Stockton Beach, located along the New South Wales coastline, has long been recognised as one of the most erosion-prone areas on Australia’s east coast. It is frequently affected by East Coast lows that generate large swells and intense wave action, leading to significant erosion of the beach and adjoining coastline. This erosion poses a risk to nearby residential properties and critical road infrastructure.
To tackle this issue, an innovative coastal protection solution was implemented using Kyowa Filter Unit® Rockbags, supplied by Bluemont. Before installation, the design underwent thorough physical modelling at the UNSW Water Research Laboratory (WRL) to confirm its performance under severe wave conditions.
The project involved deploying 4te and 8te Kyowa Filter Unit® Rockbags to form a durable revetment – designed to prevent further beach erosion and stabilize the foreshore. Due to site conditions, the toe of the structure had to be installed below the waterline, which required meticulous construction planning and precision lifting, with each Filter Unit® Rockbag carefully craned into position.
The initial phase of work started in 2020 and successfully mitigated erosion impacts along the most vulnerable sections of the beach. Building on this success, subsequent project phases were completed in 2022, 2023, and 2024, progressively extending the protected area and enhancing the long-term stability of the coastline.
This multi-year initiative showcases the effectiveness and adaptability of Kyowa Filter Unit® Rockbags in challenging marine environments. By combining sustainable design with proven engineering performance, Bluemont and its project partners have helped safeguard one of Australia’s most iconic coastal locations for years to come.
📸 Images and project story courtesy of Bluemont