Project Description
Coastal Engineering Solutions was commissioned by the City of Onkaparinga in South Australia to undertake these two important studies of local foreshores.
The objectives of the Christies Beach project were to conduct a review of the local coastal reach, and considered the following key issues:
• Climate change projections for 2030, 2050 and 2100 as detailed in scenarios identified in an earlier technical report (Climate Change Coastal Impact Study – Caton, 2007).
• Full assessment of existing coastal protection infrastructure along the entire length of Christies Beach foreshore. Particular locations of interest include the Surf Life Saving and Yacht clubs and the Storm-water Treatment Plant. A major focus of the assessment was to investigate the structural integrity of the existing rip rap rock walls.
• Full consideration of future beach retention options. This included a review of the functionality of the Christies Beach Sand Bag Groyne and investigated options such as sand nourishment, offshore breakwater or hard-edged foreshore protection strategies.
• Developed a set of recommendations that Council can use to manage coast protection infrastructure, the beach itself, and foreshore infrastructure at Christies Beach.
The objectives of the Snapper Point project were similar to those for Christies Beach in terms of vulnerability to future climate changes influences; and to more specifically address:
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The need for coastal protection measures at the toe/cliff base at Snapper Point.
• The potential for significant gullying (similar to Sellicks Beach) along the cliff faces at Snapper Point.
• Develop recommendations that Council can use to manage and protect Snapper Point at Aldinga Beach given future climate change predictions that will potentially impact the coast.
