Palm Beach artificial reef: Stunning photos of offshore construction as barges bring in rocks

Construction is well underway on an $18.2 million artificial reef off the Gold Coast. Incredible new photos reveal how the work is coming along.

CONSTRUCTION is well underway on an $18.2 million artificial reef off Palm Beach.

The erosion-preventing project began in May, with boulders of up to eight tonnes sunk 270m offshore.

Barges have been working at the reef site off 19th Ave to install the rocks, which will be spread over an area 160m long and 70m wide.

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The giant Rock Dredge works on the Artificial reef just offshore from Nineteenth Ave Palm Beach. Picture Glenn Hampson

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At its highest point the reef will be 1.5 metres below the surface at average water level and will be identified with buoys.

A temporary construction exclusion zone will remain in place until work is finished in October.

Palm Beach artificial reef

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Once completed, it is expected to help prevent erosion on Palm Beach’s shoreline, a long-running issue.

The artificial reef is expected to protect the most vulnerable sections of the beach during major tidal events and it is hoped to last “several generations”.

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Work is expected to be completed by October. Picture Glenn Hampson