Dell Eco Reef receives international acclaim

THE CITY of Greater Geelong’s Dell Eco Reef project at Clifton Springs has been recognised with international honours for design and sustainability excellence.

The project was announced as the winner of the ‘Dezeen Award for Sustainable Design (Building Project) of the Year 2023’ in London earlier this month.

The award nomination was submitted by industrial designer Alex Goad who designed and fabricated the 46 Erosion Mitigation Units for the project.

Made of eco-friendly concrete using the bi-product fly ash and blended with recycled shells, the eco reef helps to reduce coastal erosion by creating a permeable barrier in shallow water 60 metres offshore.

The development has also created habitat for marine life and become a tourist destination for recreational swimmers.

In judging the project, the panel said the project offered “an alternative to traditional coastal erosion defences that emulates nature and was designed first and foremost to benefit marine life rather than humans.”

They also cited the project as “helping to construct a healthier ecosystem along our coastlines while also protecting humans from the fallout of storm surges and erosion.”

Mayor Trent Sullivan congratulated Mr Goad and the city’s senior strategic environmental planner Ralph Roob, who collaborated on the project.

“This is a genuinely innovative project that has created real environmental benefit while also being a great place for snorklers and swimmers to visit,” he said.

“It builds on Geelong’s reputation as an international UNESCO Creative City of Design and helps us work towards our goals around environmental sustainability.

“Alex Goad has created something truly different and special, and I’m sure this won’t be the last time this project is recognised with awards.”