How can Gabions help protect our coastal areas

How can Gabions help protect our coastal areas

Recent strong winds brought a king tide to low-lying coastal areas causing flooding, damage to jetties and dangerous conditions to Adelaide beaches. Homes and shacks along South Australian beaches have experienced the effects of the one in twenty year storm and we have had enquiries about Gabions and how they can help with coastal protection.

Reports show that climate change, which is increasing sea levels, will adversely impact our coasts. Coastal systems & low-lying areas will be increasingly subject to submergence, coastal flooding & erosion. Beaches, sand dunes and cliffs will continue to erode under increasing sea level(1). Over half the Australian coastline is vulnerable to erosion from rising sea levels, putting not only homes and businesses at risk but also effecting much of Australia’s critical infrastructure such as transport, commercial, defence and tourism industries.

It is not only human infrastructure that is at risk - coastal wetlands, saltmarshes, mudflats, mangroves seagrass beds, rocky shores and sandy beaches are also vulnerable. These provide important habitats for many species, including commercially and recreationally important fish and shellfishm.