16/03/2026
Birrigan Gargle Local Aboriginal Land Council were successful in a Marine Estates Management Strategy (MEM’s) Proposal for a Pilot Project to install twenty innovative Living Boulders along the break wall at Yamba boosting marine habitat.
The specially designed concrete structures are created to mimic natural rock pools and crevices, providing important habitat for marine life in areas where traditional break walls and seawalls offer limited ecological value.
“Living Boulders provide vital habitat by creating intertidal pools and complex surfaces for marine life along man-made breakwalls. Twenty Living Boulders have been placed along the breakwall at Yamba, where Birrinba (the Clarence River) meets the sea. This project is delivered by Birrigan Gargle Local Aboriginal Land Council, with support from Living Seawalls, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation, North Coast Local Land Services, Yamba Marina, Marina Boat and Tackle, and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.” (Already Approved)
The Living Boulders are designed to create small tidal pools and textured surfaces that help marine organisms such as oysters, barnacles, small fish, crabs and algae establish and thrive, transforming hard coastal infrastructure into thriving marine habitat.
This project highlights the power of engagement between Aboriginal Communities, Organisations, Scientists, Local Businesses and Government agencies to improve coastal ecosystems while respecting and recognising Aboriginal Cultural Connections to our rivers and sea.
There will be 2 signs installed close to the breakwall with the living boulder information and sculpture with our cultural dreaming stories and artwork.
