A Hidden Line of Defense Against the Sea, Protecting the City for Over 50 Years

A Rock Wall Against the Sea

The Gold Coast, a vibrant city in Queensland, Australia, faces the constant threat of erosion from the surging ocean. However, a hidden line of defense, a decades-old rock wall, stands as a testament to the city's resilience.

This wall, known as the "A-Line," was constructed following severe storm erosion in the 1960s and 1970s. The Queensland government implemented a policy requiring seawalls along this line to protect coastal infrastructure.

The recent ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought renewed attention to the importance of this seawall. The southern end of the Gold Coast, particularly Coolangatta, experienced strong winds and significant erosion.

Engineer Michael Bale, from Michael Bale & Associates, emphasizes the crucial role of seawalls in protecting the coastline. He explains that all new developments on the Gold Coast's coastline must be protected by a seawall, with the local council constructing seawalls in front of public land.

Private developments built since the 1970s are also required to have a seawall, a thick barrier extending beneath the sand dune. This requirement ensures a continuous line of defense along the coast.

Properties without seawall protection are typically older, located near Palm Beach and the southern areas of the Gold Coast. These properties were likely built before the establishment of the A-Line.

The construction and maintenance of seawalls on private property are the responsibility of the owner. The city plan mandates the construction of a seawall on the A-Line for any beachfront development or redevelopment. This ensures a unified barrier against waves and erosion.

The seawall protects properties by preventing erosion even when waves wash over it. This policy, implemented over 50 years ago, has significantly strengthened the city's resilience against the ocean's forces.

In addition to seawalls, developers must also adhere to specific foundation requirements for properties along the coastline. These requirements ensure that buildings are designed to withstand beach scour and erosion.

The Gold Coast's hidden rock wall stands as a testament to the city's commitment to protecting its coastline and infrastructure. This decades-old line of defense continues to safeguard the city from the relentless power of the ocean.