The Gold Coast-
The Gold Coast is a metropolitan region south of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast, famed for its long sandy beaches, surfing and elaborate system of inland canals and waterways. It’s also home to the Dreamworld, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild theme parks.
Gold Coast beaches regularly experience storm events such as tropical cyclones and east coast lows. These storm events cause larger waves and higher tide levels. The beach reacts by shifting sand from the upper beach and dunes to the surf zone where it forms parallel shore bars. These sand bars cause waves break further offshore which reduces the size of the waves when they hit the coast..
1967 beach erosion event-
In January 1967, tropical cyclone Dinah crossed the coast followed by a number of other tropical cyclone. This series of storms caused severe erosion of the Gold Coast. This event resulted in the loss of roads and buildings. The Queensland Government commissioned a detailed study of Gold Coast beach erosion by the Delft Hydraulic Laboratory, known as the 'Delft Report'. This study recommended extensive beach nourishment programs and a range of other coastal protection strategies. This has successfully guided coastal management on the Gold Coast for more than 40 years.
Gold Coast boulder seawall-
As a last line of defence against coastal erosion there is a seawall alignment ( aka 'A-Line') specifically made for Gold Coast beaches. This seawall is made out of rock boulders designed individually according to the wave conditions. It is normally buried beneath dunes in front of private property and public infrastructure. The seawall has been built by the council and private property owners over the past 30 years.