Working with nature: Investigations for Seawall Designs in the Port of Gladstone

Description

Coastal structures can be more ecologically sustainable when strategies are designed for the inclusion and creation of local habitats. Careful design of the novel habitat is required to ensure that it fulfils the physiological requirements of the target species. In the case of intertidal species, this may involve implementing measures to control the hydrological and sedimentation conditions. While it is possible to retrofit existing structures, the best and most cost-effective outcomes for WwN projects occur when the planning for the novel habitat is incorporated into the design phase of the infrastructure. This project investigates designs for seawalls to create hard and soft substrate intertidal habitats within the Port of Gladstone, with a particular focus on working with nature, where habitat creation is incorporated into part of the final design.

Impact

Working with nature approaches allows for efficiencies in construction, but also improved performance, both structural and ecosystemic, novel creating ecosystems that provide fish habitat, biodiversity and sequester carbon.

Partners

• The Gladstone Ports Corporation
• The Nature Conservancy Australia