On Monday 26 May, a powerful coastal storm hit South Australia, with westerly swells and high tides combining to flood roads, damage jetties, and result in the loss of several beachfront structures.

Image source: abc.net.au

On Monday 26 May, a powerful coastal storm hit South Australia, with westerly swells and high tides combining to flood roads, damage jetties, and result in the loss of several beachfront structures.

The damage was visible, immediate and only the beginning. Events like these are happening more often. What was once considered a 1-in-10-year storm could soon become annual.

And as coastal infrastructure ages, councils and asset owners must ask: Are we ready for what’s next?

What Happened?

The storm surge caused:

  • Structural damage to multiple timber jetties

  • Flooding of low-lying roads and reserves

  • Overtopping of seawalls causing erosion and collapse of paths

  • Overtopping of breakwaters causing damage to infrastructure

  • Property loss, including beachfront structures swept into the sea

WSCAM Assessments

Magryn is currently undertaking assessments aligned with the WSCAM (Wharf Structures Condition Assessment Manual) to evaluate damage and inform urgent remediation work.

Why this matters for South Australia - with sea level rise accelerating and storm intensity increasing, infrastructure built for the past won’t withstand the future.

At Magryn, we help regional councils, government agencies, and developers protect their coastlines through:

Jetty & Maritime Inspections

Jetty and maritime inspections, including underwater and tidal zone access

Storm Damage Response

Storm damage response and make-safe engineering advice

Wave modelling

Wave modelling, erosion risk, and flood mapping

Design & Remediation

Design and remediation of jetties, breakwaters, boat ramps and seawalls

Resilience Strategies

Long-term resilience strategies that integrate with climate forecasts

Coastal adaptation planning & design

Coastal adaptation planning and design, including design of seawalls to be futureproof

Coming Soon: Data-Driven Analysis

Annual Recurrence Interval

We analyse tide gauge and swell data from events like this to determine the Annual Recurrence Interval (ARI), and also review anecdotal evidence to assist with validation of existing and proposed designs.

Prepare, Respond, and Future-Proof

Whether you're managing ageing infrastructure or planning a new development along South Australia’s coast, now is the time to act. Resilient design isn't just best practice: it’s essential.