Two Reefs, One Mission: Surf and Shoreline Resilience from Albany to the Gold Coast

Two artificial reefs—Midds Reef at Middleton Beach in Albany and the Palm Beach Artificial Reef on the Gold Coast—are showcased as results-driven examples of coastal engineering and community collaboration. Opened in 2025, Midds Reef boosted surf access and improved beach shape (winter days with 100+ waves rose from under 5% to about 51%), while PBAR endured Cyclone Alfred and helped preserve sand, aided by a closer-to-shore design and heavier rock, demonstrating how data-driven design and surfer input can deliver both recreation and coastal protection.