A living shoreline incorporating restored oyster reefs, rehabilitated saltmarsh and existing mangrove stands is being constructed across a section of foreshore in Wagonga Inlet. During the project, the existing failing rock wall will be replaced with low-growing riparian vegetation. Sydney rock oyster reef habitat will be restored using locally quarried rock and local oyster shells, as well as subtidal native flat oyster reef habitat on the sea floor. Saltmarsh will be protected through active planting and access restriction. As of April 2024, over 17,000 native plants have established along the banks of the project site, and the oyster reefs are showing high levels of oyster recruitment and growth, with millions of oysters recruiting in just one season. The project is estimated to be completed in October 2024.

Mangroves

Method: Rehabilitation, Supplementary revegetation

Rehabilitation - method: Restrict pedestrian access

Supplementary revegetation: Pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens), Paroo Lily (Dianella caerulea), Beach Spinifex (Spinifex sericeus), Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa), Coastal Beard-heath (Leucopogon parviflorus), Lomandra spp., New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragoniodes), Coastal Tea-tree (Leptospermum laevigatum)

Saltmarsh

Method: Revegetation, Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation - method: Restrict pedestrian access

Saltmarsh species: Kobby club rush (Ficinia nodosa), Sea rush (Juncus krausii), Shrubby Glasswort (Tecticornia arbuscula), Seablite (Suaeda australis), Samphire (Sarcocornia quinqueflora), Streaked Arrow-grass (Triglochin striata), Sand Couch (Sporobolus virginicus), Swamp Weed (Selliera repens)

Shellfish

Method: Substrate provision, Seeding - aquaculture

Shellfish species: Saccostrea glomerata, Ostrea angasi

Hybrid structure: Natural rock, Unconsolidated shell