The Gold Coast City council is considering building an artificial reef or headland to stop its iconic beaches being washed into the sea.
The city is asking residents to help decide on how to protect the Gold Coast’s northern beaches from Surfers Paradise to Main Beach.
Three options have been shortlisted to help provide a long-term solution to coastal erosion and severe weather events such as Cyclone Alfred in 2025.
The options are:
- Dredge sand to rebuild and widen the beaches, increasing erosion resilience and widening the recreational space.
- Construct an artificial reef offshore to reduce wave energy, protect the shoreline and improve surf conditions while supporting marine life.
- Build a new headland structure to stabilise the shoreline, provide an additional habitat, improve surf conditions and offer new recreational opportunities.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tait said the city’s northern beaches were vulnerable to storm damage which was why a long-term solution was required.
“A long-term solution is required and this project is going to be a vital initiative aimed at safeguarding our northern beaches for future generations,” Mr Tait said in a statement.
“A feasibility study is underway to investigate the most viable approach.”
The objective of the project is to improve and retain beach width, improve resilience, allow for faster recovery and safeguard coastal infrastructure.
It also provides the potential to create additional open spaces, enhance surf and environmental quality, and consider the potential for additional viewing platforms and event spaces.
Community consultation begins on June 2, 2026 and will be open until June 23. For more information click here.
