zoomImage source: City of Gold Coast

The City of Gold Coast said in its latest announcement that one of their most vulnerable stretches of coastline will be given significant protection.

The city yesterday awarded a contract for the construction of an $18.2 million artificial offshore reef to better project Palm Beach.

Palm Beach has a narrow beach width which makes it more susceptible to the effects of cyclonic swells and beach erosion compared to other coast beaches.

HC2, a joint venture between Hall Contracting Pty Ltd and Heron Construction Company, will lead the delivery of the new reef. It is phase two of the broader Palm Beach Shoreline Project which last year saw significant sand dredging occur, in preparation for the reef construction.

Mayor Tom Tate said that the city’s priority was “people and property”.

“We want Palm Beach to be enjoyed by everyone and to achieve this, we need to invest wisely in the shoreline project,’’ he said.

“The artificial reef is designed to control wave energy before it reaches the shore, resulting in a build-up of sand that will act as a buffer during storm season and swell events. The reef will be constructed with large boulders up to eight tonne. The boulders will be placed to form the protective reef using specialised barges and marine construction equipment.

“While the primary purpose of the artificial reef is for coastal protection, it has the potential to create a surf break under favorable swell conditions. Let’s hope the surfers get to enjoy it as well.”

Construction of the artificial reef will occur from May to October 2019.