GUIDELINES FOR INSTALLING MULTI-USE AND ECO-FEATURES DURING BREAKWATER UPGRADES

Abstract

Many breakwaters along the New South Wales (NSW) coastline that train river entrances or form armoured harbours were designed and built more than 100 years ago. They were built to support coastal shipping, transport and trade which was important in European settlement along coastal NSW prior to the construction of rail and road networks. Breakwater construction was undertaken without rigorous environmental impact assessment and often caused unintended, and lasting, estuary-wide hydrological impacts and interruptions to sand movement. The structures themselves also replaced and fragmented natural ecosystems. A decision-making framework (Mamo et al, 2022) and guidelines (Dwyer and Dengate, 2021) have been developed to inform the planning of upgrade works. The framework and guidelines promote adoption of elements that can maximise multi-use opportunities and incorporate eco-features to add environmental value. They can inform decision-making for an individual breakwater or an organization’s portfolio of structures.