James Carley

James Carley
Principal Coastal Engineer
UNSW Water Research Laboratory
Contact details:
(+61) 2 8071 9863

James CarleyJames holds a Master of Engineering Science degree in Coastal and Water Engineering and has over 30 years of experience in coastal and water engineering. James has served on Engineers Australia’s NSW Coasts Oceans and Port Engineering Panel (COPEP) since 2000 and is Chair of the National Committee on Coastal and Ocean Engineering (NCCOE). Prior to WRL, James worked in the construction industry, including construction and estimating experience for a civil/marine contractor. He is a long term surfer, surf life saver and open water swimmer. 

In his time at WRL, James has specialised in coastal processes, coastal hazards and management, and coastal structures. He has undertaken research and provided specialist consulting advice on projects ranging from simple boatsheds to billion dollar ports. His coastal structure experience ranges from conventional rock and concrete structures such as seawalls and breakwaters, to surfing reefs and offshore breakwaters, and structures made from car tyres and geotextiles. Geographically, James has undertaken coastal projects in all states and territories of Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Middle East and South-East Asia.   
 
Applied research led by James in the areas of geotextile coastal structures and beach erosion has been widely used by practising coastal engineers in Australia and New Zealand. Pioneering work on coastal hazard and climate assessment led by James has been used as a template for other sites in Australia. James is frequently engaged as a fair and balanced peer reviewer; and is regularly consulted by government for policy advice on coastal hazard identification and management. He has acted as an expert witness in numerous legal and expert panel proceedings, and regularly presents complex technical information in community and government forums.