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- SYC Mega-Yacht Extension Approvals
ICM supported Southport Yacht Club with approvals to extend the D-Arm T-head, enabling berths for mega-yachts up to 79 m. The work covered development applications, agency liaison, and compliance coordination between contractor and certifying engineer to bring the new capacity online. Project Details Client: Southport Yacht Club Location: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia Date: 2019 About This Project The Challenge SYC sought to extend its marina to safely accommodate larger vessels while navigating a multi-agency approvals path and ensuring design and construction compliance. The scope required timely submissions to the City of Gold Coast, the Department of Science, and the Gold Coast Waterways Authority, plus clear alignment between contractor deliverables and certification requirements. The Solution ICM led the approvals strategy and documentation for the D-Arm T-head extension, preparing tidal works applications, and streamlining engagement with relevant agencies. The enlarged berth capacity has already proven practical for high-end visitation, including the 73m Dragonfly. “We streamlined a complex approvals path so that the SYC could host larger superyachts and megayachts with confidence and compliance from day one.” - Angus Jackson, ICM Services Provided Approvals strategy and project management Preparation of tidal works applications Lodgement and liaison with relevant agencies Review of conditions
- Beach Swimming Enclosure Design Review
Following damage from Tropical Cyclone Debbie (March 2017), ICM reviewed and refined the repair and modification concept for the Wilsons Beach swimming enclosure to enhance safety. The work addressed structural height, full enclosure, mesh specification, and landward access while considering sea-level rise, reuse of existing timber piles, and Safety in Design requirements. Wilson's Beach Swimming Closure in 2015 (Prior to cyclone damage). Image source: Google Earth. (May 14, 2015). 20°28'20"S 148°43'21"E. https://earth.google.com/ Project Details Client: Whitsunday Regional Council Location: Wilsons Beach, Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia Date: 2017 (post-TC Debbie) About This Project The Challenge After TC Debbie, the existing enclosure required targeted upgrades to improve safety. The Council’s repair concept proposed a double-layer plastic oyster mesh, extension of the structure up the beach, a fourth wall with a spring-loaded landward gate for full enclosure, and increased crest height - solutions that needed engineering review for durability, operability, constructibility, and future sea-level conditions. The Solution ICM undertook an engineering design review and produced design drawings addressing the proposed concepts. Services Provided Engineering design review Safety in Design (SiD) assessment Looking for coastal engineering advice or an expert review? Get in touch!
- Dubai Coastal Development: Engineering Resilience and Reimagining the Future Coastline
Over the past five decades, Dubai coastal development has transformed the once small fishing village into one of the world's most engineered and recognisable coastlines. From marinas and artificial islands, to pristine beaches and harbours, Dubai projects showcase innovation, ambition, and adaptation. But these ideas didn't emerge in isolation. Around the same time that Dubai began envisioning its coastal expansion, cities like Australia's Gold Coast were pioneering new approaches to shoreline resilience, nourishment, and urban waterfront design . Those early lessons - in how to work with nature while accommodating growth, helped shape a global movement in coastal development. Today, land reclamation in Dubai stands as one of the most ambitious examples of this evolution. Projects such as Palm Jumeirah and The World Islands demonstrate how vision, planning and coastal engineering can combine to build not only new land, but new ways of living by the sea. Table of Contents Turning a Coastline Into an Asset Global Collaboration and Gold Coast Expertise A Leader in Coastal Management The Next Challenge: Sea Level Rise and Sediment Sustainability Turning a Coastline Into an Asset Since the 1970s, Dubai Municipality has played a central role in shaping the city’s transformation. Long before large-scale reclamation projects began, Dubai Municipality coastal managers were studying world best practice, not only from Europe and the US, but also from coastal innovation hubs like the Gold Coast. Their goal was not simply to build more land, but to create a self-sustaining coastal system that would protect the city from erosion, enhance tourism, and expand its usable waterfront. What set Dubai apart was its commitment to turning theory into action. Freed from the usual economic constraints, Dubai Municipality embraced innovation at a scale few cities could match. The result, new pathways for coastal design, reclamation, and resilience that would capture global attention. Global Collaboration and Gold Coast Expertise By the 1990s, Dubai, under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, sought to transform itself into a global hub. The Gold Coast and Dubai's shared ethos of innovation led to a sister-city relationship in March 2001, where Mayor Gary Baildon signed a Sister City Agreement between the cities, focusing on coastal management and waterfront development. At that time, Gold Coast engineers had decades of experience managing erosion and development through nearshore nourishment, artificial reefs, and coastal structures. As Dubai’s projects grew, international consultants including International Coastal Management (ICM) brought this expertise to the Gulf. Led by Angus Jackson and Aaron Salyer, ICM applied the same principles developed in Australia to help design, model, and implement large-scale coastal works suited to Dubai’s unique environment. Did Dubai Coastal Development Take Inspiration from the Gold Coast? It was rumoured that during an aerial flight over the Gold Coast's canal systems, Sheikh Mohammed commented on the Sovereign Island development that it was great, but could be even better. Could this have helped to spark the vision for Dubai's iconic coastal development projects? Feats so ambitious they're visible from space. The Role of Gold Coast Expertise in Dubai's Success Gold Coast-based companies, particularly International Coastal Management , played a valuable role in assisting with Dubai's vision. With decades of expertise on the Gold Coast and globally ICM was engaged on multiple fronts, including on projects such as the Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands . These were reclaimed from the ocean, much like the Gold Coast developments were reclaimed from waterways, low lying lands and swamps. Dredging is important to both cities, and we have no doubt that both cities will continue to develop their resilience going forward into the future. - Angus Jackson, ICM ICM's involvement extended beyond the Palm Jumeirah and the World Islands . In the early 2000s, we collaborated with Dubai Municipality to develop solutions tailored to the Gulf's unique environment, including multifunctional artificial reefs (combining coastal protection and surf amenity) with additional research and development of artificial reef modules specifically tailored to the local conditions to enhance both recreation and habitat. These efforts highlighted the importance of adapting Gold Coast innovations to meet Dubai's specific needs. Additional Dubai Coastal Development Projects with International Coastal Management ICM’s work in Dubai expanded across a range of key coastal and marine initiatives, including: FIFA World Cup Erosion Protection Dubai Coastal Structures Condition Assessment Jumeirah Beachfront Master Planning Dubai Superyacht Moorings Design Sheraton Jumeriah Coastal Protection Works Soft Groynes Coastal Protection for Umm Suqeim Al Yasat Aali Island Coastal Engineering Each project reinforced ICM’s philosophy of combining engineering precision with environmental balance - working with natural systems to build resilient coastlines. A Leader in Coastal Management Today, Dubai Municipality is recognised as a global leader in coastal management. Extensive modelling and long-term monitoring guide its decisions on shoreline stability, sediment transport, and wave climate. Over the past two decades, an increasing number of Emirati coastal engineers have taken on key technical and management roles, reflecting the success of local knowledge and innovation. Additionally, a newly established Department for Public Beaches and Waterways now leads the city’s efforts to manage its coast sustainably, ensuring Dubai’s beaches and marinas remain safe, accessible, and resilient. The Next Challenge: Sea Level Rise and Sediment Sustainability As sea levels rise and coastal cities face increasing environmental pressures, maintaining resilience across the Dubai coastline will depend on long-term sand management and ecosystem integration. Sand, once seen as an abundant material, is now a critical and limited resource. Future strategies will focus on bypassing, reusing, and recycling sediment - keeping it within the coastal system rather than sourcing it externally. Dubai’s proactive planning, guided by data, science, and global collaboration, positions it well to meet this challenge. For ICM, the work continues: helping coastal cities worldwide manage their challenges through practical, science-driven, and sustainable design. Looking for coastal resilience specialists? Get in touch with us !
- The World Islands Dubai
International Coastal Management (ICM) led a value-coastal engineering design for key marine works on one of The World Islands Dubai, optimising breakwaters, a VIP groyne, shoreline walls, and marina berths to balance protection, amenity, and constructibility. The preferred scheme reduced lifecycle cost and footprint while meeting performance targets for safe waters, durable edges, and efficient barge-served construction. Project Details Client: Confidential Date: 2009 Location: The World Islands, Dubai, United Arab Emirates About this Project The Challenge The development required stable shorelines and predictable water conditions for swimming and berthing, high-amenity waterfront edges (including access to a helipad), and solutions compatible with shallow reclamation geotechnics and barge-only logistics. Existing concepts needed refinement to lower whole-of-life cost, minimise visual and environmental impact, and provide clear alternatives for tender and contractor optimisation. The Solution ICM undertook targeted value coastal engineering to set marina performance criteria and stress-test alternatives. The team compared rock breakwater typologies (including hearting-core sections and geosynthetic-core options), reconfigured a VIP groyne to compartmentalise the beach while maintaining flushing, and selected low-maintenance edge treatments (precast vertical panel walls and composite sheet-pile solutions) to maximise land take and durability. For berthing, heavy-duty concrete pontoons - including floating breakwater modules where required - were adopted to meet the defined wave climate with reduced maintenance. The approach emphasised prefabrication, barge-friendly construction, and visual sensitivity, and packaged schematic designs, alternates, and staging guidance to move efficiently into detailed design and procurement. “Our focus was performance per dollar: keep people safe and comfortable, protect the shore, and make it buildable with marine logistics - without over-engineering.” - Aaron Salyer, Director, International Coastal Management Services Provided: The World Islands Dubai Value engineering review of coastal and marina works Numerical performance setting and option stress-testing Concept refinement and schematic design packages Constructability and logistics planning for barge-served delivery Lifecycle (CAPEX/OPEX) considerations and materials selection Stakeholder coordination and pathway to detailed design
- Angus Jackson Appointed to National Committee on Coastal and Ocean Engineering
International Coastal Management (ICM) is proud to announce that our founder, Angus Jackson, has been appointed as a committee member of the ' National Committee on Coastal and Ocean Engineering (NCCOE) ', a specialist sub‑committee of Engineers Australia’s Civil College. The NCCOE plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of coastal and ocean engineering across Australia. As part of Engineers Australia, the committee brings together leading experts from consulting, government, research, and academia to address some of the nation’s most pressing challenges in managing and protecting our coastal and marine environments. About the National Committee on Coastal and Ocean Engineering Coastal and ocean engineering is a highly specialised discipline, working across the interface between land, sea, and the open ocean. The work spans from designing and managing marina development to safeguarding nearshore environments , and building coastal resilience against hazards such as storms, erosion, and climate change impacts. The NCCOE’s objectives include: Facilitating initial and continuing professional education. Assisting in accreditation of relevant tertiary courses. Encouraging and prioritising research. Ensuring the availability of technical standards. Promoting good coastal and ocean engineering practice. Providing forums and networks for knowledge exchange. Formulating policy advice for Engineers Australia in coastal and ocean matters. Fostering interaction between the profession and the public on technical and social issues. Current priorities for the NCCOE focus on improving management of the coastal zone through a deeper understanding of coastal processes, developing hazard and risk strategies, and establishing a national coastal and near‑ocean data program that integrates cutting‑edge remote sensing technologies. Angus Jackson’s Contribution Angus Jackson brings decades of hands‑on and strategic experience to the NCCOE. As founder of ICM, he has led projects across Australia and internationally, delivering innovative solutions for coastal protection, enhancement, and adaptation. From implementing large‑scale nourishment programs on the Gold Coast to advising on cyclone recovery efforts in Queensland and resilience strategies for coastal communities, Angus has consistently championed engineering solutions that work with natural systems rather than against them. His leadership in building collaboration between engineers, scientists, policymakers, and communities aligns closely with the NCCOE’s mission to connect technical expertise with societal needs. “I’m honoured to join the NCCOE and contribute to its important work,” said Angus. “Australia’s coastline is both a treasured asset and a dynamic, challenging environment. The committee’s role in guiding best practice, shaping policy, and supporting innovation is vital as we adapt to the changing climate, population growth, and evolving coastal use.” Why This Matters for ICM Angus’s appointment is not only a recognition of his individual expertise, but also a reflection of ICM’s standing in the coastal engineering community. Being represented on the NCCOE ensures that the perspectives and practical insights gained through our projects are part of the national conversation. It allows us to contribute to setting research priorities, influencing technical standards, and ensuring that coastal management decisions are grounded in both science and real‑world application. This role also offers opportunities for knowledge exchange between ICM and other leaders in the field. Insights from the NCCOE’s work will directly inform our project methodologies, helping us deliver even better outcomes for our clients and the communities we serve. We congratulate Angus on this well‑deserved recognition and look forward to the impact he will make as part of the National Committee on Coastal and Ocean Engineering.
- The World Islands, Australia Islands Group
ICM prepared a Phase-1 Marine & Coastal Issues Study to underpin master planning for the Australia Islands Group within The World Islands, Dubai - identifying design risks and requirements across waves, currents, water levels, water quality, shoreline stability, berthing, and navigation. The study set data needs and modelling pathways, recommended preliminary beach/edge typologies and marina tranquillity criteria, and outlined mitigation options to balance protection, flushing, and amenity. Project Details Client: GHD Date: December 2004 Location: The World Islands, Dubai, United Arab Emirates The Challenge Creating a liveable, high-amenity island group inside a vast offshore archipelago required early clarity on coastal defences, internal wave climate, harbour tranquillity, water quality, sediment transport, vessel wakes, and navigation. With limited site data and evolving perimeter breakwater geometry, the master plan needed robust criteria for beaches and edge treatments, realistic marina performance targets (AS3962), and strategies to minimise maintenance dredging and protect swimmer safety - without compromising flushing or visual outcomes. The Solution ICM defined strategic objectives, reviewed the concept layout against marine processes, and compiled data and modelling requirements to de-risk planning and set design envelopes. The study set marina tranquillity criteria, highlighted vessel-wake management (e.g., low-wake operations), mapped preliminary navigation channels and aids and outlined water quality mitigation options integrated with a phased monitoring and data-capture plan. “At concept stage our job is to ‘set the stage’ - get the shoreline orientation, beach width, and protection typologies right so detailed design has a stable, buildable starting point.” - Aaron Salyer, Director, International Coastal Management Services Provided Stage-1 coastal study and concept development workshops Desktop wave climate assessment (including effects of The World/Palm Jumeirah) and shoreline stability review Concept layouts for beaches, breakwaters, groynes/sills, quay/revetment edges, canals, and marina berths Recommendations on beach widths, crest levels, and orientation to improve stability Identification of Stage-2 modelling, fill and materials quantification, and design verification needs
- ICM Appoints Chadi Sabra as Managing Director for EMEA
ICM is proud to announce the appointment of Chadi Sabra as Managing Director for EMEA, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to sustainable coastal and marine infrastructure across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. For more than two decades, ICM has been a trusted partner in the region, delivering innovative, resilient, and iconic coastal solutions. With Chadi joining our leadership team, we are deepening that commitment, aligning our global expertise with the region’s bold development visions. Engineering Leadership with Regional Depth Chadi is a highly regarded senior executive and Chartered Civil Engineer with over 20 years of experience in marine and coastal infrastructure. His portfolio includes transformative developments such as the $3B Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway and the $17B King Salman Maritime Complex, reflecting his ability to combine engineering with strategic leadership. Chadi’s specialist expertise in marinas, ports, and large-scale waterfront infrastructure makes him uniquely positioned to guide ICM’s regional growth at a time when Gulf nations are reshaping their coastlines to balance economic development with environmental sustainability. Holding an MSc in Civil and Coastal Engineering, an MBA in Global Management, and professional certifications including PMP, PMO-CP, and ENV-SP, Chadi combines academic depth with practical, results-driven leadership. More importantly, he is known for his collaborative approach, building strong partnerships with municipalities, developers, contractors, and consultants. “The region’s coastlines face accelerating challenges - from rapid development to environmental stressors,” says Chadi. “But with the right partnerships and engineering approach, we can create infrastructure that’s resilient, sustainable, and built to last.” Strengthening Our Regional Commitment ICM has a long and established history in the Middle East - from artificial reef systems to coastal protection structures and artificial island developments. Our portfolio reflects the trust placed in us by municipalities, developers, contractors and private sector partners who require both technical certainty and sustainable outcomes. With Chadi leading our regional office, we are doubling down on that commitment. His leadership will ensure ICM continues to deliver smart, scalable, and innovative solutions that address the region’s most pressing coastal challenges - from erosion and climate change adaptation to the creation of thriving, resilient waterfronts. “ICM’s work has always balanced nature with engineering. That’s exactly what the region needs - proven solutions that integrate environmental protection with engineering certainty,” Chadi notes. “I’m excited to build on that reputation - and work closely with regional partners to deliver infrastructure that lasts and adapts to the future.” What We Offer in the Middle East ICM continues to provide full-service coastal consultancy across: Coastal protection & erosion control Marina Planning and Port Development Nature-based solutions & artificial reefs Island & waterfront development Climate adaptation & Resilience Monitoring, review & expert advisory Every project we deliver combines a global perspective with deep regional insight - balancing technical certainty with a deep respect for natural systems. Let’s Work Together If you’re planning a coastal or waterfront project in the EMEA region, whether it’s resilient infrastructure, an island development, or erosion mitigation - our team is here to support.
- Bribie Island Erosion & Breakthrough Review
In response to severe erosion and successive breakthrough events on Bribie Island, the Queensland Government commissioned an independent expert review to assess impacts, develop immediate recommendations, and plan long-term coastal resilience strategies. Project Details Client: Queensland Government Date: 2025 Location: Bribie Island & Surrounds About This Project The Challenge: Major erosion and two significant breakthrough events, first in 2022, and then again during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in 2025, rapidly altered the northern tip of Bribie Island. These changes closed the Caloundra Bar, impacted marine access, and raised serious concerns about the long-term protection of nearby communities, infrastructure, and ecological systems. The Solution: The Queensland Government appointed RPS and International Coastal Management (ICM) to conduct an independent review into the Bribie Island erosion and breakthrough events , including: Part 1: Desktop analysis of erosion and breakthrough events, drawing on more than 200 historical and technical sources Part 2: Immediate recommendations, focusing on urgent actions to reduce risks caused by the recent erosion and breakthrough events Part 3: Long-term recommendations, focusing on proactive forward-looking measures to enhance the long-term resilience of the system These insights are now informing both immediate works and the broader future direction for the region's coastal management. "This project was about more than just reacting to erosion - it was about helping the community understand what’s happening and planning for what’s next. Our role was to cut through complexity and provide clear, practical steps for both immediate action and long-term resilience." - Aaron Salyer, Director & Principal Coastal Engineer, ICM Services Provided Desktop analysis Immediate recommendations Long-term recommendations Community consultation and stakeholder engagement Get in Touch Interested in building coastal resilience or need support navigating erosion risks?
- Surfers Paradise Emergency Protection Works
Following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, the Surfers Paradise Hardstand faced immediate erosion and scour risk from elevated tides and swell. ICM led a fast-track response for the City of Gold Coast, delivering emergency protection design, rapid procurement, approvals support, and implementation guidance while preparing future options. Project Details Client: City of Gold Coast Location: Queensland, Australia Date: 2025 About This Project The Challenge With citywide nourishment programs still in progress, the Hardstand area required short-term measures to prevent undermining during upcoming high-energy events. The window to design, source materials, secure permissions, and mobilise crews was extremely tight. The Solution ICM led a coordinated emergency works program. We reviewed nourishment strategies suited to local sand conditions and wave climate, then produced construction-ready details for rapid works at the Hardstand zone. In parallel, we arranged direct procurement with international suppliers to secure specialist coastal protection materials at speed, and worked closely with regulatory agencies to streamline emergency approvals. During construction, our engineers provided agile design adjustments and on-site support. To strengthen future resilience, we prepared a suite of options with concept layouts, costed scenarios, and maintenance strategies to support quicker responses in future erosion events. “Our goal was simple - stabilise the Hardstand fast and cut delays by aligning design, procurement, approvals, and site support into one coordinated push.” - Aaron Salyer, ICM Services Provided Condition review and impact modelling Emergency response design Feasibility assessment Approvals liaison and implementation support
- Holloways and Clifton Beach Erosion Management
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.
- Bowen Seabees Seawall
Following repeated cyclone damage and erosion to the beach adjacent to the Bowen Golf Club, Whitsunday Regional Council engaged ICM to develop a seawall solution to prevent further erosion. ICM designed a durable seawall using repurposed seabees units from a historic Bowen project to prevent future coastal recession and protect golf course assets. Project Details Client: Whitsunday Regional Council Date: 2016 Location: Bowen Golf Club, Queensland About This Project The Challenge: Coastal erosion triggered by multiple cyclones had begun to threaten the beach adjacent to the Bowen Golf Club. The Council sought a cost-effective solution using available materials to minimise project costs while delivering shoreline stability. The Solution: ICM was engaged to assess the viability of using Seabees units - originally from a historic project in Bowen - and to develop a tailored seawall design for the unique conditions of the site. A condition review of existing Seabees units was undertaken, with a stability assessment of the seabees seawall using exiting available units. A concept and detailed design was completed based on the condition and geometry of the existing Seabees. Key structural elements, including the filter layer, toe protection, crest detail and seawall return were engineered for optimal performance. The project successfully reused 266 existing Seabees units, delivering both cost-efficiency and durability. The seawall was constructed from September to November 2017, with ICM providing ongoing support to ensure successful implementation. This project showed how innovative re-use of materials combined with expert coastal engineering, can deliver a cost-effective and resilient erosion solution." - Aaron Salyer, International Coastal Management Services Provided: Seabees condition review Concept design for seawall layout Detailed design including toe, crest, and filter layer Design of seawall return Get in Touch ICM has delivered seawall and coastal protection projects across Queensland using innovative, site-specific designs tailored to natural forces and local materials. If your council or development is facing coastal erosion challenges, get in touch with us to explore solutions that balance durability, sustainability, and value.
- North Gold Coast Beach Protection Strategy (NGCBPS)
The Northern Gold Coast Beach Protection Strategy (NGCBPS) was designed to provide sustainable, long-term coastal management for the northern Gold Coast. The project successfully widened and protected beaches from erosion while enhancing surfing conditions through innovative engineering solutions. Project Details: Client: Gold Coast City Council Date: 1997-2001 Location: Northern Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia About This Project The Challenge The northern Gold Coast beaches faced significant erosion during storm conditions, threatening coastal resilience and recreational beach use. As a popular surfing destination, the area also required enhancements to improve surfing conditions without compromising environmental sustainability. The Solution The Northern Gold Coast Beach Protection Strategy (NGCBPS) was initiated by Gold Coast City Council to provide a sustainable long-term coastal management solution for the Northern Gold Coast. The primary purpose of the project was to widen and protect the northern Gold Coast beaches from erosion in storm conditions. As this is a popular surfing area, the secondary objective was to improve the surfing amenity. International Coastal Management (ICM) developed and implemented an integrated and sustainable strategy to address these challenges. Key components included: Beach Nourishment : An initial placement of 1.2 million cubic meters of sand to widen the beaches. Nearshore Artificial Reef : Designed as a coastal control point, improving wave quality for surfers while stabilising sand movement. Boulder Wall Completion : Strengthening shoreline defenses against severe weather impacts. Ongoing Maintenance Nourishment : Regular sand replenishment to maintain beach width and storm protection. ICM managed all aspects of the project, including design studies, impact assessment studies, final engineering design, and implementation. Advanced construction techniques using mega sand-filled geotextile containers were used for the reef, ensuring cost-effectiveness, safety, and ecological benefits. The reef provided a substratum for diverse marine life, creating a vibrant ecosystem that exceeded expectations. Monitoring & Results The impact studies included a cost-benefit study undertaken by Griffith Centre for Coastal Management (GCCM) and a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan that was developed with GCCM. As part of the design studies, physical and numerical modeling was undertaken by Water Research Laboratory (University of NSW), Griffith Centre for Coastal Management and the University of Waikato. Extensive monitoring has demonstrated the strategy’s success in maintaining an increased storm buffer during significant wave events (up to Hmax >13m) and enhancing surfing conditions. The reef has also become a valued recreational diving and fishing destination, adding ecological and community benefits. The mega sand filled geotextile containers used for construction of the reef have proved to be a safe and economical construction material. The monitoring has provided data to facilitate improvements to the geotextile materials and container design. The non-woven Terrafix geotextile has also provided an excellent substratum for a diverse range of marine vegetation and the extent and diversity of the marine habitat formed has greatly exceeded expectations. The development of this diverse marine ecosystem contributes to the environmental value of the reef structure as well as providing a new recreational dive and fishing location. “The North Gold Coast Beach Protection Strategy demonstrates how innovative engineering and environmental integration can deliver long-term resilience and recreational value to our coastlines.” - Angus Jackson, International Coastal Management Services Provided: Coastal Management Strategy Development Beach Nourishment Design & Implementation Artificial Reef Design & Construction Impact Assessment Studies (IAS) Environmental Management Plans (EMP) Monitoring & Maintenance -> Learn more about the Northern Gold Coast Beach Protection Strategy . Get in Touch At ICM, we specialise in designing and delivering innovative coastal protection strategies tailored to unique challenges. Our decades of experience, combined with sustainable solutions, ensure long-lasting results for communities and ecosystems. Contact us today to learn how we can support your coastal management needs.












