How innovative concrete pavers are protecting Australia’s World Heritage Ningaloo Reef while enhancing tourist infrastructure
The challenge: Balancing tourism and environmental protection
Coral Bay, Western Australia, presents a unique infrastructure challenge. Located 1,400 km north of Perth along Australia’s pristine coastline, this gateway to the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef hosts up to 4,000 seasonal tourists from May to November. Built on coastal sand dunes, the area’s original infrastructure relied on imported “salt marsh” clay – a solution that created environmental and safety concerns.
The clay-based surfaces, while initially effective, became hazardously slippery when wet and generated significant dust clouds during dry periods. More critically, these impermeable surfaces contributed to stormwater runoff that threatened the delicate coral ecosystem of Ningaloo Reef.
The solution: Terraforce® Terracrete™ permeable pavers
In 2007, Bayview Holiday Village pioneered the use of Terraforce® Terracrete™ permeable pavers in the region, marking a breakthrough in sustainable coastal infrastructure. These innovative concrete pavers offered a revolutionary approach to managing both traffic loads and environmental protection.
Key benefits of Terracrete™ pavers:
- Permeable design: Allows natural water filtration, reducing runoff
- Durability: Handles heavy tourist traffic and extreme weather conditions
- Environmental protection: Prevents sedimentation and nutrient pollution
- Safety: Non-slip surface in wet conditions
- Dust reduction: Eliminates dust generation during dry periods
Real-world performance: Cyclone Olwyn case study
The true test of Terracrete™ effectiveness came during Cyclone Olwyn in 2016. While traditional surfaces would have channeled torrential rains directly into the bay, the permeable pavers successfully absorbed the water on-site, preventing any runoff into the marine environment.
Tracey Foster from The Blockmakers, the Geraldton-based licensed manufacturer, emphasizes the specialized approach: “The Terracrete blocks were manufactured with a special Coral Bay mix design. Visiting in February 2025, we were impressed with how well the pavers have handled all traffic since 2007.”
Expanding success: Multiple resort adoptions
Following the proven success at Bayview Holiday Village, neighboring facilities have embraced Terracrete™ technology:
Bayview Holiday Village: 12,000 m² installed across resort infrastructure
People’s Caravan Park: Comprehensive road network upgrade
Ningaloo Coral Bay Resort: Ongoing installation program
John Farne of Coral Bay Contracting, who manages local installations, notes: “The resort next to Bayview realized the value of Terracrete™ blocks after the cyclonic event and has subsequently installed them on most roads, with more to do.”
Environmental impact: Protecting World Heritage waters
The transformation from impermeable clay surfaces to Terracrete™ permeable pavers delivers measurable environmental benefits:
- Reduced sedimentation: Prevents soil particles from reaching the reef waters
- Nutrient management: Filters runoff before it reaches the marine environment
- Temperature regulation: Reduces thermal shock to coral systems
- Natural filtration: Maintains groundwater recharge cycles
Technical specifications and installation
Installation process:
- Remove the existing salt marsh clay surface
- Create a porous base layer for enhanced drainage
- Install Terracrete™ pavers with a specialized Coral Bay mix design
- Integrate with existing infrastructure
Performance metrics:
- Traffic capacity: Handles seasonal tourist loads up to 4,000 visitors
- Weather resistance: Proven performance through cyclonic conditions
- Longevity: 18+ years of continuous service since 2007 installation
Industry recognition and future applications
The Coral Bay project demonstrates how innovative infrastructure solutions can simultaneously address environmental protection and commercial requirements. This case study has significant implications for coastal developments across Australia, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas.
Applications for Terracrete™ pavers:
- Resort and hotel access roads
- Caravan park surfaces
- Parking areas near sensitive waterways
- Pedestrian pathways in coastal zones
- Municipal infrastructure in tourist areas
Project team excellence
Terraforce licensed supplier:
The Blockmakers – Geraldton
Contact: Tracey Foster
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (08) 9923 3360
Installation contractor:
Coral Bay Contracting
Contact: John Farne
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0429 792 838
Conclusion: Setting new standards for sustainable coastal infrastructure
The successful implementation of Terracrete™ permeable pavers at Coral Bay represents more than an infrastructure upgrade – it’s a model for sustainable coastal development. By protecting the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef while enhancing visitor facilities, this project demonstrates that environmental stewardship and commercial success can work hand in hand.
For architects, engineers, and developers working in coastal environments, the Coral Bay case study provides compelling evidence that innovative paving solutions can deliver both immediate practical benefits and long-term environmental protection.
Ready to explore sustainable paving solutions for your coastal project? Contact Terraforce to discuss how Terracrete™ permeable pavers can transform your infrastructure while protecting precious marine environments.
