of these initiatives were considered unconventional at the time but became reference projects for coastal cities facing similar pressures. Tweed Bypass and Duranbah Beach | ICM Archives Coastal engineering lessons The lessons from the Gold Coast Seaway still influence coastal entrance and waterway projects today. ICM has continued applying similar thinking across Australia and internationally, including entrance and waterway projects in Qatar, feasibility work for a Seaway-style coastal entrance concept in California, and strategic advice for Bribie Island following recent breakthrough events. At Bribie Island, ICM’s reporting recommended the establishment of a Sunshine Coast Waterway Authority to improve long-term governance, coordination and management of the Pumicestone Passage and surrounding waterways. That recommendation reflects one of the major lessons from the Gold Coast: successful coastal infrastructure needs strong governance, long-term planning and ongoing management, not just construction. Forty years later, the Gold Coast Seaway remains one of Queensland’s most successful infrastructure investments. And for ICM, it represents something more personal. It helped shape the career of our founder and the innovative coastal thinking that still guides our work today.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, parts of the Gold Coast coastline were under real pressure. Erosion was affecting dunes, accessways, and built assets, and the city’s beach economy was starting to feel the risk. Angus Jackson was working with the Gold Coast City Council during this period, when many of the approaches that now guide urban beach management were still being tested, debated, and refined. A reminder of that era surfaced for us through an old Engineers Australia magazine article from 1989 that captured Angus' approach at the time. It’s a valuable snapshot of the thinking that shaped the Gold Coast’s shift from reacting to erosion, to managing sand and shoreline change as an ongoing program. Engineers Australia Magazine 1989 It's clear that Jackson's foresight and dedication have left an immense mark on the field of coastal engineering in Australia and globally, offering lessons on the power of innovation and the critical importance of working with nature. Developing Nearshore Nourishment: The 1985 Shift In the late 1970's and early 1980's, the Gold Coast's beaches faced a real threat from erosion, with clear implications for both public assets and tourism. To combat the erosion, Angus, then supervising engineer for special projects at the Gold Coast City Council, pioneered a nearshore nourishment (sand placement) program in 1985. His approach was "to work with nature." The initiative was to place sand in the nearshore so natural processes could do the redistribution, supporting wider beaches without trying to “freeze” the coastline in place. That work complemented an exisiting beach nourishment program that began in 1974 following a study by Delft Hydraulics Laboratory, and it helped build confidence that sand placement could be planned as an ongoing management tool rather than a one-off emergency response. Angus famously stated, “Either Christmas '89 is a good beach, or I'm looking for a new job,” displaying his commitment and belief in the project's success. Gold Coast beaches in the late 70's [visulalightbox.com.au] Urban Dunes and Access Sand volumes and coastal structures often get most of the attention, but dunes and access planning are also integral to long term beach performance. Angus helped shape approaches to vegetate dunes over terminal gold coast seawalls, sand management, and monitoring procedures that support day-to-day beach usability while building coastal resilience. A well-managed dune system is not only an environmental asset, it is a practical piece of coastal protection for urban beaches. Northern Gold Coast Coastal Innovations that Resonated Globally Angus' influence expanded internationally through his company International Coastal Management, including his work on the multi-purpose artificial reef at Narrowneck, utilising geotextile sand containers. Narrowneck is often cited because it represented a different way to think about coastal infrastructure: a project designed to deliver more than one outcome. Shoreline protection mattered, but so did environmental and recreational value, including surf amenity. As Angus put it at the time: "The creation of the large nearshore shoals has modified the wave climate and given immediate protection to the foreshore." Over the years, Narrowneck has also become a long-running reference point for monitoring and learning. That is the real advantage of these projects when they are treated as part of a program: you don’t only build something; you keep measuring what it does, and use that information to guide decisions elsewhere. Marine habitat crated on Narrowneck Multi Purpose Artificial Reef Sand bypassing Another pillar of the Gold Coast approach is sand bypassing and backpassing around trained entrances. Longshore transport does not stop because a navigation entrance is engineered. If sand continuity is interrupted, erosion and downdrift impacts can follow. These systems are often described as navigation infrastructure, but they are also beach infrastructure. When they are operated and maintained as long-term assets, they can support safer navigation while sustaining beach condition. Research and Education in Coastal Resilience Angus' 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 continuity is one reason the Gold Coast is referenced internationally. It is not only the physical interventions; it is the habit of measuring, learning, and sharing outcomes across engineers, universities, and practitioners. Alongside this, Angus serves on the National Committee on Coastal and Ocean Engineering, contributing to ongoing professional practice and knowledge sharing across the sector. Angus Jackson with new company director Aaron Salyer after RE:BEACH win on Gold Coast beach A Future Built on Foundations of the Past The foresight and effectiveness of Angus Jackson's strategies have been extensively documented, showcasing not just the revitalisation of the Gold Coast's beaches but also marking significant progress in coastal engineering practices globally. The Gold Coast’s coastal management is often described through the visible features: the wide beaches, the dune buffers, the engineered entrances, and the long-running sand programs. What sits underneath those features is a program approach: set objectives, test and implement, monitor, refine, repeat. That same delivery mindset is now being applied beyond Australia. ICM’s award in the RE:BEACH design competition in Oceanside, California provides us an opportunity 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. Looking for Coastal Resilience and Adaptation Specialists? With decades of experience in coastal resilience design and long-term coastal management programs, ICM supports clients across concept development, feasibility, design, implementation support, and monitoring.

International Coastal Management (ICM) supported Hall Contracting on the Bribie Island Emergency Works to develop and implement a practical tidal closure and dredging methodology in a highly dynamic coastal inlet setting. The works formed part of Queensland’s urgent first-stage response to severe erosion and breakthrough events affecting Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage, delivered under tight timeframes and strong public and stakeholder attention. Project Details Client: Hall Contracting End Client: Office of the Coordinator-General, Queensland Government Location: Bribie Island, Queensland, Australia Date: 2025 to 2026 About This Project The Challenge Breakthrough events and rapid shoreline change created immediate risks to navigation, public safety, and the stability of the Pumicestone Passage system. The site conditions were evolving daily, with short tide windows, shifting flow paths, and changing hydraulic conditions as any closure advanced. The response needed a closure methodology that could be executed safely using available equipment, while managing environmental constraints in sensitive receiving areas. At the time of closure the main island breakthrough/opening had reached approximately 450m across, allowing significant volumes of water to rush through on each tide. This presented significant design and construction challenges under which the team required an agile approach to beat the current velocities in a cost effective and practically achievable way. The Solution ICM was engaged by Hall Contracting to develop a staged closure methodology aligned with realistic dredge productivity and site access. The methodology set out workable sequencing to operate within short tide windows and adapt to changing conditions. It addressed coupled hydraulic and morphological behaviour as the closure progressed, including evolving flow paths and velocities, increasing tidal pressure gradients, and the need to maintain safe and workable beach geometry throughout delivery. Environmental constraints and sensitive receiving areas were also incorporated through practical controls embedded within staging and operations, supported by on-site survey input during works to confirm progress and inform adjustments. The emergency stage was completed to program, with closure works delivered in accordance with the agreed methodology and over 1.1 million m³ of sand moved as part of the overall first-stage package. The package was completed in March 2026, restoring navigation access and stabilising conditions, and was widely regarded as a success by State agencies and local stakeholders. Services Provided Coastal engineering design support Dredging and tidal closure methodology development Staged sequencing and constructability planning (tide-window operations) On-site survey support during works and delivery input Want to know more? Get in touch with our coastal specialists.