Helping to create a new diving attraction
The Gold Coast is well known for its gorgeous beaches, hinterland, sea life, and a list of tourism attractions which is constantly being evolved. One of the latest additions to that list is a dive attraction based on an artificial reef. Our work on this project was recognised and celebrated at the 2024 IPWEA (Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia) Australasia Excellence Awards, winning two award categories for ‘Best Public Works Project between $2.0 - $5.0m’ and ‘Project of the Year’!
We were engaged by the City of Gold Coast to provide a wide range of multidisciplinary engineering and environmental services to support the creation of the region’s first artificial dive attraction. Known as Wonder Reef, the attraction is the world’s first submerged/floating reef and features nine tethered flutes that have become covered in marine growth. The flutes are situated at Main Beach, at a depth of about 30 metres. Before the flutes were put in place, we provided extensive pre-opening monitoring to understand the likely impact of the flutes and to model flute movements to ensure diver safety. Our team also provided metaocean design, seabed stability assessment, coastal process assessment, advice on approval applications for Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) Act/sea dumping, preparation of principal’s project requirements, and fabrication task reviews.
With the project now complete, it is expected to provide significant economic benefit by generating jobs and building the capacity of operators and businesses within the local tourism industry. It will foster greater appreciation of marine life and the natural environment and provide marine research and educational opportunities.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
-
- City of Gold Coast
- Partners
-
- Subcon Blue Solutions (Constructor)
- Daniel Templeman, Sculptural Artist
- Image Credit
- Courtesy of City of Gold Coast
- Awards
- IPWEA, Australasia Excellence Awards, Project of the Year, 2024
- IPWEA Australasia Excellence Awards, Best Public Works Project between $2.0–$5.0m, 2024
Doug Treloar, Senior Principal, Coastal Engineering
If you’re starting out, seek further education in your specialty and participate in technical events to gain knowledge and experience.
We’re better together
-
Become a client
Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.
-
Design your career
Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.