Innovative coastal restoration is taking shape on Queensland’s Bribie Island, where twin 1.35km sand fences are helping to stabilise vulnerable dunes and protect one of the state’s most popular coastal destinations.

Carefully hand-crafted by Ecosure’s field team using natural materials, this large-scale project demonstrates how practical, nature-based solutions can play a critical role in responding to coastal erosion and the increasing impacts of extreme weather events. It’s a powerful example of how thoughtful design and on-ground expertise can deliver meaningful, long-term outcomes for both people and the environment.

Responding to a Changing Coastline

The project began following the Queensland Government’s announcement of a $20 million emergency coastal fortification program, aimed at repairing splits or “breakthroughs” in Bribie Island caused by cyclones in 2022 and 2025.

These breakthroughs exposed the island’s fragile dune systems to ongoing erosion, placing pressure on critical natural buffers that protect inland environments, infrastructure and recreational areas. With Bribie Island attracting high visitor numbers year-round, safeguarding these coastal systems has become increasingly urgent.

A Practical, Nature-Based Approach

Ecosure’s sand fencing solution has been designed to work with natural coastal processes rather than against them. Installed in strategic alignments, the twin fence systems slow wind speeds and trap moving sand, encouraging gradual dune rebuilding over time.

Key features of the approach include:

• Use of natural, sustainable materials that blend into the landscape
• Manual construction techniques, allowing precise placement in a sensitive dune environment
• Minimal disturbance to existing vegetation and habitats
• Scalability to respond to dynamic coastal conditions

This low-impact methodology ensures the work enhances the natural function of the dunes while reducing the need for more intensive engineering interventions.

Built by Hand, Backed by Expertise

Delivering a project of this scale in a coastal dune environment requires both technical expertise and practical capability on the ground. Ecosure’s team has worked carefully within the constraints of shifting sands, weather exposure and public use of the area, ensuring safety, precision and environmental compliance throughout the installation process.  Each section of fencing has been purposefully constructed to maximise effectiveness while maintaining the ecological integrity of the site — a balance that is critical for long-term success.

Strengthening Coastal Resilience

As climate impacts intensify and extreme weather events become more frequent, projects like this highlight the importance of adaptive, nature-based solutions in coastal management.

By supporting natural dune formation and recovery, the Bribie Island sand fencing project will help:

• Reduce erosion and stabilise vulnerable areas
• Enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems
• Protect infrastructure and recreational spaces
• Maintain the natural beauty and accessibility of the island

Looking Ahead

This project forms part of a broader effort to strengthen Queensland’s coastline and protect communities from the growing impacts of climate change. It also reinforces the value of combining scientific understanding with practical, on-ground delivery.

At Ecosure, we’re proud to be working at the forefront of nature-based coastal restoration. We are delivering solutions that not only address today’s challenges but help build stronger, more resilient landscapes for the future.

Published 27/05/26