One of the key adaptation challenges for coastal settlements and infrastructure is responding to existing and future erosion hazards as sea levels rise. While there are numerous options available to decision-makers, the real or perceived tradeoffs can place social and political barriers in the way of adoption. Often seawalls are opposed for fear they will have negative impacts on beaches, and planned retreat is resisted by those whose properties are impacted. The Tweed River Entrance Sand Bypass Project (TRESBP) project provides an example of how engineering can work with natural processes to accommodate multiple, and sometimes competing, priorities for coasts and beaches.