Bluff Point Coastal Adaptation Concept Options
The City has shortlisted six potential options for addressing coastal erosion at Bluff Point. Each concept option reflects different approaches to managing the risks. Detailed information on the six concept options which includes; a description; the pro,cons and considerations of each option; and the indicative capital and ongoing costs to implement is provided below. Please review this information before providing your feedback on these options using the online form.
Additional measures considered
Dune vegetation and sand nourishment were evaluated as standalone options but not shortlisted because they do not provide sufficient protection in Bluff Point's context.
Current design and further refinement
The shortlisted options are currently at the concept stage, providing a general overview of the potential adaptation strategy rather than fixed or finalised plans. These concepts illustrate the broad approach to addressing coastal erosion but do not include precise engineering designs or the specific placement of structures.
Additional measures, such as combining options or incorporating complementary approaches (e.g. planting dune vegetation alongside a seawall or adding sand nourishment), will be explored in future design phases.
Detailed planning, including the exact layout and technical details, will occur during later stages. These phases will also address regulatory requirements, such as environmental approvals, clearing permits, and Aboriginal heritage consultations.
The selected adaptation option may be implemented in stages in response to monitoring of changes to the coastline.
To ensure property/infrastructure owners have enough time to provide their feedback the deadline has been extended to 7.00am on Monday 13 January 2025.
Online Feedback Form
Concept Option 1A - Seawall (protect)
Seawalls provide a physical barrier between the ocean and adjacent coastal land and protect the landward coastal assets from erosion and storm events. This option involves constructing an armour rock seawall along the entire length of the Bluff Point shoreline to protect infrastructure. Initially, the seawall would be buried and potentially vegetated to minimise visual impact. Over time, as erosion progresses, parts of the seawall may become exposed.
Indicative capital cost(all stages): $35 million
Indicative ongoing costs: Moderate (in comparison with the other concept options)
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Concept Option 1B - Seawall (retreat and protect)
Option 1B involves a combination of retreating vulnerable assets and infrastructure (e.g. Rundle Park and assets west of Kempton Street north) and constructing an armour rock seawall along the entire length of the Bluff Point shoreline to protect landward infrastructure. The approach prioritises retreat in high-risk areas, which means moving parts of the park, such as the playground and BBQs, away from the coastline to a safer location inland, while implementing protection measures elsewhere.
Indicative capital cost (all stages): $38 million
Indicative ongoing costs: Moderate (in comparison with the other concept options)
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Concept Option 2 - Groynes, Headlands and Seawall (protect)
Option 2 combines building offshore rock structures (called headlands) and rock walls (called groynes) along the coast to trap sand and protect the beach from being washed away. A seawall would also be added at the northern end to shield important areas from erosion and storms. These structures would help keep parts of the beach intact for recreation and protect nearby infrastructure like roads and parks. Sand would be added to the beach during construction and will also require ongoing sand nourishment to improve and stabilise the coast.
Indicative capital cost (all stages): $31 million
Indicative ongoing costs: High (in comparison with the other concept options)
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Concept Option 3 - Managed Retreat
Managed Retreat involves moving infrastructure, facilities and properties away from areas at risk of coastal erosion. This allows the shoreline to naturally realign without interference from man-made structures. The retreat would occur in stages and include relocating or removing assets as and when they become at risk (based on coastal erosion triggers). This includes Rundle Park, Utility infrastructure, some properties, roads, carparks, and paths. A seawall would eventually be built along Chapman Road to keep it functioning.
Indicative capital cost (all stages): $197 million
Indicative ongoing costs: Low (in comparison with the other concept options)
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Concept Option 4 - Artificial Reefs
Artificial reefs are structures built underwater offshore, or on existing reefs to reduce the force of waves hitting the shore. By causing waves to break further out at sea, they create calmer water closer to the beach. This helps protect the shoreline from reduced erosion and encourages sand to build up, keeping the beach usable. To make the reefs work better, sand would also be added to the beach as part of this plan.
Indicative capital cost (all stages): $32 million
Indicative ongoing costs: High (in comparison with the other concept options)
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Concept Option 5 - Do Nothing
This option is reactive rather than proactive. It involves accepting all risks from natural coastal erosion and storms without taking measures to protect or relocate any infrastructure. Instead, using a reactive approach, assets and land would be progressively abandoned or demolished as they are impacted. This option would still include the construction of a seawall along Chapman Road to ensure it remains functional.
Indicative capital cost (all stages): $19 million
Indicative ongoing costs: Low (in comparison with the other concept options)
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Online Feedback Form