Eco reef success showcased in Clifton Springs

THE City of Greater Geelong has celebrated the success of its award-winning artificial reef projects with a community event at Clifton Springs.

Held at the Dell Eco Reef in partnership with the University of Melbourne, the Reefs for Resilience event brought together scientists, academics, community members and volunteers to highlight the role of nature-based solutions in protecting coastlines.

Installed in 2022, the Dell Eco Reef is made up of 46 sculptural modules built from eco-friendly concrete. Designed to reduce wave energy and provide habitat for oysters, mussels and other marine species, the reef is already delivering strong results.

Alongside Ramblers Reef in Portarlington, the Dell Eco Reef has exceeded its original goals of reducing erosion, restoring marine habitats and building resilience into local ecosystems.

The project has since received multiple accolades, including the Victorian Marine and Coastal Award for Excellence in Marine and Coastal Design.

At the event, University of Melbourne marine scientists presented new research showing the broad ecological benefits of the reef and its potential to be replicated in other coastal areas as a climate change mitigation strategy.

Participants also waded into the water to help count the 1,000 juvenile native flat oysters that were seeded on the modules last year as part of habitat restoration efforts.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the initiative was a model for the future.

“The innovative Dell Eco Reef is showing us that there are effective and scalable nature-based solutions to protect our coastlines,” he said.

Murradoc ward Councillor Rowan Story welcomed the strong community turnout.

“These projects, which blend innovative design and environmental management, are building coastal resilience and restoring marine ecosystems,” he said.