Magryn is proud to collaborate with Victor Harbor Council on the Encounter Bay Coastal Defence project. This crucial work was made possible by funding from the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission through the Disaster Ready Fund.
The Encounter Bay shoreline has faced severe erosion in recent years, posing significant risks to infrastructure and public safety. Victor Harbor Council enlisted Magryn to design a future-proof solution that not only provides long-term coastal protection but also enhances the foreshore with a wider shared path, upgraded beach access, and improved stormwater outfalls.
Coastal Defence Design In partnership with the Coastal Protection Board and Victor Harbor Council, we developed a seawall design that strikes a balance between minimising beach encroachment and limiting wave overtopping. A detailed bathymetric survey of the bay, coupled with spectral wave modelling by Ports & Coastal Solutions, was key to accurately estimating nearshore wave behaviour and managing complex coastal processes. These insights guided the calculation of wave overtopping rates and volumes, using empirical methods from the EurOtop Manual. Safety in design was paramount, leading to the integration of a vertical concrete wave overtopping barrier next to the seawall to reduce risks to acceptable levels, particularly for pedestrians.
Shared Path Design An upgraded shared path was designed for both pedestrians and cyclists, fully compliant with Austroads standards, enhancing access and usability for the community.
Beach Access Design The design includes new FRP stairs over the proposed seawall to replace damaged beach access points. A vehicle and DDA-compliant concrete ramp was also designed for ease of access.
Stormwater Outfalls We extended the existing stormwater outfalls through the new seawall, incorporating tidal flaps to prevent seawater ingress and rock scour protection on the beach side.
Presentation at AusYCSEC 2024 Will Souter, Technical Director and Senior Engineer at Magryn, will present a detailed case study on this project at the Australasian Young Coastal Scientists and Engineers Conference (AusYCSEC) in October 2024.
