Aussie Town Battles Beach Erosion With Artificial Reefs

A small coastal town in South Australia isn't giving up on its beaches without a fight.

Robe, a popular tourist destination in the state's southeast, just secured $130,000 to explore creative solutions for saving Fox and Hoopers beaches from severe erosion. The funding comes as recent storms accelerated coastal damage by decades, reaching erosion levels not expected until 2050.

Among the most exciting options on the table are artificial reefs, underwater structures that break waves before they hammer the shoreline. The town is also considering dune restoration, sand replenishment, and protective seawalls to keep the coast intact.

"Everything's on the table," says Dr. Andrew Pomeroy, a University of Melbourne coastal researcher consulting on the project. The team is carefully weighing each option to find solutions that protect the beach without causing unintended problems elsewhere along the coast.

The erosion has already claimed victims. Robe's iconic obelisk, a historic landmark, will likely be lost to the sea within decades. Cliffs have collapsed near Hoopers Beach, threatening nearby homes.

The Bright Side

Artificial reefs aren't just coastal bodyguards. They're actually making beaches better in multiple ways.

In Western Australia, an artificial reef installed at CY O'Connor Beach worked so well that officials expanded it in 2024. The reef not only stopped erosion but created a thriving underwater habitat that drew snorkelers, divers, and marine life back to the area.

"The community have loved the recreation side," says Justin Geldard, a University of Western Australia researcher who monitored the project. The reef transformed the beach into a destination for both families and ocean wildlife.

Local businesses are watching closely. Successful coastal protection could mean sustained tourism, preserved property values, and new opportunities for eco-tourism and fishing.

Robe's situation isn't unique. Coastal towns worldwide face similar challenges as storms intensify and sea levels shift. But communities like Robe are proving that smart planning and innovative engineering can turn the tide.

In the immediate term, Robe is installing geo-textile sandbags at Fox Beach using an additional $205,000 in state funding. Unlike regular sand, these engineered bags stay put during storms, buying time while the town finalizes its long-term strategy.

Robe's fight to save its coastline shows what's possible when communities refuse to simply watch their shores disappear.