gold coast management
TRANSCRIPT
Gold Coast shoreline ManagementGold Coast shoreline Management
ProblemProblem
PlanPlan
SolutionsSolutionsSuccesses
?Successes
?
Coastline managementGold Coast Shoreline Management Plan
Queensland, Australia
Why was a management plan needed?
Longshore drift was leading to deposition of sandbars at the mouth of the river Tweed causing a shipping hazard.Longshore drift was leading to deposition of sandbars at the mouth of the river Tweed causing a shipping hazard.
Ship aground at Tweed Heads, 1914
Groynes were built at the river mouth to reduce longshore drift and stop the development of sand bars.Groynes were built at the river mouth to reduce longshore drift and stop the development of sand bars.
Mouth of the Tweed 2005seandigger
Surfer’s Paradise: The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most important tourist destinations. The economy is based around the beaches.
Surfer’s Paradise: The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most important tourist destinations. The economy is based around the beaches. Spellcast
In 1967 a series of storms eroded most of the sand from the beaches. The problem was exacerbated by the groynes at the mouth of the Tweed preventing longshore drift.
In 1967 a series of storms eroded most of the sand from the beaches. The problem was exacerbated by the groynes at the mouth of the Tweed preventing longshore drift.
Management strategies had to take into account the importance of the sand and surf culture…Management strategies had to take into account the importance of the sand and surf culture…
Gold Coast beach 1930’s
5 options for coastal management:5 options for coastal management:
Not an option because economy relies on tourism
Not an option due to the size of the urban area
Expensive, requiring hard engineering
Adverse impact on surfing conditions
Adverse impact on beach activities
Some creative thinking was needed. The plan was to widen the beaches and reduce erosion while improving recreation opportunities.
A combination of strategies were deployed…A combination of strategies were deployed…
Tweed Sand Bypass (Beach nourishment)
Source
Sand pumped from beach to east of river Tweed
Sand passed under river via pipes
Sand deposited on beaches to the west of the river Tweed
Longshore drift gradually returns sand to the Gold Coast beaches
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A combination of strategies were deployed…A combination of strategies were deployed…
Has the Tweed Sand Bypass scheme worked?
1990 – 2000 Webcams constantly monitor the beaches.
How to keep the sand on the beach during storms?
The Narrowneck artificial surf reefThe Narrowneck artificial surf reef
1. PUMPING SAND INTO TERRAAFIX MEGA BAG
3. OPEN HOPPER TO DROP BAG 4. BAG DROPPED2. BAG FULL OF SAND
Giant sandbags create a structure that creates a surfing wave. How does this reduce beach erosion?
Constructing the artificial reef
The Narrowneck artificial surf reef: videoThe Narrowneck artificial surf reef: video
The reef protects the nourished beaches by as waves break offshore.
The reef resulted in a new habitat for fish and marine plants
As well as a new surf break, Narrowneck has become a popular diving and fishing location
An example of soft or hard engineering?
Control points and sand dune stabilizationControl points and sand dune stabilization
source Dunes are a natural reservoir of sand. Eroded dunes are restored by planting dune-fixing vegetation, and controlling access to the beach to prevent damage by people and vehicles.
Another example of soft engineering
Gold Coast sea wallGold Coast sea wall
The last line of defence for urban areas along the Gold Coast is the seawall. Private home owners have to pay the costs of protecting their own property, while the Council constructs walls to protect public land.
Gold Coast shoreline ManagementGold Coast shoreline Management
ProblemProblem
PlanPlan
SolutionsSolutions
River Tweed mouth groynes led to reduction in beach width along the Gold Coast
Gold Coast beach erosion and loss of recreation facilities
Potential for serious storm damage to beach-front property
To widen all Gold Coast beaches
Stabilise the nourished beaches and improve surfing conditions
Tweed Sand Bypass project
Artificial reef at Narrowneck
Dune stabilization and control pointsGold Coast sea wall
Successes?
Successes?