Dune reinforcement after cyclone, Australia

Introduction & Problem Statement

Paradise Beach on the Gold Coast was severely impacted by Cyclone Alfred in March 2025, which removed more than 4 mio. m³ of sand from the shoreline. The embankments near the main road and walkways were heavily eroded, creating a significant escarpment along the beach. With Surfers
Paradise being both a residential hub and an international tourist destination, restoring the coastline quickly and effectively was critical to maintaining public safety and accessibility.
Our Australian Distributor and Contractor Geofabrics was contacted for a coastal protection solution that could be deployed rapidly and withstand challenging environmental conditions.

The solution

To stabilise the beach and protect against further erosion, more than 400 AquaRockBag® were installed on site, ranging between 2 to 4 tonne units. These bags acted as a principal barrier against wave energy, enabling sand pumping and natural replenishment to take place effectively.

AquaRockBag® and sandbags were lined and buried beneath the sand, allowing for dune restoration and future beach resilience. Their rapid installation minimised disruption to the area and reinforced the eroded dunes near the main walkway and road. This provided a sustainable protective layer to mitigate the impact of future storms.
The project restored sand lost during the cyclone and revitalised Surfers Paradise Beach for both the local community and visitors.