Original source · versioned page text
2021-11-15 GC Agenda - Item 7 - Attachment 1 - Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Very large file: it may take a few minutes
The original of this document is very large (11.6 MB). Opening the original or downloading it may take a few minutes. Please be patient and don't click again. The page text is quick to read. If you are on mobile data, it is best to wait until you are on Wi-Fi.
Text sections have not been matched to the original PDF pages. Use the original document to check page numbers.
Plans and drawings
This document appears to be plans or drawings. Its page text below holds only the words printed on the drawings, without the drawings themselves, so it may be jumbled or hard to follow. To see the plans as drawn, choose Original above or download the file (both need you to log in).
Log in to see the plans as drawn General Committee Agenda 15 November 2021
Attachment 1 to Item 7
Noosa Coastal Hazards
Adaptation Plan
See the original
The page text is free to read. Viewing or downloading an original file needs an account.
Log in to see the originalLog in to download the original file
Very large file: the download may take a few minutes. If you are on mobile data, it is best to wait until you are on Wi-Fi.
Searchable page text hides email addresses. Original files are unchanged and may show email addresses.
Full text of sections 2 to 63 (of 116)
Section 2
© Noosa Council 2021 www.noosa.qld.gov.au General Enquiries: By telephone: (07) 5329 6500 By email: [email protected] Fax: (07) 5329 6501 Street Address: 9 Pelican Street, TEWANTIN Postal address: PO Box 141, TEWANTIN QLD 4565 Disclaimer Information contained in this document is based on available information at the time of writing. All figures and diagrams are indicative only and should be referred to as such. While the Noosa Council has exercised reasonable care in preparing this document it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or complete. Council or its officers accept no responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting in reliance upon any material contained in this document. Final for council endorsement
Section 3
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Table of Contents
Executive Summary................................................................................................................................ 6
1. Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 8
Purpose................................................................................................................................................. 9
Context................................................................................................................................................... 9
Approach............................................................................................................................................. 11
QCoast2100........................................................................................................................................ 11
Guiding principles............................................................................................................................... 12
2. Our Coastal zone.............................................................................................................................. 13
Coastal Landscape............................................................................................................................. 14
Coastal values..................................................................................................................................... 16
3. Community Engagement.................................................................................................................. 17
4. Developing this plan......................................................................................................................... 19
Understanding climate change & sea level rise................................................................................ 20
Phase 2 – 3: Identifying the hazards.................................................................................................. 20
What is coastal erosion?..................................................................................................................... 21
What are tidal inundation and storm tides?........................................................................................ 23
Phase 4 – 5: Identifying assets of importance and their risks.......................................................... 28
Phases 6 – 7: Assessing potential adaptation actions for Noosa..................................................... 30
Options for responding to coastal erosion risks................................................................................ 33
Options for responding to coastal inundation risks........................................................................... 37
5. Locality Risks and Adaptation Outcomes....................................................................................... 39
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 40
Peregian Beach................................................................................................................................... 44
Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach............................................................................................... 47
Sunshine Beach and Sunrise Beach.................................................................................................. 50
Noosa North Shore and Teewah........................................................................................................ 54
Noosa Heads....................................................................................................................................... 60
Noosaville............................................................................................................................................ 66
Tewantin............................................................................................................................................... 70
Cooroibah, Cootharaba, Como and Boreen Point............................................................................. 73
6. Implementation, Monitoring and Review......................................................................................... 75
Monitoring........................................................................................................................................... 76
Financial Sustainability....................................................................................................................... 77
Future Studies and Assessments...................................................................................................... 78
7. Appendices....................................................................................................................................... 79
Appendix 1: Glossary......................................................................................................................... 80
Appendix 2: Noosa Council Climate Change Response Policy (2017)........................................... 82
Appendix 3: Coastal Hazard Maps – Storm Tide Inundation and Permanent Tidal Inundation..... 84
Appendix 4: Coastal Hazard Maps - Coastal Erosion...................................................................... 95
Page 3
Section 4
Noosa Shire Council
List of Figures
Figure 1 - Process for developing a Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan............................................... 11
Figure 2 - Noosa’s coastal zone and CHAP study area........................................................................ 15
Figure 3 - E
xample of coastal erosion processes and projections at Peregian Beach
(this image is not to scale and is for indicative purposes only)............................................ 22
Figure 4 - E
rosion Prone Area during a 100-year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI)
marine storm event in 2100.................................................................................................... 23
Figure 5 - Area of land subject to permanent tidal inundation in 2100................................................ 24
Figure 6 - Normal tide versus Storm tide (source: Sunshine Coast Regional Council)....................... 25
Figure 7 - Indicative example of increasing extent of storm tide inundation at Gympie Terrace
from 2020 to 2100, due to sea level rise (this image is not to scale
and is for indicative purposes only)....................................................................................... 26
Figure 8 - Area of land subject to a 100-year ARI storm tide event in 2100........................................ 27
Figure 9 - H
ierarchy of preferred coastal management responses for areas vulnerable to
coastal hazards...................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 10 - Coastal localities by type of hazards each is exposed to.................................................. 41
Figure 11 - Effect of adaptation actions on risk profile over time.......................................................... 42
Figure 12 - P
referred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal
erosion risks in Peregian Beach.......................................................................................... 45
Figure 13 - P
referred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal
erosion risks in Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach...................................................... 48
Figure 14 - P
referred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal
erosion risks in Sunrise Beach and Sunshine Beach......................................................... 52
Figure 15 - P
referred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal
erosion risks along Teewah Beach...................................................................................... 56
Figure 16 - P
referred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal
inundation risks in Noosa North Shore................................................................................ 59
Figure 17 - P
referred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal
erosion risks in Noosa Heads.............................................................................................. 62
Figure 18 - P
referred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal
inundation risks in Noosa Heads......................................................................................... 64
Figure 19 - P
referred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal
inundation risks in Noosaville............................................................................................... 68
Figure 20 - P
referred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal
inundation risks in Tewantin................................................................................................. 71
Figure 21 - P
referred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal
inundation risks in Cooroibah, Cootharaba, Como & Boreen Point................................... 74
Page 4
Section 5
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
List of Tables
Table 1 - Calculating risk......................................................................................................................... 29
Table 2 - Risk tolerance scale applied in Phase 5................................................................................. 30
Table 3 - Adaptation options assessment criteria.................................................................................. 31
Table 4 - Change in Peregian Beach asset risk profiles across planning horizons............................. 44
Table 5 - F
ive-year action plan for responding to projected coastal erosion risks
in Peregian Beach.................................................................................................................... 46
Table 6 - C
hange in Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach asset risk profiles across
planning horizons..................................................................................................................... 47
Table 7 - F
ive-year action plan for responding to projected coastal erosion risks in
Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach.................................................................................... 49
Table 8 - Change in Sunrise Beach asset risk profiles across planning horizons................................ 50
Table 9 - Change in Sunshine Beach asset risk profiles across planning horizons............................. 51
Table 10 - F
ive-year action plan for responding to projected coastal erosion risks in
Sunrise Beach and Sunshine Beach..................................................................................... 53
Table 11 - C
hange in Teewah and Noosa North Shore asset erosion risk profiles across
planning horizons................................................................................................................... 55
Table 12 - F
ive-year action plan for responding to projected coastal erosion risks
along Teewah Beach.............................................................................................................. 57
Table 13 - Change in Noosa North Shore asset inundation risk profiles across planning horizons.... 58
Table 14 - F
ive-year action plan for responding to projected coastal inundation risks
in Noosa North Shore............................................................................................................. 59
Table 15 - Change in Noosa Heads asset erosion risk profiles across planning horizons.................. 61
Table 16 - F
ive-year action plan for responding to projected coastal erosion risks
in Noosa Heads...................................................................................................................... 62
Table 17 - Change in Noosa Heads asset inundation risk profiles across planning horizons............. 63
Table 18 - F
ive-year action plan for responding to projected coastal inundation risks
in Noosa Heads...................................................................................................................... 65
Table 19 - Change in Noosaville asset risk profiles across planning horizons..................................... 67
Table 20 - Five-year action plan for responding to projected coastal inundation risks in Noosaville.. 69
Table 21 - Change in Tewantin asset risk profiles across planning horizons....................................... 70
Table 22 - Five- year action plan for responding to projected coastal inundation risks in Tewantin.... 72
Table 23 - C
hange in locality asset risk profiles across planning horizons
(Cooroibah, Cootharaba, Como & Boreen Point)................................................................. 73
Table 24 - F
ive- year action plan for responding to projected coastal inundation risks in Cooroibah,
Cootharaba, Como & Boreen Point....................................................................................... 74
Page 5
Section 6
Noosa Shire Council Executive Summary It is widely acknowledged that local governments across Australia are on the front line when it comes to experiencing and responding to the impacts of climate change, and Noosa is no different. It is likely that many natural hazard risks will worsen, and some new ones may emerge, as a result of climate change. Therefore, it is critical that all local governments, including Noosa Council, ensure these risks are better understood, and plans are developed to respond to these where required, consistent with existing risk management frameworks. Noosa Council is responding to potential climate change-induced risks by undertaking a multi-year project to develop a climate change response program in order to build adaptive capacity and respond to climate risks within Council and across the community. The coastal hazards component of the program is guided by this Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan (CHAP). The CHAP is funded by a grant agreement with the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), under the Queensland Department of Environment and Science’s (DES) QCoast2100 initiative. The QCoast2100 initiative has been designed to assist Queensland coastal local governments with funding and technical guidance to support the preparation of plans that identify and respond to potential changes in coastal hazard risks caused by rising sea levels. This plan is intended to guide decision-making across key areas of Council, including: • Corporate and operational planning and financial planning; • Land use planning and development assessment; • Infrastructure planning, design and management including roads, stormwater and foreshores; • Management of non-infrastructure assets including conservation and recreational areas; • Community resilience planning and emergency management. Page 6
Section 7
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Work on the CHAP commenced in early 2017, and has progressed over that time in stages,
guided by important input from the Noosa community and Council staff. Several background
studies were completed and used to inform this plan, in alignment with technical requirements
provided by DES. These studies reveal Noosa should expect impacts to increase as a result of
a range of coastal hazards, particularly towards the latter half of this century, and that proactive
and well considered actions are required in order to prepare for and manage these risks.
Specifically, these technical studies indicate that without an appropriate response to the projected
rise in sea level, increasing impacts from coastal erosion are likely for the open coast areas (i.e.
Peregian Beach to Sunshine Beach, Noosa Heads, and Noosa North Shore), having an impact on
some privately-owned assets and Council infrastructure (e.g. roads and recreational areas), as
well as the beaches themselves.
Areas along the Lower Noosa River (Noosa Heads, Tewantin, and in particular Noosaville and
Noosa North Shore) will be increasingly at risk due to inundation associated with rising sea levels.
With inundation, the greatest level of exposure and impacts are expected to be felt by Council
infrastructure (e.g. stormwater networks, open space, roads), some private property, as well as
indirect consequences for adjacent retail and commercial activities.
These studies also highlight a range of adaptation options to help avoid, mitigate or reduce risks
to an acceptable level. This plan presents a summary of the findings of each of these studies, as
well as a set of preferred long-term adaptation outcomes and short-term actions for the areas of
most concern within Noosa’s coastal zone.
Page 7
Section 8
Noosa Shire Council
Introduction
Page 8
ES eS = ere is
SE aes pe a eS i
WE Se
ata Vr TO Me neces, Sg
Parra, Se gray es a |
oe Sw = Re is = i
See. ae ee eS ae ar 1 a
Waecoh Pay SS Seo vt
eea'ss oe oe Sag re (|
Pa eee) 5 Nag is cole ae }
—y Ye Vie 5 ~ = Rak ee tS = ;
eo ee '
x Bm oy fe 3 eh A “= Bees: we ) \ ti
~ cA 2 3 a 2 ‘
R ae ee |
her . A og) eens Fo, = ars << Fat \
Sey A \ mm a eee) ye t |
oy om. ~ a erg a
Eee ae eer 5 ——— ||
ie a > eee ee a
PLS a as ae |
ee 4 KY pee eS ae iF a a }
itp Ct
A pee
an eR ‘ fe \ 5 & ap zs el vat oF ne a ||
ee yo ° | i ar —
Pt 7 a ee < ee i see - |
ae ee ee
A a Sees eee bs Tes
Sekt ) aS oe Soe ee Te ‘|
mS Gy tae A] oe 5Oo. = Bates: e. ~- b ie |
BN ehh ua ae Wee tater: Sea
CY Se Som eeeaeers | ¢ > tame 7 10
oe ee | li .
Ae TE Oe e) —
nd E ES Fe. Pe Ao Sing ee ety Ae Ts a
Oe Pay. ax" ae tc ee ~ io a
e j IP = ea owe S| ee Je i
— oi is ee me eee at i
PEN PS ee Pes i ee nt
PIE gd. rN i Ge . v
peti: fae, b
aS pe - fm te ao r a, | |
“eh. cae ete ea a ee ‘
1 ae eae, 2S Se Lt) - |
2 8 5 ss" eos So (oa ae Dae
- D4 0, ee: 7 k ; a A . : ee 3 : }
ati a Peon yea eae ‘al 5 |
hts a SP nn GS eee Mies
: i 9 4 ; <2 Re ey a 2 7 } |
¥ Ne Sse TE a Ee : Ung
i ea Uy . eS ae ; eg ¢ F |
J “Se ) ets iigh Ree iets “2 Wi]
} 2 ROS eh S = ae , | |
b is oe See Rae ae |
et ee Perils be Ser ag Bie me i
ae ye at te Oe Rees oe 4)
< 5 PS ey O w ee — ose ia i if
oo | ak des 4a > een ig a oe Tae u =) ‘|
Lime As Maier it <San Meg ee i!
me ee oO. Be ey eA seh peers. me, ih
ey ae D 3 E i ane
Cee Ge = Aig Me eee
+e a Hess Pts ee a \
an a 4 a es zi =: Cael Garhi eee ar... yl
ee O foe a is EN res eS ES
i ads = Oia Pa nn es
. e tee } 3 4 es Sy m Ags wtSection 9
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Purpose The plan is based on a detailed assessment
of coastal hazards for present day and 2040,
Noosa Council is responding to the potential 2070 and 2100 including hazard modelling, risk
effects of coastal hazards over time, and has assessments and socio-economic analyses of
prepared this CHAP to provide a comprehensive options. It provides a set of recommended short-
and coordinated adaptation program in response term actions for implementation over the next
to changing coastal risks caused by a changing 1-5 years, and presents a potential pathway for
climate. This plan specifically deals with the responding to these changing risks over the long
potential impacts of coastal erosion along the term.
open beach areas and inundation of low-lying
areas from storm tides and higher tides, and how
these existing hazards are projected to change
Context
over time due to sea level rise and increasing The majority of Noosa’s population, and private
storm intensity. and public built assets, as well as significant
The core objectives for the program are to: areas designated for conservation purposes
are located within Noosa’s coastal zone. Many
• Improve Noosa Council and the community’s
assets and locations of particular interest to the
understanding of current and future risks from
local community and visitors have historically
coastal hazards and how they might change
been exposed to the effects of coastal erosion
through time as a result of climate change;
and inundation. This includes private residences,
• Consult with the community clearly and
commercial premises, parks and recreational
sensitively throughout key stages of the
facilities, as well as service infrastructure such as
project so the community understands the
roads and stormwater networks. Therefore, close
implications and contributes to the decision
attention is required to any effect that climate
making;
change – particularly sea level rise – is likely to
• Identify what actions are required to avoid, have in worsening risks associated with these
reduce or adapt to these risks to people, existing hazards.
property, assets and the environment;
This plan has been developed in consideration
• Provide mapping and visual products and
of the principles and strategies outlined in Noosa
deliverables that are useful for a range of
Council’s Corporate Plan 2017-2037, Environment
purposes across Council departments and
Strategy 2019, Social Strategy 2015, and Local
functions and within the community (e.g.
Economic Plan 2015.
planning scheme, asset management,
community awareness, disaster management
and financial planning); and
• Provide direction for a proactive and
coordinated pathway for Council and the
community to adapt to climate change and
coastal hazards.
Page 9
Section 10
Noosa Shire Council
Approach
It is critical that Council adopts a long-term, proactive approach regarding climate-related risks to help
improve and build the adaptive capacity of our coast. This means, monitoring and planning for changes
to coastal hazard risks including ensuring appropriate and effective: development requirements,
infrastructure planning (including roads and drainage), disaster management, asset management
and governance systems. This planning needs to be adaptable, measured and take account of new
information including local monitoring results. It also needs to be supported by strong Council effort
towards ensuring that natural foreshores are as healthy and resilient as they can be to help reduce the
risk from increasing coastal hazards to our community.
Council acknowledges that climate change poses a serious challenge to Noosa Shire – and ultimately to
the planet. Council believes that the responsibility for responding to the causes and risks associated with
climate change is shared by many stakeholders and thus requires a collaborative approach. Council
acknowledges its responsibility to understand and consider local risks, and to work with the community,
government agencies and other partners to improve its knowledge and capability to respond. That
response will involve not only adaptive and pragmatic planning for development and infrastructure, but
also localised emissions reductions.
Uncertainty is a key characteristic of climate change and long-term coastal management, and can be
viewed as a barrier to progressing important adaptation actions. This uncertainty should not, however,
be an excuse to delay planning or action. The appropriate approach to managing uncertainty is to
plan over multiple time horizons, apply the precautionary principle and incorporate options that can
be attuned to needs as they change over time. This plan takes a risk-based ‘monitor-review-manage’
pathways approach to preparing Noosa for changes to local coastal hazards. It provides a fit-for-
purpose plan based on the best available scientific data and information, noting the need for flexibility
and iterative review over time as new, locally-specific information arises.
Reference Box #1
What is ‘adaptation’?
Despite ongoing international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, climate change is likely
to have significant effects on coastal communities across Australia. One of the most significant
changes, rising sea-levels rise, has the potential to impact the livelihoods and lifestyles of coastal
residents and the natural environment. Decisions and actions that help prepare for, reduce,
mitigate, and avoid the adverse consequences of climate change, as well as to take advantage of
the opportunities, are known as climate change adaptation.
In this context, coastal hazards adaptation means understanding what effect sea level rise and
increased storm intensity may have on the behaviour of coastal hazards, and taking appropriate
action to prevent or minimise the damage they could cause in the future to the built environment,
human health and safety, and our natural systems. It can also mean taking advantage of any
opportunities that may arise to transform Noosa into something better.
Robust adaptation planning takes into account the timing of any proposed actions. Because the
future is almost always uncertain, acting too soon can risk locking councils and communities into
inappropriate outcomes. But acting too late (or not at all) could risk locking Noosa into impacts that
are costly or unavoidable. Local monitoring will therefore continue to inform future coastal hazards
modelling and mapping and timely adaptation responses.
Page 10
Section 11
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
QCoast2100
The CHAP has been developed through an eight-phase process (Figure 1) as outlined in the
QCoast2100 Minimum Standards and Guidelines (LGAQ and DEHP 2016). The QCoast2100 program
has been coordinated by the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) on behalf of
the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES). Incorporating regular community
engagement and consultation, the process has included the following key steps:
• Scope coastal hazard issues for the area of interest
• Identify areas exposed to current and future coastal hazards
• Identify key assets potentially impacted
• Conduct risk assessments of key assets in coastal hazard areas
• Identify potential adaptation options and determine actions, costs, priorities and timeframes.
Figure 1 - Process for developing a Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
The outputs of each project phase have been subject to review and approval by LGAQ and DES.
Page 11
Section 12
Noosa Shire Council
Guiding principles
Guiding principles have been created to assist in the development of Noosa’s response to coastal
hazards. These principles (shown below) were developed to clearly articulate how Noosa Council’s
existing strategies and objectives apply in a coastal hazards adaptation context.
The Noosa Environment
1. Adaptation does not adversely impact upon the natural assets of Noosa.
2. Adaptation supports the resilience of native flora and fauna, natural dune systems and beaches.
3. Adaptation maintains the natural landscape character of places and provides for attractive
natural solutions that harmonise with local environmental features.
The Noosa Community
4. Adaptation increases the community’s safety and resilience to risks from climate change.
5. Adaptation responses maintain or enhance accessibility to existing local landscapes in a way
that does not adversely impact on natural values.
6. Adaptation responses seek to maintain the functionality of key community spaces where
appropriate, though some areas may experience reduced functionality.
7. Adaptation responses seek to minimise disruption to the community from natural hazard events.
8. Adaptation planning incorporates community involvement in early planning, policy, design and
decision making.
9. Adaptation considers the potential financial burden on the community in short, medium and long
term, whilst also considering the rights and interests of individuals.
The Noosa Economy
10. Adaptation seeks to support the ongoing functionality of key economic zones.
11. Adaptation supports the goals of Council’s economic strategy where possible, including
reducing risks to the economy, minimising future climate-related damage costs, and increasing
opportunities for sustainable development.
Long-term Planning for Noosa Shire
12. Adaptation is incorporated into capital works programs, including asset designs.
13. Adaptation responses are flexible and adaptable over time to changing needs and new
information, including locally-specific data and circumstances.
14. Adaptation must be intra- and inter-generationally equitable.
Excellence as a Council
15. Adaptation responses are driven by scientific evidence, risk management principles and
community consultation with residents and businesses.
16. Adaptation responses reduce risk and create other benefits wherever possible.
17. Adaptation seeks to minimise future financial costs to Council.
Page 12
Section 13
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Our Coastal zone
Page 13
\\ Ke X
SOY. iy os \ in A lig.
: Yo ‘ i ow
Lay Wat] YY \WNG Av e :
ey \ \\'\ iy \ \ Wh Ny
VR BLU VAN a) AVA J a
SEY ANd hed AS >) 4 V7 AY,
CR eS Ay RY NEY) { \ Ve ( whe
MAY DENK | | A
y he a! OTN \, J AY 4 \ \ ty Hie
MERON Fi, tt! iS
a] Nj : aN Ny RN Wy) ri \\ WA y * aoe
» pa NA AN Ta G OAV SS ‘A \. aes
| 4 De PEN AY Ni BO WAY Pg | Mb : iy fh)
/ } a Sale RS PAIS TY ihe } NUP Wiz PM 3
a oe!) SA AS Nott’ OX NIE Pe Fe 1 cane
a ee ae Ro RY ee
De NUN EE oe) By AGS
fie — A ANON ee ees Gch A
e oat } = Le - ; ie i S a 7 RO
i} - Be cas ih c it 7 lo Spd ti yy ie —— Si 4
/ eS uf i _ ‘} io aN i \\ SRR. OR pt
F eS , , ay id) ie \ ane a Usk Ny
’ ew | i ¢ Ve bie Ri as ry ue Ned (sic. Dae Ie an ies nee
— ( ee. \ poy q BS a Ni bathe > 7 NSS: ae iY
ol |) y Merny: WIL as YER) 4 val | PA
belay r a ff We BT Oe | YO a eS) | ”
e “ * Patan id fly ARR I NUS te hae Ta i ed
ya , . <a” LL i ni ry ep yehe mi Shy a f ees Al
ks Y a NI a p Ay fr Une a) A Nail aay , | Wh : bs fi Ww Hn
Ae SY ae WN eae ial IRS
a \ F 4 1 {s oi J (7 . R ( ht if ¥ tr fj T i ’ 5) y By ys
‘ \\ A F MAE i ( a i Woke herd?
“ \} wy \* A . \' i Abs ur a ee |) « i
me | hee Ae \) PREIS 0 ol A hy ee als
ae) yn i ih aS a x
ry LS AY Tile Nii di a I
Py gh) RE ty ee
774 5 | f ye saan a\t 5 * Thy as , 2 Fd
ci y iy PR it ta wT NS Mi
b y Oe , ARS A
z oe 5 1 1 1 42 4 1688 1491 24 48 38 \}
5 1 1 1 42 5 1722 1519 9 12 23 My
5 1 1 1 42 6 1771 1487 19 56 0 m
5 1 1 1 42 7 1924 1534 3 3 39 .
5 1 1 1 42 8 2012 1512 9 17 0 .
5 1 1 1 42 9 2076 1474 131 77 20 wierd
5 1 1 1 42 10 2211 1487 37 46 17 ss
5 1 1 1 42 11 2297 1486 31 55 0 a
5 1 1 1 42 12 2350 1487 76 36 0 Hed
4 1 1 1 43 0 84 1527 2334 108 -1
5 1 1 1 43 1 84 1600 47 35 4 ES
5 1 1 1 43 2 1703 1535 28 49 28 ae
5 1 1 1 43 3 1882 1539 57 65 51 A
5 1 1 1 43 4 1943 1546 137 48 29 eR
5 1 1 1 43 5 2113 1527 67 56 24 is
5 1 1 1 43 6 2195 1534 91 56 13 ile
5 1 1 1 43 7 2342 1531 32 46 14 Pai
4 1 1 1 44 0 64 1559 2340 124 -1
5 1 1 1 44 1 173 1647 4 3 36 hr
5 1 1 1 44 2 1538 1613 27 31 0 <
5 1 1 1 44 3 1625 1620 24 15 56 @
5 1 1 1 44 4 1958 1584 58 28 17 PON
5 1 1 1 44 5 2041 1588 72 35 16 Ae
5 1 1 1 44 6 2128 1572 138 51 21 Per
5 1 1 1 44 7 2281 1559 55 61 50 pau
5 1 1 1 44 8 2387 1584 17 36 51 |
4 1 1 1 45 0 56 1602 2366 109 -1
5 1 1 1 45 1 56 1664 33 47 9 Vie
5 1 1 1 45 2 1685 1655 3 5 41 tii
5 1 1 1 45 3 2018 1653 5 2 0
ht ae
i ’ - D * 4 _ ri
a A 2 a tM (ao ae
(| Hie mM ¢ mi, « Ji ¥
: a | ee | E Nd AM,
_ ; a C= ae 2 : i= at hi al ; ; = yea
— t x 4 2 a u P
y ' : Namal Soh ? | haze
' , + hone yearn ni} ae
Nd p = ! —— uae be nS ji. ag hi
bs nS Fb . nie a “ eas -
Phere LAE SEE (em La A}
—_ peg NM P
, - om 1 8 ls Patel , ea
3 “ane ae ry SU Ry 2k.
3 : 2 .. Gh ’ Be ey) ote a b ‘ 3 , ° ea
ee i ee : se . Vee 3 bY Ry rs
* . aa’ A * ey é Ray ae"
x; iis ; ey 2 a bes ate ‘ ey
a a ee a ll
7 a pc a a Silda = = —— is : = eS ‘
OOS er: <4 a
a <= = Se an = a — +8 . “ - 3 - 7 <a 2 ,
“te _— = a aaa
aia aes y, a5 ee oa a “1
—— Ss peace” a gee,
he ane CPO St Se oe
NN cree eS te ete i
Pr as - - Se ba at
nr é cael ada ie ak — hy oe ate > 5 1 1 1 74 13 2247 3376 22 41 0 s
5 1 1 1 74 14 2308 3401 48 21 33 ettSection 14
Noosa Shire Council
Covering an area of 870km2, Noosa Shire is home to more than 55,000 people1. Two thirds of the
population live within the coastal area that covers Peregian to Sunshine Beach, Noosa Heads, Noosaville
and Tewantin. The Traditional Owners are the Kabi Kabi people (Gubbi Gubbi people) who have lived in
and cared for the coastal area for millennia and continue to maintain a deep connection with the natural
environment, landscape and sea.
Noosa Shire has over 45 kilometres of coastline extending from Peregian Beach north to Teewah and Great
Sandy National Park on Noosa North Shore (Figure 2). Famous for its open surf beaches, protected north-
facing bays, river systems and everglades, Noosa’s coastal zone is at the fragile interface of land and sea.
Extending landward from the ocean, many kilometres of estuaries and waterways connect the hinterland
to the coast. This network of rivers, tributaries and lakes plays an important role in supporting marine and
aquatic life. The Noosa River system also functions as an important temporary storage of flood waters
during flood events, thereby absorbing the impact of ocean-related events such as storm surges.
The natural character of Noosa’s coastline and surrounding vegetated landscape is a key attractor and
point of difference for the local economy. It attracts businesses, investors and residents who wish to enjoy
the nature-based, casual lifestyle and take advantage of Noosa’s clean, green reputation, innovative
culture and attractive beaches.
Coastal Landscape
The coastal zone is the interface between land and sea and includes coastal waters and areas landwards.
Coastal land includes land under tidal waters, erosion prone areas, land at risk from storm tide inundation
or permanent inundation due to sea level rise, and parcels of land adjacent to the foreshore. In Noosa
Shire, this includes coastal waters and land adjacent to the open beaches, rivers and lakes that are
influenced by the tides.
Coastal hazards will affect localities to varying extents depending on geographic position and topography.
For instance, the open coast will be most affected by coastal erosion and shoreline recession. Open
coast communities include Peregian Beach, Marcus Beach, Castaways Beach, Sunrise Beach, Sunshine
Beach, Noosa Heads, Noosa North Shore and Teewah. Contrastingly, riverine areas including Noosaville
and Tewantin will be most affected by periodic storm tide inundation and permanent sea level rise. Further
information on coastal hazards can be found in Section 4.
Open coast
The beaches along Noosa’s coastline are dynamic, wave-dominated sandy beaches that naturally
experience phases of erosion and accretion that operate over a range of timescales, including seasons2.
Most beaches in Noosa are ‘dynamically stable’ and have benefited from long periods of sand accretion
in recent decades (largely due to the general absence of major storm activity as compared to historical
erosion events of the 1970s). Noosa Main Beach and Dog Beach are notable exceptions experiencing
more regular erosion. The open beaches are shaped and maintained by coastal processes of erosion and
accretion, as well as longshore drift which transports sediments northward along Australia’s east coast3.
The supply of sand needed to keep the beach at a ‘healthy’ state is reliant on longshore drift processes
which is influenced by prevailing winds, swells, and sediment supply, mostly driven from the south east.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) (2021). Region Summary: Noosa. Available Online: https://dbr.abs.gov.au/
1
region.html?lyr=lga&rgn=35740
Thom, B.G. and Hall, W (1991). Behaviour of beach profiles during accretion and erosion dominated periods.
2
Earth Surface Processes and Landforms. 16:113-127. For more information, see ozcoasts.org.au
3
BMT WBM (2013). Sunshine Coast Regional Council: Coastal Processes Study
Page 14
Section 15
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Figure 2 - Noosa's coastal zone and CHAP study area
Figure 2 - Noosa’s coastal zone and CHAP study area
Page 15
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page 10
Section 16
Noosa Shire Council Riverine areas Riverine areas are low-lying areas that are adjacent to river and lake systems and are exposed to potential inundation from periodic storm tide inundation and/or permanent tidal inundation. The Noosa River’s headwaters begin in the hinterland west of Kin Kin and the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park in the north of the shire. On its journey to the sea, the river passes through a number of shallow coastal lakes and past low-key residential and tourist areas before entering Laguna Bay at its mouth. Most of the Noosa River catchment is relatively flat with a change in elevation of only 80 metres from the headwaters to the mouth. This small gradient means that changes to mean sea level, and in turn the river level, has the potential to affect significant areas of low-lying land adjacent to the river. The tidal limit of the Noosa River encompasses the shallow lakes of Cootharaba, Cooroibah, Doonella, and Weyba, and their shores, and will consequently be affected by future sea level rise. Localities within the tidal zone of the Noosa River are Noosa Heads, Noosaville, Tewantin and Cooroibah, Cootharaba, Boreen Point, and Noosa North Shore. Coastal values Coastal zones are highly valued for the social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits they provide. Noosa’s coastal zone supports a mix of land use types including conservation areas, recreation and amenity spaces, urban development and critical infrastructure that all provide value to the community and economy. Feedback received from the community (see Section 3) in the development of this plan emphasised the need to uphold a set of core natural asset and lifestyle values within the coastal zone to ensure the desired attributes of Noosa Shire are maintained and available to future generations. Page 16
Section 17
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Community Engagement
Page 17
EI EEN GIN IE a aR oe aPC SRR Se age CO a 8g
DEI BES oA GO SIE OI Se) ee a eee ea We Sc Src eM an Gare cates, ee” an tar a
5 K War )8) cies €5 > A & A ns ngs s oe 2 . SPSS : ye is eho ea ae a y oe . ‘ a er ae eee —
Agente ote SS CM ae Te ng eT a Ae See Gee ge GaN ON Smee a ag
EE eae a <= a ea cate St eee aig a : Rare : <S i ~ or Go ne ee ge a) ae re ; te
TUF lUUreleleyolee= mile Tales lUslel@
iy Baia
: « ga ee cn gee on gel PTE oe
Me RS oe SS
PP EES 4 So ) LA —— = & =
Bs SS es a ———
- a = — = = b ; ey se = C = = = : :
: ===, Mee No
—— ——— = SS iy WS ee — = - = =
= = ———— = : = SS Se ) ‘, = == - : SS 2 ———
; : f
Z a en) et aF {merry ea ie ; ith
} ¢ | Ris) f, . | Ai h f ji 4 1 Hy) I}, y f yf hf
a r|| is HAW A } HE | HM
4 hy z Wi} | i IM f Be dildofiffa de Wy} Yas
pomseen: | : * ' vi 5 1 1 1 22 8 1205 1662 79 83 7 IN)
5 1 1 1 22 9 1327 1610 48 119 56 i
5 1 1 1 22 10 1412 1654 36 41 12 in|
5 1 1 1 22 11 1498 1666 67 53 32 We
5 1 1 1 22 12 1646 1643 43 88 22 \
5 1 1 1 22 13 1747 1642 65 72 32 ye
5 1 1 1 22 14 1847 1640 41 73 38 M
5 1 1 1 22 15 1905 1631 72 97 0 Pa
5 1 1 1 22 16 2133 1634 111 98 0 Wh
5 1 1 1 22 17 2269 1663 12 38 0 fe
4 1 1 1 23 0 559 1703 1863 35 -1
5 1 1 1 23 1 569 1696 56 44 46 ge
5 1 1 1 23 2 751 1726 2 2 24 ee
5 1 1 1 23 3 1382 1709 32 24 17 Wie
5 1 1 1 23 4 1436 1698 16 44 40 |
5 1 1 1 23 5 1669 1716 10 20 34 CNT
5 1 1 1 23 6 1712 1709 3 16 19 Ty
5 1 1 1 23 7 1755 1705 19 33 35 Whe
5 1 1 1 23 8 1797 1703 66 23 0 NTO
5 1 1 1 23 9 2204 1707 22 14 24 th
5 1 1 1 23 10 2240 1700 34 44 54 Ae
5 1 1 1 23 11 2358 1704 64 23 21 HAP
4 1 1 1 24 0 473 1672 1914 161 -1
5 1 1 1 24 1 473 1709 12 48 42 Ze
5 1 1 1 24 2 630 1730 118 43 13 wy
5 1 1 1 24 3 845 1724 35 108 30 \
5 1 1 1 24 4 938 1733 178 49 32 We
5 1 1 1 24 5 1174 1730 18 34 72 N
5 1 1 1 24 6 1207 1713 50 64 43 Wy
5 1 1 1 24 7 1302 1692 67 77 77 Nh
5 1 1 1 24 8 1390 1722 23 89 45 i
5 1 1 1 24 9 1486 1709 76 124 49 i
5 1 1 1 24 10 1623 1705 52 48 0 ‘
5 1 1 1 24 11 1717 1740 47 32 1 ‘Ny
5 1 1 1 24 12 1799 1722 11 57 0 ,
5 1 1 1 24 13 1846 1712 15 50 16 y
5 1 1 1 24 14 1887 1740 22 24 19 Wy)
5 1 1 1 24 15 1987 1672 91 133 53 y
5 1 1 1 24 16 2101 1703 23 68 29 ]
5 1 1 1 24 17 2163 1732 23 52 35 i
5 1 1 1 24 18 2205 1724 106 41 20 Yi
5 1 1 1 24 19 2335 1674 52 125 52 i
4 1 1 1 25 0 750 1737 1586 88 -1
5 1 1 1 25 1 750 1796 1 8 94 |
5 1 1 1 25 2 949 1780 1 3 48 |
5 1 1 1 25 3 1206 1772 35 20 23 ie
5 1 1 1 25 4 1296 1754 23 71 54 ,
5 1 1 1 25 5 1375 1742 70 70 41 NE
5 1 1 1 25 6 1501 1770 27 35 22 f,
5 1 1 1 25 7 1651 1774 91 26 30 AWA
5 1 1 1 25 8 1853 1773 203 37 20 NL)
5 1 1 1 25 9 2055 1773 75 37 27 A,
5 1 1 1 25 10 2173 1737 28 78 47 /
5 1 1 1 25 11 2334 1786 2 4 40 |
4 1 1 1 26 0 753 1763 1642 124 -1
5 1 1 1 26 1 753 1820 4 20 92 \
5 1 1 1 26 2 876 1810 4 32 72 ‘
5 1 1 1 26 3 1058 1765 33 110 74 i
5 1 1 1 26 4 1136 1776 87 79 53 AN!
5 1 1 1 26 5 1256 1786 68 75 23 A
5 1 1 1 26 6 1356 1783 11 62 16 ‘
5 1 1 1 26 7 1387 1811 3 19 0 }
5 1 1 1 26 8 1497 1763 64 96 12 i
5 1 1 1 26 9 1670 1812 14 50 19 i
5 1 1 1 26 10 1721 1810 19 26 48 A)
5 1 1 1 26 11 1753 1829 17 35 0 \
5 1 1 1 26 12 1786 1843 3 7 62 \
5 1 1 1 26 13 1858 1817 5 10 17 hi
5 1 1 1 26 14 1906 1827 18 18 0 fUg
5 1 1 1 26 15 1979 1792 13 57 20 (
5 1 1 1 26 16 2077 1798 34 25 47 VA
5 1 1 1 26 17 2159 1809 16 24 37 ij
5 1 1 1 26 18 2228 1831 22 14 92 ff
5 1 1 1 26 19 2336 1772 59 115 30 y]
4 1 1 1 27 0 658 1816 1738 86 -1
5 1 1 1 27 1 658 1874 1 3 0 ‘
5 1 1 1 27 2 759 1849 4 15 92 \
5 1 1 1 27 3 1038 1850 2 7 0 }
5 1 1 1 27 4 1113 1875 5 14 44 ;
5 1 1 1 27 5 1141 1845 128 36 49 NAN
5 1 1 1 27 6 1358 1849 34 29 0 ie
5 1 1 1 27 7 1414 1832 5 43 73 |
5 1 1 1 27 8 1483 1845 23 53 58 yy
5 1 1 1 27 9 1533 1842 9 38 26 wx
5 1 1 1 27 10 1644 1816 86 86 34 Ns
5 1 1 1 27 11 1748 1852 78 33 40 ALN
5 1 1 1 27 12 1909 1841 59 34 24 Aft;
5 1 1 1 27 13 2065 1843 13 32 11 Mf
5 1 1 1 27 14 2115 1838 15 41 44 |
5 1 1 1 27 15 2211 1847 85 34 37 Wf
5 1 1 1 27 16 2380 1859 16 37 46 Hy
4 1 1 1 28 0 144 1856 2273 96 -1
5 1 1 1 28 1 144 1879 13 25 0 ;
5 1 1 1 28 2 565 1883 34 42 0 '
5 1 1 1 28 3 636 1884 28 5 21 N
5 1 1 1 28 4 798 1883 8 36 50 1
5 1 1 1 28 5 1032 1915 6 16 27 )
5 1 1 1 28 6 1057 1885 37 45 69 Ni
5 1 1 1 28 7 1169 1879 18 28 12 °
5 1 1 1 28 8 1200 1896 21 42 11 Ni
5 1 1 1 28 9 1239 1902 20 25 6 )
r = . Py or | Y i \ ny iy VE ,
; a ) fi ANY ‘it WR LAW: i P| Wf ] MA 4
Sin é| | \\i| (NX MMR 1 d/h a ‘eA nA I) Yj ‘PF
ne -. | DYN’ SN } Va hi aes i . Up; Be) : A is
ese 1) | Nt \ NN 4S ” , ro ae \ a: SS Wy Se We }
DAWG WANN SH WONMige CL \.
iy AN Ay 5 PH eM eee Wf} <M
ye | ‘aa hn ae “ee PS Og
4 in AG 2 P Ho Y
oP er ed G2 alae a) ye
Net, Ny A BS Sai or” Pe \) |
sh re Sas NN) ae 4 Ae 3 F “oo .\ E
Caer - hh , fs ¢ o f
eae Fy f ae AAS
~~ 7 . E 5 > : : , | ; 3
Sealy es E , ? ‘
I ‘ . arc. ey a \ y
Se Ss a % : Dap ald AM
+ 7 my Py : u ; G4 a
A 1 ip He ie Ye ce y - \ P |
' LAY ie aed hg 4
t TT 4 ae 4 v gs ~ : fa F
yh Uj ; + 33 ee, ;
aan a ye » ,
ee, . ; ia //2 a a : i. “i : -
uelf4uoneidepy spiezeyH jelseosy eCSooyy - Pye , eee e :
c Mr 3 7 :
, oP Y, . fo. X
“ é: Ny ve ‘i
an cn : f. Yi 2Section 18
Noosa Shire Council
Engaging with the Noosa community and Key messages
other stakeholders has formed an important
part of the development of this plan. This The most prominent messages from the
engagement has provided for a two-way shared Noosa community received during the plan’s
understanding of the risks Council and the development have been:
community face from coastal hazards, and has • Natural and scenic amenity assets are
helped to create a plan that reflects a vision for considered to have the highest intrinsic value
Noosa shared by many. to the community.
Several rounds of stakeholder engagement • Short-term disruptions to public access
were carried out during the course of this are tolerable, with a strong emphasis on
plan’s development with members of the restoring accessibility quickly and safely.
public, industry experts, State government
• There is a general acceptance that
representatives, and specialists within Council.
temporary interruptions are reasonably
Identifying coastal values, coastal hazard risks
likely to occur and that these are forecast to
and adaptation options were topics of focus
increase/worsen, but there is a low tolerance
for this consultation process, with feedback
for more permanent impacts.
yielding valuable insights into Noosa’s most
valued assets and preferred adaptation options. • There is a strong preference for nature-based
These activities included multiple online and in- solutions that fit with the look and feel of
person surveys, pop-up events, static displays, Noosa, and that minimize impacts to natural
workshops, and meetings with groups of environments.
stakeholders with a range of special interests. • There is a preference for protection and
An important aspect of this CHAP has been active on-ground management of local
working with members of the community to beaches, dunes, habitats and waterways to
understand the values, wants and needs of help build coastal resilience and manage
Noosa Shire residents, business owners and erosion risks.
other stakeholders. Knowing that adaptation • There is a need for scientific monitoring that
responses must recognise the diversity of provides for locally-specific data to inform
values and objectives amongst community future adaptation responses.
members, this process has required complex
stakeholder engagement in order to build • The CHAP needs to take a flexible pathways
upon existing knowledge within the community approach that is staged, evolves over time,
regarding coastal hazards, as well as to ensure and takes advantage of new information and
community stakeholders are meaningfully technological advancements.
involved in the planning process. • The CHAP should make clear the relationship
These actions were critical to identifying the with the planning scheme, and not direct
locations and assets the local community planning scheme changes that adversely
deems to be of most importance and why, as affect private property or conflict with the
well as the extent to which the community is State Planning Policy for coastal hazards.
able to tolerate damage or other impairments
due to coastal hazards. These perspectives
were vital in appropriately determining the
risks and areas of most concern, as well as for
assessing adaptation options.
Page 18
Section 19
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Developing this plan
Page 19
ay 8 ot aan FY
‘z 4 { ie Wy Dy ae Gr , f 47) f if pe r
44 p \ oe Mf Hy if 4 tf 4) y 1 rt f ' 4 Ne ' a
a a, W FS iif | } , f - & 1 fl f A Ab yy f! he a ,)
' i I Wee a lhtaee es 49] } MS yt 3) 3
ie if UE teed Thal gh pf Pai
a i oq) Se RF j ee f 3 tf i Ce j P: Va
ies a fo or ee Fe
i { i “= . ie 4 i j j me of : 4 : ; ! I y e i ow 4 ca
ye rae | \ i i | Ii : f dj i RS i } \ / ye ‘ft
Ta oe aa ; bales: | i} 5 Bi) 2
Y a oe . AL aie | i) Hees ) } Yee
aie) mi i ah 1h sdf esa Ae ie | iB ' ee, ue
1 i} ; i i yy J . i IL. (i
| aa | PEE ; ce a
1 iv ; rH t he 10h A ! | fe P y 1 '
F tte iP ; e | Ni ’ * ; a H ; i nl fy . 7 j He 1s
( J i f Hy? ty ; — | t iH ) 4 : is ise 4%
“< ' nN i i A | ; 3 | HY Wg i r iy oy
! “ii! TE | ip ‘Ve 2
e 4 . Sf q “ “+ { Ea aE J} rt | iW Ba oe . & >
i ' + ie it Ng Lae , es er < ela ‘fs ey
| )- : | a 1 i ae ' ie ij i _ EE ss TON = ¢ ¢ | ‘3 !
it: a an i i cg Hi) / li 4 i lal cre Ie
a wl Rady” eh i j j Be te Ne neh, r por r
3 . f f))) e Sg i) Beis s , yy 5 3 ij 4 / ; F ag 5 1 1 1 26 21 3314 1419 74 46 13 ef
5 1 1 1 26 22 3403 1419 24 59 32 ;
4 1 1 1 27 0 131 1339 3284 179 -1
5 1 1 1 27 1 131 1339 14 23 0 5
5 1 1 1 27 2 1062 1375 74 44 8 or
5 1 1 1 27 3 1209 1381 11 54 0 {
5 1 1 1 27 4 1308 1387 56 32 34 Bat
5 1 1 1 27 5 1470 1391 143 49 40 A
5 1 1 1 27 6 1634 1370 39 73 15 t:
5 1 1 1 27 7 1708 1406 37 29 35 a
5 1 1 1 27 8 2038 1421 61 35 15 aS
5 1 1 1 27 9 2252 1426 76 39 14 sre?
5 1 1 1 27 10 2356 1415 14 54 22 ue
5 1 1 1 27 11 2543 1454 7 21 25 a
5 1 1 1 27 12 3201 1427 214 91 27 eee?
4 1 1 1 28 0 972 1416 2477 127 -1
5 1 1 1 28 1 972 1416 208 45 4 Bt)
5 1 1 1 28 2 1220 1428 706 62 34 ay
5 1 1 1 28 3 1953 1453 101 44 24 ao
5 1 1 1 28 4 2082 1462 3 3 14 ae
5 1 1 1 28 5 2540 1478 14 43 2 1
5 1 1 1 28 6 2594 1478 41 37 25 oe
5 1 1 1 28 7 3196 1494 26 46 42 eae
5 1 1 1 28 8 3248 1493 151 49 34 eae
5 1 1 1 28 9 3447 1536 2 7 51 |
4 1 1 1 29 0 972 1457 2477 141 -1
5 1 1 1 29 1 972 1457 5 10 54 a
5 1 1 1 29 2 1160 1463 20 66 48 ‘
5 1 1 1 29 3 1198 1463 168 55 0 Bem)
Lt aa i Vokes (3a es 4 I ae ae
ee Wed of We.
Bt RR cee Ht PHI Wi tas a Ye Bens
be axl j { neta I ainages oy TY Lg ees Ld
; 7 Sa ee pied) 0) iG a2 i, SR 6) aie,
He ae A dV Pete Be i ae ol
- } I ' f x ‘ . i ae 5 v ¥ te 63 bo | 7 ; il ; 7 B24 a
4M eat ae if | Ree aN a at ae a
H 4 Wy I 4 i e ff : | | 4 { | | 3 y 5 ie | a i ; : i Me ah gage
iI ee ae } Sek Ve eee ee oe ce te OO gra eae
= (ah Sa bt ae ny 7 i 10 OY Se ed Very aoa ae Wes a Oe cae paiate
nt a P| Rin Wa ney A a i Rs el ie
; , ‘ Hi hie) : 1 ft 4 9! , b ot Ve if 8 : ge ,. a
a Pe et aa wi di : VF . € | j i ee f hess he i et
bat RA), is Wt hy RA, 4 ia Pm
“ = Voge TT ea ae af Me bt
La) AD ate ( > ia On 2
si { r \ RBG es a ht, 7 Eee eo sa § SAG ae
$i a TMA ee | } \ Urea GF Bye ii. eau ek Ler.
2 <— GO. wie d * PY Sao 79 A ——Section 20
Noosa Shire Council
This section discusses Phase 2 to Phase 7 of the CHAP’s development, with each phase listed below.
Each sub-section includes the methods used to complete each phase, as well as their respective outputs.
• Phase 2 – 3: Identifying the hazards
• Phase 4 – 5: Identifying assets of importance and their risks
• Phase 6 – 7: Assessing potential adaptation actions for Noosa
Understanding climate change & sea level rise
The Earth’s atmosphere has warmed significantly over the past 200 years, and this is unequivocally
due to human activities that have significantly increased the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) in
the atmosphere4. The rise in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is trapping
more heat within the Earth’s climate system than would otherwise have occurred without the
increases in these gases. This is, in turn, causing land and oceans to warm at a rate much faster than
has occurred naturally in the past5.
Based on the available science, the factor with the most influence on coastal hazards due to climate
change is rising sea levels. Sea level rise is the elevation of global and local mean sea level caused
by the expansion of the ocean as it warms, and the transfer of water currently stored on land to
the ocean, particularly from melting glaciers and ice sheets. Global sea levels have risen at an
increasingly higher rate than in the past 3000 years6. Sea levels started rising in the 1800s following
the increase in use of fossil fuels associated with the Industrial Revolution. Between 1901 and 2018,
global average sea level has increased by 0.20 metres7. The rate of global average sea level rise is
accelerating, from 1.3 ± 7 mm annually between 1901 and 1971, to 3.7 ± 5 mm per year between
2006 and 20188. In Australia, the rate of sea level rise has varied across the continent, with the north
and southeast being significantly higher than the global average, and other locations being closer to
the global average9.
The result of this sea level rise is more land area exposed to coastal erosion and inundation over time.
There is also high confidence amongst scientists that sea level rise (along with increases in heavy
precipitation) increases the probability and magnitude of compound events10 such as compound
flooding (storm surge, extreme rainfall and/or river flow) in coastal regions11.
Phase 2 – 3: Identifying the hazards
The first stage in developing a risk-based plan to respond to coastal hazards is to model and map the
expected behaviour of each hazard. Modelling of a range of hazard events was performed by expert
consultants, consistent with the QCoast2100 guidelines and Queensland Government technical
guidelines. The future climate scenario underpinning the hazard modelling is based upon a high
4
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis.
Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC.
5
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (2021). Global Climate Change. Available Online:
https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
6
IPCC (2021)
7
IPCC (2021)
8
IPCC (2021)
9
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) & Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
(2020). State of the Climate 2020.
10
Compound events are situations where two or more weather events, which may or may not necessarily be
extremes by themselves, occur together or in sequence, leading to more severe impacts
11
IPCC (2021)
Page 20
Section 21
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
global greenhouse gas emissions pathway What is coastal erosion?
known as ‘RCP 8.5’, which is often referred to as
‘business as usual’ because up to now, human Coastal erosion is the wearing away of land or
emissions at the global scale have tracked this the removal of beach or dunes by wave action,
pathway most closely12. This scenario results in tidal currents, drainage or high winds. Coastal
a projected rise in regional mean sea level of erosion leads to the recession of shorelines
approximately +0.8 meters by the year 210013. inland and the destabilisation of dune systems if
The RCP 8.5 pathway represents minimal action the system is not able to rebuild before another
being taken globally to reduce global greenhouse erosive event occurs.
emissions14. The adoption of this scenario is a Beaches in South-East Queensland typically
requirement of the QCoast2100 program15. consist of sand particles that can be easily eroded
Council acknowledges the value in considering by waves. These deposits comprise terrestrial
a range of possible climate change scenarios as sediment delivered to the coast by rivers, sediment
well as sources of local data in coastal hazard produced by the erosion of coastal landforms
modelling and for these to be incorporated by waves, and marine sediment that has been
as part of future modelling reviews where reworked from offshore deposits onto the coast.
appropriate. Coastal erosion occurs when high winds, waves
Ongoing localised monitoring and data collection and tides combine to remove sand away from the
are important inputs to managing coastal hazard shoreline and dunes. This can be a short-term
risks, and are discussed further in Section 6 of movement (called a ‘storm bite’), where the sand
this plan. gets pulled offshore and gradually returns the
beach during calm conditions over many months.
Noosa already experiences periodic tidal
inundation and coastal erosion events. The first Erosion sometimes occurs more gradually as
stage of the project sought to understand how water levels and currents change, causing
Noosa may be affected by changes in tidal water, the shoreline to recede further inland relative
storm tides, and coastal erosion events due to to a previous position; this is called ‘shoreline
rising sea levels. These events were modelled recession’. It can also occur when a hard structure
using specialised software across four planning is built within the active beach zone, and instead
horizons – present day, 2040, 2070 and 2100. of dissipating the wave energy like a sand dune
would, it simply reflects that energy in-front (i.e.
Coastal hazard map layers produced as part
seaward) of the structure, thereby preventing the
of the development of this plan show potential
sand to settle in that area and build up.
inundation and coastal erosion extents for
each of these time steps. These map layers Figure 3 shows what happens during a storm
should not be relied upon for making detailed event to the shore of the beach, as well as the
design decisions as part of the development of likely effect of significant increases in mean sea
buildings, infrastructure or other structures at level. That is, as the local sea level increases so
the individual lot scale. The mapping has been to does the ocean’s ability to erode our sandy
prepared to identify areas of interest that require shorelines impacting the frontal dunes that form a
further investigation for mitigating potential protective buffer between the force of the ocean
risks. and coastal development.
12
or a simple explanation of Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 and other emissions pathways, see
F
Australian Academy of Science (2021): The risks to Australia of a 3oC warmer world. To understand how they are
used in climate models, see Queensland Government’s description at https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/qld-future-
climate/understand-data/
13
Intermediate projections for sea level rise are +0.2m by the year 2040, and +0.5m by the year 2070.
It is important to note, RCP 8.5 presented in the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) roughly corresponds to the
14
new Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) 5-8.5 in the latest IPCC (2021) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6).
15
For more information, see Noosa Council’s Briefing Note titled: Use of sea level rise projections
Page 21
Section 22
Noosa Shire Council
Figure 3 – ExampleFigure 3 - Example
of coastal erosion of coastal erosion
processes processes
and projections at and projections
Peregian Beachat(this
Peregian
imageBeach
is not to scale and is for
(this image is not to scale and
indicative is for indicative
purposes only). purposes only).
Page 22
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page 15
Section 23
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Figure 4 shows an example of the potential extent mark susceptible to the effects of erosion will
of coastal erosion that may occur during a major increase landward compared to today.
oceanic storm event, by the year 2100, for a
portion of Peregian Beach (adjacent to Peregian What are tidal inundation and
Beach Park). Due to the narrow distances between
each erosion extent projection, the results for other storm tides?
igure 4 shows an example of the extent of potential coastal erosion during a major oceanic storm
years
vent, for the year and
2100, for alocations modelled
portion of Peregian Beachcan be explored
(adjacent to Peregian in
Beach Park).As
Duethe sea levels rise, low-lying areas will be
o the narrow distances between each erosion extent projection, the results for other years and
detail using Council’s interactive mapping website.
cations modelled can be explored in details using Council’s interactive mapping website. exposed to more frequent inundation under
everyday conditions and also with storm tides.
In addition to a worsening of inundation in
locations that already experience it, some areas
not previously exposed to inundation will also
be effected. This plan deals with two types of
inundation hazard – permanent tidal inundation
and storm tide inundation. In subsequent sections
of this plan, these will collectively be referred to
as ‘periodic tidal inundation’.
Permanent tidal inundation
As sea levels rise, the level of tidal waters
increases in elevation in relation to the shoreline,
covering low-lying areas with sea water. In
practice, this will look like a very significant ‘king
tide’. Though instead of occurring every so often
as occurs with ‘king tides’ today, it will instead
occur from two to three days per month in some
locations, and almost every day in others (i.e.
locations close to the present-day shoreline) when
the tide peaks. In the absence of any adaptation
Figure
Figure 4
4 --Erosion
Erosion Prone
Prone Area
Area during during
a 100 a 100-year
ARI marine storm eventAverage
in 2100
Recurrence Interval (ARI) marine storm event in 2100
response, this frequent or permanent inundation
n South-East Queensland, significant erosion on sandy beaches is common after high-energy will mean, in some areas, the ground will be
ave events such as storms, east coast lows and tropical cyclones. Open sandy beaches such as
near-permanently saturated, and in other areas,
astaways Beach are naturally kept
In South-East in balance as sand
Queensland, is eroded from
significant the beach and taken
erosion
ffshore by storms, but is then gradually pushed back onto the beach during calmer conditions. periods of reduced access to recreational spaces,
More frequent onand sandy beaches
severe storm is common
events coupled with seaafter high-energy
level rise make shoreline recession along
much of Noosa Shire’s coastline very likely (State of Queensland, 2011). This means that when roads and footpaths which can cause nuisance to
wave events such as storms, East Coast Lows and
rger storm events occur in future, the area of land above the high-water mark susceptible to residents
the and visitors alike.
Tropical
ffects of erosion Cyclones.
will increase landward Open
compared sandy
to today.beaches such as
Castaways Beach are naturally kept in balance as To understand how far this water may travel inland,
What are tidal inundation and storm tides? tidal waters were modelled to show the maximum
sand is eroded from the beach and taken offshore
s the sea levels rise, low-lying areas will be exposed to
by storms, but is then gradually pushed back onto more frequent inundation under extent under calm conditions18. The results of
everyday
onditions and also with storm tides. In addition to a worsening of inundation in locations that
the beach during calmer conditions. More frequent this by the year 2100 can be seen in Figure 5.
oosa Council –and severe storm events coupled with sea level
Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Additional
Page 16 images of permanent tidal inundation
rise make shoreline recession along much of extent for the entire Noosa coastal zone across
Noosa Shire’s coastline very likely . This means 17 other years can be found in Appendix 3. These
that when higher-intensity storm events occur in map layers can also be explored in greater detail
the future, the area of land above the high-water using Council’s interactive mapping website.
17
tate of Queensland (2011). Queensland Coastal Processes and Climate Change
S
18
For more information, see BMT WBM (2018)’s Phase 3 – Coastal Hazards Modelling Report (Noosa Shire
Council Coastal Hazards Risk, Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment: Coastal Hazard Mapping Refinement)
Page 23
Section 24
Noosa Shire Council
Figure 5 - Area of land subject to permanent tidal inundation in 2100.
Figure 5 - Area of land subject to permanent tidal inundation in 2100
Page 24
Section 25
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Storm tide inundation
A storm tide occurs when a marine storm approaches the coast and a storm surge combines with
the expected tide to create a storm tide (see Figure 6). These are infrequent events that can cause
significant damage to land-based assets. Because of sea level rise, storm tides will have the ability to
push further inland than they currently do, inundating a greater area and affecting more infrastructure
and other publicly- and privately-owned built assets (see Figure 7).
Figure 6 - Normal tide versus Storm tide (source: Sunshine Coast Regional Council)
Page 25
Section 26
Noosa Shire Council
Figure 7 - Indicative example of increasing extent of storm tide inundation at Gympie Terrace from 2020 to 2100,
Figure 7 – Indicative example
due of increasing
to sea level rise (thisextent
imageofisstorm
not totide inundation
scale and is foratindicative
Gympie Terrace from
purposes 2020 to 2100, due to
only).
sea level rise (this image is not to scale and is for indicative purposes only).
Page 26
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page 20
Section 27
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
For this plan, a range of storm tides of differing magnitudes were modelled for each of the four
planning horizons.
For this plan, Figure
a range 8 shows
of storm an of
tides example
differingofmagnitudes
storm tide extent, for the year
were modelled for 2100
19
each of. Additional
the four
planning
images horizons.
showing theAs a resultAverage
100-year of the topography
RecurrenceofInterval
the lower Noosa
(ARI) storm River, the project
tide extent across found that
the entire
the area
coastal of land
zone exposed
for other yearstocan
major
be storm
found tide event is less
in Appendix than map
3. These that which
layers would be be
can also expected
exploredto
occur during a major catchment flood event following major rainfall 5. Figure 8 shows an example of
in greater detail using Council’s mapping website. It is important to note that as a result of the
storm tide extent,
topography for theNoosa
of the lower year 2100.
River, Additional
the projectimages showing
found that theof
the area 100landARI storm tide
exposed to aextent
major storm
across the entire coastal zone for other years can be found in Appendix 3. These
tide event is less than that which would be expected to occur during a major catchment flood event map layers can
also be explored in greater detail (including for other scales of storm tide event) using Council’s
following major rainfall (of which land use and infrastructure planning already considers)21.
mapping website.
Figure 8 - Area of land subject to a 100-year ARI storm tide event in 2100
Figure 8 - Area of land subject to a 100 ARI storm tide event in 2100
19
azard extent has been derived using methods described in Aurecon (2013: Sunshine Coast Storm Tide Study –
H
Storm Tide Definition, prepared for Sunshine Coast Regional Council) and Airborne Laser Scanning data captured in
2010. Inundation depths are derived from water levels that do not include any freeboard allowance.
21
As described in Noosa Council (2017)’s Noosa River Flood Study Upgrade.
5
As described in the 2016 flood study undertaken by Noosa Council.
Page 27
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page 21
Section 28
Noosa Shire Council
Phase 4 – 5: Identifying assets of as well as from the community’s viewpoint (as it
can provide recreational, cultural, natural, public
importance and their risks health and economic benefits).
The next stage in the project was to identify Using a range of different criteria based
which important Council, community and natural on Council’s existing approach to asset
assets are expected to be exposed to each of management, and feedback provided by
the hazard scenarios, and then determine what community stakeholders, a database of built
the overall risks are to each. This stage of the assets, infrastructure, and natural areas that are
project was performed in alignment with national considered most important to the community and/
standards for risk assessment. or Council was created. Further information on
the results of this process can be found in the
Identifying areas and assets at risk Locality Risk & Action Plans in Section 5. More
In order to assess the future erosion and descriptions of each of the criteria used can be
inundation risks throughout the Noosa region, it found in the Phase 5 – Risk Assessment Report22.
is necessary to understand which areas and key
assets are presently at risk and which areas may Identifying the level of risks to areas and
become threatened in the future. The 2040, 2070 assets
and 2100 planning horizons are used to assess
A risk management approach has been applied
risk which provides insight into prioritisation of
to assessing risks related to all three coastal
adaptation planning. For instance, an asset which
hazards. The Australian Standard for identifying
is threatened in 2040 may have more urgency,
and managing risks is outlined in AS/NZ ISO
and thus priority, for an adaptation response than
31000:2018 Standard Risk Management
an asset which is not expected to be at high risk
Principles and Guidelines and this guideline has
until 2100. Contrastingly, assets with a long useful
been applied in the risk assessment used in the
life (e.g. buildings and bridges) may require
CHAP’s development.
replacement or retrofitting significantly earlier
than would have otherwise occurred (i.e. in the This risk assessment approach has been
absence of sea level rise) to ensure their safety designed to provide a process to incorporate
and functionality. By prioritising assets, Council improved data and risk knowledge over time. It
is able to commit resources accordingly based provides an important basis for focusing effort
on likely asset life, desired function (including and resources towards those assets or areas at
safety), and vulnerability to coastal hazards. greatest risk from coastal hazards now and in
future (i.e. prioritising high risk areas and assets)
Assets were identified by comparing the hazard
and then determining responses that avoid,
modelling results with existing data on public
mitigate, reduce or accept these risks where
and private asset types and locations across
feasible to an acceptable or tolerable level.
the coastal zone. It’s important to acknowledge
that not all assets require a specific response in It should be noted that many assets for which
this plan. For example, a single barbecue in a a specific risk assessment was not performed
foreshore park is considered an asset, but given can still benefit from adaptation actions taken
its low cost of replacement and relatively short for those assets that were assessed, due to their
life, it is not worth developing a specific response proximity. For example, foreshore works that
for this asset. In contrast, the entire park itself seek to prevent inundation from impacting a park
is considered important, both from Council’s will also benefit the barbeque and playground
perspective (as it owns and manages that asset), facilities within the park.
22
BMT, 2020. Noosa Shire Council – Coastal Hazard Adaptation Plan Risk Assessment
Page 28
Section 29
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Reference Box #2
Reference Box #2
Understanding ‘hazard’ and ‘risk’
Understanding ‘hazard’ and ‘risk’
The risk from a natural hazard is determined by combining an understanding of the nature of
the
Thehazard,
risk fromhow likelyhazard
a natural it is toisoccur, and what
determined by thethe consequences
combined might
understanding be nature
of the if it didofoccur.
the hazard,
Ahow likelyisitais natural
hazard to occur,or
and what the consequences
man-made if it did
event that has theoccur mightto
potential be.cause impacts to human
and ecological systems. This can include people, buildings, values, infrastructure, agriculture,
A hazard is a natural or man‐made event that has the potential to cause impacts to people, buildings,
environmental assets andenvironmental
infrastructure, agriculture, communities. Hazard
assets modelling helps
and communities. Hazardusmodelling
understand
helpsaushazard’s
intensity (or magnitude), frequency and source. It is typically underpinned by
understand a hazard's intensity (or magnitude), frequency and source. It is typically underpinnedmathematical
by
formulas that describe
mathematical models thatthe propagation
describe of the hazard
the propagation acrossacross
of the hazard the landscape. InWe
the landscape. most
usecases,
historical data
historical data andandother
otherinformation
informationin aare
mathematical model to
also combined in estimate the probability
the mathematical modelof the
to hazard
estimate
event occurring.
the probability of the hazard event occurring.
Understanding
Understanding the theimpacts
impacts of the
of the event
event reliesrelies on determining
on determining the ‘exposure’
the ‘exposure’ – that
– that is what is, what
things will
things
the hazard interact with (e.g. people, buildings, infrastructure, habitat etc.); and how the level of as
the hazard will interact with (e.g. people, buildings, infrastructure, habitat etc.);
well as the level
‘vulnerability’ of ‘vulnerability’
of each – that is, how of
willeach
it cope– when
that is,
it ishow will ittocope
exposed when itFor
that hazard? is the
exposed
purposesto that
of
the CHAP,
hazard? fivethe
For difference
purposes criteria were
of the used to
CHAP, determine
five differencethe possible consequences
criteria were used toindetermine
line with the
Council’sconsequences
possible risk managementinguidelines.
line with These were:risk management guidelines. These were:
Council’s
• Community
Community – Social
– Social
• Community
Community – Economic
– Economic
• Environmental
Environmental
• Council
Council –– Financial
Financial
• Council – Other
Council – Other
The ‘risk’ to an asset/value is determined by combining the likelihood of the event occurring
The ‘risk’ to an asset/value is worked out by combining the likelihood of the event occurring (in this case,
(ina coastal
this case, a coastal
hazard hazard event),
event), combined with thecombined with the expected
expected consequence (impacts)consequence
of the event on(impacts)
that
ofparticular
the event on that particular asset/value (e.g. infrastructure asset, recreational facility, etc).
asset/value (e.g. infrastructure asset, recreational facility, etc). Table 1 shows an example of
Table 1 shows
how risk an example
is calculated of how and
using likelihood riskconsequence.
is calculated using likelihood and consequence.
LIKELIHOOD CONSEQUENCE
Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic
Almost Certain Low Medium High Very High Very High
Likely Low Medium High High Very High
Possible Low Medium Medium High Very High
Unlikely Low Low Medium High Very High
Rare Low Low Low Medium High
Table 1: Calculating risk
Table 1 - Calculating risk
Estimating risk is has always been an uncertain science as it involves forecasting events for which the
exact time and
Estimating risklocation
requiresmight be largely unknown,
consideration but is still
of uncertainty ascritical for making
it involves sure decisions
forecasting eventsarefor
appropriately informed by best available information.
which the exact time and location might not be known, but is still critical for ensuring decisions
are appropriately informed by the best information available at the time.
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page 23
Page 29
Section 30
Noosa Shire Council
Determining tolerability to risks
Ultimately,
Determining determining
tolerability to which
risks coastal hazard risks to respond to and how we do that is based upon
Council and the Noosa community’s tolerance to risk and appetite for certain adaptation actions.
Generally,
Ultimately, lower risk
determining levels
which riskare more tolerable
to respond to andand
howrequire
best toless intensive
respond management
is based actions (e.g.
upon Council
ongoing monitoring) with less urgency than higher risk levels. The risk tolerance
and the Noosa community’s tolerance to risk and appetite for certain adaptation actions. Generally, scale in Table 2
outlines how the risk categories may be interpreted or acted upon. Many risks
lower risk levels are more tolerable and require less intensive management actions (e.g. ongoing that are considered
low or tolerable today, are expected to become intolerable as the level of risks increases over time.
monitoring) with less urgency than higher risk levels. The risk tolerance scale in Table 2 outlines how
Some may take quite some time to reach an intolerable level (e.g. not until the year 2100),
the riskwhereas
categories may
others maybe be
interpreted
reasonablyor expected
acted upon. Many risks
to transition fromthat are considered
tolerable low or
to intolerable tolerable
within the
today, next
are expected to become intolerable as the level of risks increases over time. Some may take
twenty years.
quite some time to reach an intolerable level (e.g. not until the year 2100), whereas others may be
reasonably expected to transition from tolerable to intolerable within the next twenty years.
Tolerability and Timescales
Risk Level Action required Tolerance
Extreme / High Eliminate or Reduce the risk Intolerable
Reduce the risk or accept the risk (provided
Medium Tolerable
residual risk level is understood)
Low Accept the risk Acceptable
Table22- -Risk
Table Risktolerance
tolerance scale
scale applied
appliedininPhase
Phase55
Phases 6 – 7: Assessing potential adaptation actions for Noosa
Phases 6 – 7: Assessing potential adaptation actions for Noosa
There are numerous adaptation options that may be considered for adapting to coastal hazards in
There are numerous adaptation options that may be considered for adapting to coastal hazards in
Noosa’s coastal
Noosa’s zone.
coastal zone.Each
Each of thesehas
of these has a range
a range of costs
of costs andimplications
and other other implications
that requirethat require careful
careful consideration
consideration before implementing.
before implementing. A keyA aspect
key aspect
of ofadaptation
adaptation planning
planningis avoiding a
is avoiding a course of
course of action that once begun, cannot be altered. In addition, it’s also important to avoid pursing
action that once begun, cannot be altered. In addition, it’s also
actions that simply transfer or make the same problem worse elsewhere.
important to avoid pursing actions that
simply transfer or make the same problem worse elsewhere.
With these considerations in mind, a hierarchy of potential adaptation responses has been adopted
With for
these considerations
this plan, in mind,
shown in Figure 9. a hierarchy of potential adaptation responses has been adopted
for this plan, shown in Figure 9.
Measures are implemented to ensure
a ‘no worsening’ of risks as a result of
development, infrastructure works or
other decisions, including via re-location.
Mitigate risks to an acceptable level
through careful design.
Use natural or engineered structures,
whether new or enhancements existing
xtructures, to protect assets from direct
hazard exposure.
Improve coastal hazard preparedness and information sharing to enhance community safety, health, and well-being.
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page 24
Figure 9 - Hierarchy of preferred coastal management responses for areas vulnerable to coastal hazards
Figure 9 Hierarchy of preferred coastal management responses for areas vulnerable to coastal hazards
Page 30
Based on expert technical advice and feedback received through a series of community surveys
and workshops, a range of criteria were applied to a list of 53 potential adaptation options for
assets and locations where risks are considered high or very high. These criteria are shown in
Section 31
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Based on expert technical advice and feedback received through a series of community surveys and
workshops, a range of assessment criteria were applied to a list of 53 potential adaptation options for
assets and locations where risks are considered high or very high. These criteria are shown in Table 324.
The purpose of this stage of the project was to determine which of these adaptation options are likely
suitable for Noosa or which might work, but for one reason or another, require further work to determine
their feasibility. This stage also assessed those options that are very likely to be ineffective or unfeasible for
inclusion in this plan. Reference Box #3 explains how each of the options were assessed and categorised.
Criteria Criteria Description
Cost Monetary costs to build/implement an adaptation option (further detailed studies
to confirm costs may be required), either by Council or private landowners
Environmental Whether an adaptation option will have adverse impacts on environmental values
Impact e.g. Matters of State Environmental Significance
Social Impact Whether an adaptation option will have adverse impacts on other social values or
is likely to have community support e.g. access, amenity, property values
Reversible/ Whether an option is able to be ‘reversed’ or adapted to cater for future needs
adaptable
Effectiveness Whether an option is technically feasible (i.e. is effective in mitigating the risk and
is implementable)
Whether an option is able to be readily approved (i.e. is consistent with current
planning policy or legislative requirements)
Whether an option provides a long-term solution to the coastal hazard risk, or is
suitable for use as an interim option
Table 3 - Adaptation options assessment criteria
Reference Box #3
Assessing adaptation options
Using the criteria set out in Table to score each option, a “traffic light” system was then used
to group the options for deliberation as follows:
•
Proceed (‘GO’): an option is considered suitable with no other adverse impacts, and
requires no further development (i.e. studies, design, etc.). These could also be defined
as “No Regrets” options
•
Investigate Further (‘SLOW’): an option may be suitable, but should be subject to further
detailed assessment at specific locations e.g. cost-benefit analysis or lot-scale surveys
•
Unfeasible (‘STOP’): an option is not considered suitable at a location and may not be
considered for further detailed analysis.
24
For more information, see BMT (2020)’s Noosa Shire Climate Change Adaptation Plan: Options Assessment Phase 6
Page 31
Section 32
Noosa Shire Council
Having gathered information on potential adaptation options, an important next step in the project was
to undertake more detailed and rigorous socio-economic analyses (known as a cost-benefit analysis)
of the short-listed options using a range of social, environmental and economic criteria, data and other
information. This component was critical to informing the selection of the adaptation actions presented
in this plan.
For the most part, options included for this final stage of analysis were those that scored highly
within the ‘Investigate Further’ category. In addition, based on feedback from Council staff and the
community, it was determined that a number of options rated as ‘Unfeasible’ should also be included to
provide greater certainty and confidence that these actions should not form part of a coastal hazards
adaptation plan for Noosa.
Reference Box #4
Understanding ‘cost-benefit analysis’
A cost-benefit analysis is a method by which organizations can analyse and compare competing
investment opportunities or decisions.
To do this, a model is built that incorporates the benefits of a particular action (e.g. investing in a
specific adaptation measure), as well as the associated costs, and subtracts the costs from the
benefits. An example of such a model is shown in the figure below. When completed, a cost-
benefit analysis will yield results that can be used to inform reasonable decisions regarding the
feasibility of a particular course of action. In the case of the CHAP, the decision tool known as
Net Present Value (NPV) is used to illustrate the long-term value of a particular project. In simple
terms, NPV is a method of calculating the total return on investment for a project or expenditure
by comparing the total benefits expected to result from the investment and translating those
returns into today’s dollars, so that a decision can be made on whether the project is worthwhile.
Organisations rely on cost-benefit analyses to support decision making because they provide an
objective, evidence-based view of the issue being evaluated – without the influences of opinion,
politics, or bias. By providing an unclouded view of the consequences of a decision, a cost-benefit
analysis is an invaluable tool for councils allocating significant resources, making decisions that
have significant consequences, and creating long-term plans.
Management Management
actions costs
Protection of Protection of Creation of public Change in change in
built assets beach open space recreational use tourism
Avoided Existence benefits Amenity Recreational Tourism
damage costs (including benefits use benefits benefits
environmental
benefits
Page 32
Section 33
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
The analysis of adaptation options completed as part of Phases 6 and 7 revealed a common set of
preferred adaptation measures across localities with similar risks, as well as those that would not be
feasible or were considered unsuitable for the Noosa coastal zone.
Options for responding to coastal erosion risks
Beach conditions naturally change over time as a result of various tide, waves and wind conditions
combining to erode and replenish sand.
However, due to sea level rise, a trend of continuous, gradual erosion of sand from the beach
resulting in long-term shoreline recession is expected. Development and other disturbance of the
natural dune system by human activities increases the erosion potential by interrupting the natural
beach and coastal processes of erosion and sand replenishment. Therefore, eroded coastlines may
increasingly fail to rebuild fully following extreme events, increasing the likelihood of permanent loss
of beach areas and dunes if appropriate adaptation measures are not undertaken.
Decisions made today can have ramifications for several decades or more, depending on the type
and life of the asset, or the adaptation measure pursued. For example, it is reasonable to expect a
house built today to still be in place in as much as 40 years’ time, with some modifications. A public
amenities block or picnic facilities may have an asset life of just 10 years until renewal is considered.
Therefore, consideration of short, medium, and long-term timeframes (i.e. as far out as the years 2070
and 2100) is important when assessing appropriate responses to coastal erosion risks.
Local government has a responsibility to make well considered decisions and land use policy that
take account of longer time horizons using the best information available at the time and to review
this as more information develops. Taking an adaptable and staged approach to managing coastal
erosion risks is essential to managing these risks across both the short and long-term on behalf of
Noosa’s present and future community.
The technical studies performed throughout Phase 2 to Phase 7 of this project, as well as multiple
rounds of community input, have revealed a set of adaptation options deemed most appropriate for
responding to coastal erosion risks in Noosa. These include:
• Dune revegetation and management
• Beach nourishment, dune augmentation and management
• Planning scheme response (development controls);
• Redesign and relocation of key recreational and infrastructure assets.
Further details on each of these options deemed most appropriate are included below. Options
relating to the ‘Construction of hard-engineered seawalls’ and ‘Acquisition of private residential
properties’ were not deemed appropriate or feasible.
Page 33
Section 34
Noosa Shire Council
Dune revegetation and management. Beach nourishment, dune augmentation
This option includes revegetation and and management
maintenance of at-risk dune areas, including This option involves a whole-of-beach
weed and pest control and fencing. This management approach and includes repeated
nature-based option is considered a preferred cycles of sand nourishment, dune building
and feasible response for mitigating coastal and revegetation. Sand nourishment and dune
erosion risks due to the relatively low cost, high building requires a supply of additional sand
community support, ease of implementation, to be added to the beach, in this case from an
consistency with the current scenic amenity of offshore resource. Earthmoving equipment is
Noosa’s coastline, and lack of adverse impacts. used to shape the beach and dunes prior to
Importantly, this low-risk management response revegetation work.
provides benefits by providing support for
For Teewah Beach, this option is not considered
existing beach uses (e.g. recreation), supporting
feasible due to the high implementation costs
ecological values (beach and dune ecosystems
relative to the small number of properties affected
and biodiversity), visual amenity, as well as
by coastal erosion prior to 2100.
offering some level of protection against the
effects of a coastal erosion event. Ongoing For the area between Peregian Beach and
efforts to support dune growth and recovery Sunshine Beach, the cost-benefit analysis found
are expected to delay any potential damage to there is a positive Net Present Value of $239
properties and assets by helping to preserve million for this option. The increase in benefits is
the dune profile and stability for longer than if no significant and is attributed to the high property
management intervention were made. and asset values that exist along this stretch of
beach that would benefit from this option, relative
The cost-benefit analysis25 found there is a
to the cost of implementation. As such, this option
positive Net Present Value (NPV) of $63 million
is considered a feasible option for implementation
(m) for the area between Peregian Beach and
in the areas of high erosion risk.
Sunshine Beach, and $0.3m at Teewah. This is
due to the very low costs of action and the short- It is important to note, however, that the costs
term benefits that the revegetation and dune associated with undertaking sand nourishment
management would provide. (approximately $220 million to 2100) are
significant. There is also significant uncertainty
While some amount of dune revegetation and
regarding these costs due to the incomplete
management is underway that has important
information on a reliable sand supply. Council
benefits in slowing erosion, this work needs
will further investigate sand supply, costs and
ongoing and enhanced resources and needs
potential funding options.
to involve larger sections of beach in order to
mitigate projected increases in erosion risks. This
management response is a critical and immediate
priority for Council and the community in helping
to build climate resilience.
25
Aither, 2020. Noosa Shire Council – Coastal Hazard Adaptation Plan Cost Benefit Analysis
Page 34
Section 35
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Planning scheme response (development controls)
Planning controls are currently in place for coastal development to limit the encroachment of
buildings and structures into the vegetated dune areas to preserve natural coastal processes of
erosion and sand accumulation. This includes building setbacks from the seaward boundary of lots
through the Noosa Plan 2020, as well as State coastal building lines for some lots under the Coastal
Protection and Management Act.
These planning controls are supported by maintenance of existing vegetated dune areas by Council
and local bushcare groups to enhance these vital buffer areas including active management of
weeds and pests, and fencing and replanting. Further planning is underway to enhance this on-
ground foredune management.
However, this current approach does not fully account for the increased erosion risk anticipated
over the coming decades as a result of sea level rise and projected increases in extreme weather.
Changes to the Noosa Plan 2020 are therefore needed to better plan locally for coastal erosion risks,
consistent with the State Planning Policy for coastal hazards.
Redesign and relocation of key recreational and infrastructure assets
Across the coastal areas, there are numerous recreational and service infrastructure assets that will
increasingly be under threat from erosion overtime. Options for these public assets to be either re-
located outside high-risk areas, or re-designed to be more resilient, need further investigation.
Construction of hard-engineered seawalls (Option is deemed not feasible)
This option involves buried armoured rock seawalls being built for all beach sections identified as
having high or very high erosion risks. These coastal protection works would provide the benefit of
protecting a small number of properties and public assets (relative to the whole local government
area) from damage for the foreseeable future.
The cost-benefit analysis included lengths of wall at the following locations:
- 110m at Peregian Park (Peregian Beach)
- 410m adjacent to David Low Way (Castaways Beach)
- 500m adjacent to David Low Way (Sunrise Beach)
- 980m adjacent to Tingira Street (Sunrise Beach)
- 1,960m (entirety of Sunshine Beach)
In all locations, the alignment of a wall would need to be located significantly seaward of the
assets for which protection is sought in order to mitigate impacts associated with wave run-up and
overtopping (i.e. slumping of dune landward of the structure).
The seawall is also highly likely to exacerbate erosion of the beach seaward of the structure by
slowing the replenishment of the beach. The loss of sandy beach that would be a virtually inevitable
result of this option would negatively affect recreation, tourism, scenic and ecological values
associated with the beach on a significant scale.
Page 35
Section 36
Noosa Shire Council
The cost-benefit analysis found this option potential adverse effects for adjacent properties
performed poorly with a NPV of -$2.77 billion during construction, which may increase the
for Peregian to Sunshine Beach and -$67 million costs of this option even further. In addition, there
for Teewah Beach. While the expected property remains uncertainty regarding material costs and
and asset benefits are high because the seawall construction costs, and material supply in terms
would provide a defence from erosion, the of access to feasible rock supply.
implementation costs would be very high.
Even without these broader socio-economic costs,
The establishment of a physical barrier of the the financial cost of implementation would be
proportions required to reduce the risk to the significant, given the level of protection required
built environment would impair the natural coastal to withstand a major storm event such as one
processes of sand replenishment and the natural with an average recurrence interval (ARI) of 100
function of the adjacent dune systems, and thus years (i.e. occurs on the average once in every
impact scenic amenity, tourism, recreational, and 100 years)26. The required height, required length,
environmental attributes that are considered of land tenure arrangements (e.g. where should it
high value to Noosa. These areas are currently be located, who would maintain it), would lead to
characterised by their natural sandy, vegetated excessive construction and ongoing maintenance
beachfronts, uninterrupted by hard walls. The loss costs.
of these wide sandy beaches would also impact
Depending on the funding arrangements, a
the broader economy of Noosa.
portion of the costs would likely be borne by
This option is not considered feasible as the the broader community through general rates or
analysis found there is a 60 per cent loss in other government funds, even though the works
recreational benefits to users of the beach, a 14 are expected to have negative impacts for the
per cent loss in tourism expenditure and a 44 per community and economy given the loss of beach
cent loss in non-use benefits (scenic amenity, values.
landscape character) which is considered to
It is important to note that the Eastern Beaches
significantly outweigh the value of the private
and Teewah Beach are unlike Noosa Main
properties and public assets being protected.
Beach, which has access to (and uses via the
The construction of a physical barrier to withstand sand recycling system) sand entering the river
storm waves of the size that may potentially mouth as it moves northwards along the coast
occur in these areas would also have a strong for replenishing the beach when it becomes
potential to result in adverse impacts in adjacent eroded. This recycled sand is used to cover the
locations as the erosive forces of wave energy are seawall along Noosa Main Beach. For the Eastern
transferred to neighbouring properties that do not Beaches and Teewah, there is no readily available
have a wall in place. sand supply to continually recycle sand back onto
the beach in front of a rock wall. As discussed in
It is important to note that the analysis also did not
the sand nourishment option, nourishment
factor in the interruptions to beach use and
26
It is important to note that an ARI of 100 years does not mean that the event will only occur once every 100 years.
While for each and every year, there is a 1% chance (a 1 in 100 chance) that the event will be equaled or exceeded,
statistical theory shows that the chance of this event occurring or being exceeded over a longer period, say 50
years, is around 40%. “That is, a 100 year ARI event has a high chance (40%, or between a 1 in 2 chance and a
1 in 3 chance) of being equaled or exceeded over a 50 year period.” See Bureau of Meteorology (2021)’s online
article: ‘Why do 100 year events happen so often?’, as well as Noosa Council’s Briefing Note titled: Natural Hazard
Probabilities for more information.
Page 36
Section 37
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
of the area between Peregian and Sunshine Beach would provide a net benefit, however, its
effectiveness is not expected to continue beyond the year 2070. In addition, there are material
uncertainties regarding a reliable long-term sand supply in the nearshore and offshore environment
(i.e. adjacent to these localities). The analysis undertaken for the sand nourishment option assumed
this sediment would remain available until the end of the planning period (2100).
The analysis demonstrates that the construction of hard-engineered revetment walls would be
unviable as it is unable to demonstrate sufficient public benefit to justify the economic, social and
environmental costs involved. This option is therefore considered not feasible from a socio-economic
perspective.
Acquisition of private residential properties (Option is deemed not feasible)
This option looked at what opportunities could be available for Council to acquire properties
impacted by coastal erosion. This also included options for temporary lease back to the property
owners. The cost benefit analysis demonstrated that this option does not deliver sufficient benefits
and therefore is not feasible for further consideration for any of the localities.
Fact sheets about the adaptation options subject to a cost-benefit analysis, including those described
above, can be found on the project page on Your Say Noosa.
Options for responding to coastal inundation risks
Water levels in the lower Noosa River and its tributaries (including the lakes) can become elevated
due to a number of factors including rainfall across the catchment area, a storm tide, or during sunny
days as a result of higher-than-average tides. The area of land subject to the effects of storm tides
is expected to increase as a result of sea level rise. In addition, the reach of tidal waters is going to
increase beyond what we currently identify as the shoreline and this is also due to increases in sea
level.
Flood management measures are currently in place in Noosa Shire to help manage the risks of
flooding as a result of high rainfall in the catchment (referred to as catchment flooding). These
include:
• stormwater drainage works and flood mitigation works in high-risk flood prone areas
• planning controls through the Noosa Plan 2020 that set development requirements such as
minimum levels for new buildings and filling limits for land subdivisions and other works
• flood modelling and mapping identifying areas at risk for different flood severities
• Disaster management responses during major flood events.
These catchment flooding measures will also help Noosa manage and adapt to changes to storm tide
inundation. For example, the minimum floor levels for new houses or units in Noosaville will ensure that
these developments are safeguarded from direct physical damage from storm tide inundation.
Page 37
Section 38
Noosa Shire Council
However, the impacts of frequent tidal inundation of low-lying areas (particularly the parks, road
reserves and some private properties around the Noosa River) require further management action
overtime. Some riverside areas are already affected by infrequent events such as catchment
flooding and storm tide inundation. The relatively long periods of time between events allow for
clean-up, recovery and repairs to be undertaken, and normal activities to resume unimpeded.
However, activities and assets in these areas are unlikely to cope with impacts caused by frequent
tidal inundation. As sea levels rise, some low-lying areas will be regularly covered with shallow sea
water. In the absence of any adaptation response, this inundation will likely restrict access to roads,
footpaths and recreational areas and cause nuisance to residents, business owners and visitors.
The cost benefit analysis of coastal inundation risks8 assessed that a number of adaptation options
are likely to be both suitable and feasible for responding to the risks associated with frequent tidal
inundation in Noosa’s coastal zone. These include:
• Continuing existing measures for responding to risks of catchment flooding and storm tide
inundation;
• Protecting buried infrastructure (stormwater and sewerage assets) through installation of
innovative technologies;
• Reducing the frequency of inundation to roads, pathways, parks and business areas through
the creation of adaptive landscape measures. This includes low rise levies (see Factsheet #1)
and landscaped walls along some foreshore edges, elevated footpaths and improvements to
drainage;
• Ensuring asset plans and upgrades appropriately consider inundation risks.
Fact sheets for these adaptation measures can be found on the project page on Your Say Noosa.
8
Aither, 2020. Noosa Shire Council CHAP – Phase 7, Noosaville Cost Benefit Analysis
Page 38
Section 39
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Locality Risks and Adaptation Outcomes
Page 39
agus) elo]
Ss AE -yeljeldepy pue sysiy Ay}e007
wy, @) LAS
SS t t iy
— ; - ; 7 = a4 i y : ed
we 4 r F : a
_. + = ihe : es
a - ‘ Bes i a : et ,
ore ‘ . nf ae . oe
= - Soe a} weree : le
4 1 1 1 11 0 376 1528 1918 141 -1
5 1 1 1 11 1 170 1569 223 48 36 7
5 1 1 1 11 2 849 1570 121 99 44 Py
5 1 1 1 11 3 1109 1528 269 97 22 tae
4 1 1 1 12 0 115 1692 1005 106 -1
5 1 1 1 12 1 115 1714 18 51 0 e
5 1 1 1 12 2 184 1726 59 44 31 =
5 1 1 1 12 3 347 1714 40 16 40 in
5 1 1 1 12 4 478 1692 33 106 29 |
5 1 1 1 12 5 905 1735 31 29 50 =
5 1 1 1 12 6 1113 1736 7 2 35 a
4 1 1 1 13 0 122 1739 2174 90 -1
5 1 1 1 13 1 122 1766 116 37 14 Eas
5 1 1 1 13 2 460 1739 45 90 49 A
5 1 1 1 13 3 795 1791 2 4 63 |
5 1 1 1 13 4 1203 1799 1 3 35 yr
5 1 1 1 13 5 2010 1775 42 2 0 >
5 1 1 1 13 6 2291 1780 5 2 0 .
4 1 1 1 14 0 167 1798 1105 40 -1
5 1 1 1 14 1 167 1803 5 35 0 ;
5 1 1 1 14 2 385 1798 4 29 94 |
5 1 1 1 14 3 473 1804 31 17 31 at
5 1 1 1 14 4 1268 1803 4 11 0 '
4 1 1 1 15 0 268 1869 2148 35 -1
5 1 1 1 15 1 268 1878 21 22 0 De
5 1 1 1 15 2 498 1876 22 15 7 0
5 1 1 1 15 3 533 1878 147 13 34 Ries
5 1 1 1 15 4 884 1869 7 28 16 Ff
5 1 1 1 15 5 1346 1873 25 7 75 =
5 1 1 1 15 6 1629 1869 22 28 0 me
5 1 1 1 15 7 2314 1869 19 35 0 TT
5 1 1 1 15 8 2400 1896 16 1 90 =
4 1 1 1 16 0 73 1849 2253 94 -1
5 1 1 1 16 1 73 1849 307 85 26 oe
5 1 1 1 16 2 443 1900 237 38 33 tt
5 1 1 1 16 3 927 1890 131 50 13 1.
5 1 1 1 16 4 1601 1876 725 67 32 ee
4 1 1 1 17 0 70 1916 2256 63 -1
5 1 1 1 17 1 70 1948 4 3 22 ;
5 1 1 1 17 2 279 1935 17 36 73 J
5 1 1 1 17 3 449 1943 6 8 69 7
5 1 1 1 17 4 763 1965 9 4 48 =
5 1 1 1 17 5 870 1941 24 27 79 =
5 1 1 1 17 6 966 1940 58 13 49 —
5 1 1 1 17 7 1095 1916 50 56 18 A
5 1 1 1 17 8 1280 1926 5 34 89 |
5 1 1 1 17 9 1352 1919 60 60 29 o-
5 1 1 1 17 10 1468 1950 7 1 0 :
5 1 1 1 17 11 1516 1950 4 1 0 ?
5 1 1 1 17 12 1619 1927 9 44 0 f
5 1 1 1 17 13 1825 1950 42 19 0 2
5 1 1 1 17 14 2168 1955 1 7 0 .
5 1 1 1 17 15 2324 1947 2 2 15 '
4 1 1 1 18 0 57 1948 2008 75 -1
5 1 1 1 18 1 57 1976 6 35 35 y
5 1 1 1 18 2 262 1983 14 30 45 iA
5 1 1 1 18 3 479 1993 19 27 0 i}
5 1 1 1 18 4 751 1969 9 45 0 }
5 1 1 1 18 5 861 1969 26 54 8 sd
5 1 1 1 18 6 935 2002 1 3 18 a
5 1 1 1 18 7 961 2005 6 11 47 |
5 1 1 1 18 8 1119 1971 26 14 43 if
I a .
ea ES, th | He ee a a) i
farts, ; Pr hb Pe a es i.
= , re 4 ee: <i
re a) ; 5 Y = - 2
fees 4 - aaa : SS es pe 2 a Fi oe oie SS
FP eee ha eae DSi ee a : on
tes a we a ah Be ay SSS Se b F aa ae wav & y
be sy Ley ge ey Ge o ; A ar et o ot re ,
re Punt, edt a ae : Ap aca ree th
. ea Hh, BG i: eo : rt ane Patan
4 Pee A071 Soe ace oem), Mh
: Fee eed Nee ages > i oe es te ras
a EY ETE SI race eh: We a les 7
gf Base PMG a ahh al a ENS, ge eae
Pa eS sieges Oy et aa , 5 Ne ee ‘ST % oy
vies i bigs Spree ? my i : rere “ pearint *) er arta rea
ee ed : he qr a pas ih ae - nas 2A “Se on - sie a? ‘a
5 1 1 1 36 2 745 2851 33 34 52 ie
5 1 1 1 36 3 797 2858 44 32 28 a;
5 1 1 1 36 4 863 2843 22 55 13 fa
5 1 1 1 36 5 954 2864 74 21 27 <r pa Se Ae <4 “ace » aks 4
“Ses ae
ES a Sy Pe,
nS" eer. name
. et rs
*" . oe eee
‘ ie Re i SE
Mit 4. ve a * ob
r a aTe * + i f
ie eM A an
a r Bo
«= et ;Section 40
Noosa Shire Council
Introduction
This section presents the risks and preferred adaptation outcomes for each locality within the Noosa
coastal zone. A summary for each locality is provided covering: the projected behaviour of each coastal
hazard (coastal erosion, storm tide inundation, and permanent tidal inundation), the likely effects of
each event, any risk mitigation measures already in place, and the recommended adaptation responses
for each. Figure 10 shows the location and name of each locality in this context.
The risks discussed in this section, unless otherwise specified, are aggregated to the locality scale
based on the highest risks within each locality and are for land use planning, infrastructure services
planning, and public and natural areas management purposes. At a smaller scale, each locality is
subject to a range of risks from coastal hazards from ‘no risk’ to ‘very high risk’, depending on the
particular location or asset within that locality. Decision makers at the individual private asset or lot
scale are encouraged to review the supporting technical reports and make their own determination
regarding any risks and how to mitigate these with the information available to them.
The preferred adaptation outcomes and recommended actions (short-term) for the most at-risk assets
are shown for each locality. In addition to the locality specific outcomes and actions, there are a range
of actions that are applicable to all or most localities within the coastal zone. These are:
• Improve the awareness and understanding of coastal hazard risks and adaptation measures
amongst the Noosa community and other key stakeholders
• Ensure coastal hazard information is publicly available and understandable
• Ensure disaster management plans and procedures are considering changes to coastal
hazard risks where necessary
• Engage local business owners and operators in understanding what coastal hazard risk
information may mean for them and how they may contribute to achieving Noosa’s adaptation
outcomes
• Assess the availability of offshore sand supply for use in beach nourishment, including the
ecological impact of using this resource [beach locations only]
• Implement relevant actions from Coastal Foreshores Management Plan once developed [beach
locations only]
• Ensure the Noosa Plan 2020 adequately considers natural hazards and appropriately regulates
land use and development
• Environmental acquisitions in high-risk areas are closely considered and/or avoided, and are
instead made in locations that support long-term resilience of ecological values
• Pursue dune management and revegetation in high-risk erosion areas as a critical and
immediate priority for Council and the community in helping to build coastal resilience and
management erosion risks.
Page 40
Section 41
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Figure 10 - Coastal localities by type of hazards each is exposed to
Figure 10 - Coastal localities by type of hazards each is exposed to
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page
Page 3441
Section 42
Noosa Shire Council
Reference Box #5
Reference Box #5
Adaptation Pathways and their benefits
Adaptation Pathways and their benefits
Developing and implementing a coastal hazards adaptation plan requires a responsive, flexible,
Developing
and long-termand implementing
approach a coastalthe
that considers hazards adaptation
effectiveness, plan requires
acceptability, anda consequences
responsive, flexible,
of
and long-term approach that considers the effectiveness, acceptability, and consequences of a
a range of responses. For Noosa, the ability to maintain the look and function of our current
range of responses. For Noosa, the ability to maintain the look and functionality of our current
beachfront
beachfront and
and river
river foreshore
foreshore areas
areas is is likely
likely to
to become
become increasingly
increasingly difficult
difficult due
due to
to increasing
increasing
coastal
coastal hazard risks. Utilising an adaptation pathways approach allows Council and the
hazard risks. Utilising an adaptation pathways approach allows Council and the
community to
community to understand,
understand, planplan for,
for,prioritise,
prioritise,and andappropriately
appropriately sequence
sequence adaptation
adaptation options.
options.
AApathways
pathwaysapproach
approachresponds
respondsto tochanges
changesin incoastal
coastalhazard
hazard risks
risks by
by using
using trigger
trigger points
points to
to
indicate
indicate when a preferred action or set of actions is likely to be implemented. A triggercan
when a preferred action or set of actions is likely to be implemented. A trigger canbe be
based on
based on one
one or
or more
more ofof three
three things:
things:
- Environmental conditions (e.g. sea levels have risen to a certain point)
- Environmental conditions (e.g. sea levels have risen to a certain point)
- - Public
Publicasset
assetfunctionality
functionality(e.g.
(e.g.ananasset
assetcan
canlonger
longerfunction
functiontotoananacceptable
acceptablestandard)
standard)
- - Community
Communitytolerance
tolerance(e.g.
(e.g.the
theinterruptions
interruptionstotolifestyle
lifestyleare
arenonolonger
longeracceptable)
acceptable).
The
The illustrative
illustrative graph
graph below
below (Figure
(Figure 11)
11)shows
showsthe
thebenefits
benefitsof ofadopting
adoptingananadaptation
adaptationpathways
pathways
approach
approach in in reducing
reducing risks.
risks. Without
Without aa response,
response, the
the risks
risks from
from coastal
coastal hazards
hazards for
for Noosa
Noosa are
are
likely to
likely to rise
rise and
and become
become intolerable
intolerable in
in many
many locations.
locations.
Figure 11 - Effect of adaptation actions on risk profile over time
Figure 11 - Effect of adaptation actions on risk profile over time (source: Bundaberg Regional Council)
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Page 42 Page 35
Section 43
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Reference Box #6
Understanding the locality risk tables
The risk to a range of key assets was determined through the development of the CHAP. For
ease of reading these have been grouped into six broad asset types:
• Tourism – assets whose primary function is to provide tourism services, particularly
accommodation
• Business – commercial and retail assets (including restaurants) and operations
• Residential – any place of residence, whether detached housing, townhouse, or unit/
apartment
• Infrastructure – All service assets owned and/or operated by Council or another utility
provider such as Energex or Unitywater. The majority of infrastructure assets exposed to
coastal hazards are stormwater, footpaths, beach accesses, and road networks, as well
as some other buried assets including wastewater and telecommunications networks
• Recreational – parks and foreshore areas, as well as any assets within these (e.g.
BBQs, toilets). Surf-life saving clubs are also included in this grouping
• Natural – refers to all natural areas, whether privately owned or government owned/
controlled.
Each locality section below contains a table, showing the expected progression of coastal
hazard risks faced by the broad asset types from present day through to the year 2100.
Additional information on how risk levels are determined can be found in Section 4, as well as
the Phase 5 Risk Assessment Report.28
28
BMT (2020). Noosa Shire Council – Coastal Hazard Adaptation Plan Risk Assessment
Page 43
Section 44
Noosa Shire Council
PEREGIAN
PEREGIAN BEACH
BEACH
Setting Beach during a major storm event. Table 4
Setting provides a summary of the changing risk profile
Peregian Beach is the southern-most township for six broad asset types within the locality that are
Peregian Beach is the southern-most township in Noosa Shire. The locality has a four-kilometre
in Noosa Shire. The locality has a four-kilometre projected to be exposed
beach frontage with a vegetated dune area between the developed areas and thetosea.the Peregian
effects of coastal
beachBeach
frontage with a vegetated dune area
maintains the scale and character and atmosphere erosion
of a between
village thatpresent
provides day and 2100.
local
between the developed
convenience shopping,areas and the
business andsea.
employment services for residents and visitors within the
locality. The main assets at risk by mid-late century (2070
Peregian Beach maintains the scale and
– 2100) in Peregian Beach are: natural assets
character and atmosphere of a village that
Risks to Peregian Beach (beaches and vegetated dunes); beach accesses;
provides local convenience shopping, business
Peregian Park and the various community and
and employment
Peregian Beach services for residents
has historically and
experienced short-term erosion on beaches after strong swells and
tropical visitor recreation assets
such itascontains (picnic
drift. tables,
visitors withinstorms with sand naturally replenishing through
the locality. coastal processes longshore
The low profile of the beach and dunes and vegetated buffer mean only some areas of the beach of
skate park, footpaths); and the backyards
and dune foreshore are exposed to coastal erosion. An a increasing
small number number of other assets
of residential may
lots at thebevery
Risks to Peregian
exposed Beach
to future coastal erosion over time. Appendixsouthern
4 shows the endprojected change
of Peregian in theThe
Beach. erosion
Peregian
prone area due to sea level rise across various parts of Peregian Beach during a major storm
event. Tablehas 4 provides a summary Beach
of the changing risk profileSurf Lifebroad
for six SavingassetClub itself
types is not
within theexpected
Peregian Beach historically experienced
locality that are projected to be exposed to the effects to of be directly
coastal impacted
erosion between during
present a major
day and erosion
short-term
2100. erosion on beaches after strong event, however, operations are likely to be impaired
swells and tropical storms with sand naturally
due to damage to the park and beach accesses.
The main
replenishing assets coastal
through at risk byprocesses
mid-late century
such (2070 – 2100) in Peregian Beach are: natural assets
(beachesdrift.
and vegetated dunes); Impacts to and
thesetheassets
variousmay also have andindirect
as longshore The low profile of beach accesses; Peregian
the beach Park community
visitor recreation assets it contains (picnic tables, skate impacts on adjacent
park, footpaths); andcommercial
the backyards andof aretail
and dunes and vegetated
small number buffer
of residential mean
lots at theonly
very southern end of Peregian Beach. The Peregian Beach
businesses.
someSurfareasLifeofSaving
the beach and dune
Club itself foreshoreto be directly impacted during a major erosion event,
is not expected
however, operations are likely
are exposed to coastal erosion. An increasing to be impaired due to damage
A moderateto the amount
park andofbeachburied accesses.
stormwater and
Impacts to these assets may also
number of other assets may be exposed to future have indirect impacts on adjacent commercial and retail
sewerage infrastructure is also likely to be at high
businesses.
coastal erosion over time. Appendix 4 shows the risk by 2100, along some streets south of Peregian
projected changeamount
A moderate in the of
erosion
buried prone area and
stormwater duesewerage Park. Victory Park
infrastructure carpark
is also likelyand
to beamenities
at high block is
risk by 2100, along some streets
to sea level rise across various parts of Peregiansouth of Peregian Park. Victory Park carpark
also likely to be impacted. and amenities block
is also likely to be impacted.
Asset Type Erosion Risks by Year
Present Day 2040 2070 2100
Tourism Low
Business Low
Residential Low Medium
Infrastructure Low Medium High
Recreational Low Medium29 High
Natural Low Medium High
Table 4 - Change in Peregian Beach asset risk profiles across planning horizons
Table 4 - Change in Peregian Beach asset risk profiles across planning horizons
At present, the only methods for mitigating the risks in Peregian Beach are:
At present, the only methods for mitigating the risks in Peregian Beach are:
- Maintaining
- Maintaining and enhancing
and enhancing vegetated
vegetated dune
dune areas,which
areas, whichact
act as
as a
a natural
naturalbuffer
buffertotoerosion
erosion by
by dispersing wave energy during storm events
dispersing wave energy during storm events
- Planning controls on coastal development that prevent encroachment into the vegetated dune
29areas, thereby preserving natural coastal processes of erosion and accretion.
The recreational asset at risk in this case is beach use due to exposure of beach accesses by 2040.
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page 42
29
BMT, 2020. Noosa Shire Council – Coastal Hazard Adaptation Plan Risk Assessment
Page 44
Section 45
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Preferred adaptation outcomes and associated actions for Peregian Beach
The assessment of erosion risks in Peregian Beach shows that the level of risk to some recreation
and infrastructure asset types may become intolerable by mid-late century.
Analysis of economic, social, and environmental considerations, as well as multiple legal and
governance constraints and input from the Noosa community indicates the most suitable and
feasible adaptation pathway in this locality is one that provides continuous support for natural coastal
processes and existing beach use, amenity, and adjacent recreational values by implementing natural
coastal protection solutions and a medium- to long-term transition of recreational and infrastructure
assets away from high erosion risk areas.
As a result, the preferred adaptation outcomes for this locality are:
- Implement measures that support and enhance dunes, beach health and natural coastal
processes as soon as possible
- Prevent the construction of hard protective structures where possible that are likely to
exacerbate erosion risk, impact on preferred outcomes for dune and beach health, impair
natural coastal processes, and lead to adverse impacts on neighbouring areas
- - Re-locate important recreational and infrastructure assets outside the projected high-risk
coastal erosion prone area by 2070
- Where important recreational and infrastructure assets cannot be feasibly re-located, seek to
accommodate the risks by adapting the design of these assets to be more resilient during and
after a major erosion event.
Figure 12 shows the expected progression of actions to support these preferred outcomes between
years 2020 and 2100. Table 5 provides a
breakdown of actions in support of these Pathways Map Legend
Trigger points (points in time for when a decision needs to be made)
outcomes, to be pursued within the five-year Commencement or future commencement of adaptation option
life of this plan. Active action on this adaptation pathway
Effectiveness of this option may be reduced and require reassessment
Figure
Figure 12
12 -- Preferred
Preferred long-term
long-term adaptation
adaptation pathway
pathway response
response to
to projected
projected coastal
coastal erosion risks in
erosion risks in Peregian
Peregian Beach
Beach
Page 45
Section 46
Noosa Shire Council
The following actions will help progress the achievement of these outcomes:
MANAGEMENT ACTIONS FOR PEREGIAN BEACH –
RESPONSE THE NEXT 5 YEARS
AREA
Land Use Amend the Noosa Plan 2020 to ensure it aligns with State Planning Policy
Planning requirements regarding coastal erosion risks
Public Assess options for relocating small recreational assets (e.g. BBQ, picnic tables,
recreational, amenities) to landward of current position at end of current life
built, and Investigate alternative designs for beach accesses so as to accommodate
Infrastructure coastal processes of erosion and accretion
assets
Review emergency event response (storm erosion) plans for surf lifesaving club
and update where appropriate
Investigate opportunities to avoid risks to the Victory Park carpark and
amenities block
Investigate alternative locations for buried infrastructure along Lorikeet Drive
and Shearwater St
Investigate alternative locations for skate park outside of high erosion risk area
Beaches and Expand native vegetation coverage to support frontal dune stabilisation
Dunes Re-design beach accesses to deter foot traffic across nearby dunes
Install signage for increasing beach user understanding of importance of
healthy dune systems
Assess options for relocating fencing on seaward boundary of Peregian Park to
permit dune movement
Investigate options of managed alignment of coastal creeks and other natural
drainage locations
Other Investigate impact of illegal encroachment by private asset owners into
publicly-owned dune areas on dune health and natural coastal processes
Table 5 - Five-year action plan for responding to projected coastal erosion risks in Peregian Beach
Other shire-wide actions are also identified at the beginning of this Section 5.
Page 46
Section 47
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
MARCUS BEACH AND CASTAWAYS BEACH
Setting Risks to Marcus Beach and
Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach are Castaways Beach
localities set in undulating coastal dunes and The beachfront in this area has historically
vegetation. They are located midway along experienced short-term erosion along the beach
what is locally known as the ‘Eastern Beaches’. and frontal dunes after large swells and tropical
Both localities each have beachfront totalling cyclones, with recovery occurring through natural
MARCUS
approximately BEACH AND
two kilometres CASTAWAYS BEACH
in length. coastal processes gradually over time. Appendix
Protected by vegetated dune buffers, both 4 shows the projected change in the erosion
Setting
localitiesMarcus
predominately provide housing for
Beach and Castaways Beach are localitiesprone set in undulating
area due to coastal dunes
sea level and
rise vegetation.
across various
permanent They residents,
are locatedwith some along
midway short-term
what isvisitor
locally known
partsas the ‘Eastern Beach
of Marcus Beaches’.andBoth localities Beach
Castaways
each haveand
accommodation, beachfront totalling
commercial or approximately
retail uses. two kilometres in length. Protected by vegetated
during a severe storm event. Table 6 provides a
dune buffers, both localities predominately provide housing for permanent residents, with some
Two coastal creeks, Marcus Creek, Castaways
short-term visitor accommodation, and commercialsummary of the
or retail uses. Two changing risk profile
coastal creeks, Marcus for six broad
Creek, and Burgess Creek flow through the
Creek, Castaways Creek, and Burgess Creek flow asset through the coastal
types dunes
within the to thethat
locality beachareand out
projected
coastal dunes
to sea.to the beach
David Low Way and out to sea.
represents the primary meansto be of exposed
entering and exiting
to the theseoflocalities
effects coastalfrom erosion
David Low theWaySouth and the North.
represents For muchmeans
the primary of this area, David Low Way is situated between residential
between present day and 2100.
areas and the dune zone and beachfront.
of entering and exiting these localities from the
South and the North. For Beach
much of this area, David Due to the ongoing presence of wide vegetated
Risks to Marcus and Castaways Beach
Low WayThe is situated between residential areas experienceddune systems in this locality, much of the risk
beachfront in this area has historically short-term erosion along the beach and
frontalzone
dunes after large swells and tropical cyclones, from erosion
with recovery is only likelythrough
occurring to affect natural assets,
natural
and the dune and beachfront.
coastal processes gradually over time. Appendix 4 with shows the projected
some potentialchange
for risksintotheDavid
erosionLow Way
prone area due to sea level rise across various parts of Marcus Beach and Castaways
and the parking area at Castaways Beach toward Beach
during a severe storm event. Table 6 provides a summary of the changing risk profile for six broad
the end of the century. Damage to David Low
asset types within the locality that are projected to be exposed to the effects of coastal erosion
between present day and 2100. Way in this locality could present an accessibility
hazard to the community in Castaways Beach, as
Due to the ongoing presence of wide vegetated dune thissystems in this locality,
road provides the onlymuch of thetorisk
access from
this suburb
erosion is only likely to affect natural assets, with some potential for risks to David Low Way and
from the north and south. Costs associated with
the parking area at Castaways Beach toward the end of the century. Damage to David Low Way in
this locality could present an accessibility hazard torepairing
the communitythis damage wouldBeach,
in Castaways be significant
as this and
road provides the only access to this suburb from the involve
northlengthy
and south. construction times. with
Costs associated
repairing this damage would be significant and involve lengthy construction times.
Asset Type Erosion Risks by Year
Present Day 2040 2070 2100
Tourism Low
Business Low
Residential Low
Infrastructure30 Low Medium High Very High
Recreational Low Medium
Natural Low Medium
Table 6 - Change in Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach asset risk profiles across planning horizons
Table 6 - Change in Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach asset risk profiles across planning horizons
At present, the only methods for mitigating coastal erosion risks in Marcus Beach and Castaways
Beach are:
- Maintaining and enhancing vegetated dune areas, which act as a natural buffer to erosion
by dispersing wave energy during storm events
30
Some buried- infrastructure
Planning controls
is at risk,on coastalthe
however development that prevent
primary infrastructure encroachment
of concern into the
in this locality vegetated
is David Low Way
dune areas, thereby preserving natural coastal processes of erosion and accretion.
Page 47
Adaptation outcomes and associated actions for Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach
Section 48
Noosa Shire Council
At present, the only methods for mitigating coastal erosion risks in Marcus Beach and Castaways
Beach are:
- Maintaining and enhancing vegetated dune areas, which act as a natural buffer to erosion by
dispersing wave energy during storm events
- Planning controls on coastal development that prevent encroachment into the vegetated dune
areas, thereby preserving natural coastal processes of erosion and accretion.
Adaptation outcomes and associated actions for Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach
The assessment of erosion risks in Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach show the level of risk to
The assessment of erosion risks in Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach show the level of risk to
most assets is acceptable, however the risk to a section of David Low Way may become intolerable
most assets is acceptable, however the risk to a section of David Low Way may become
byintolerable
the year 2070.
by theTherefore,
year 2070.theTherefore,
most suitable adaptation
the most pathway
suitable for this
adaptation locality
pathway foristhis
onelocality
that supports
is
the
oneprovision of accessibility
that supports to residential
the provision communities
of accessibility currently
to residential dependent
communities on David
currently Low Way.on
dependent
AsDavid Lowthe
a result, Way.
preferred adaptation outcomes for this locality are:
As-
a Implement measuresadaptation
result, the preferred that support and enhance
outcomes for thisdunes,
localitybeach
are: health and natural coastal
processes as soon as possible
- Prevent
- Implement measures that
the construction support
of hard and enhance
protective structuresdunes,wherebeachpossiblehealththatandare natural
likely coastal
to
processes as soon as possible
exacerbate erosion risk, impact on preferred outcomes for dune and beach health, impair
- Prevent the construction of hard protective structures where possible that are likely to
natural coastal processes, and lead to adverse impacts on neighbouring areas
exacerbate erosion risk, impact on preferred outcomes for dune and beach health, impair
- Seek to accommodate
natural coastal processes,the riskand
to major
lead toinfrastructure
adverse impacts (i.e. David Low Way) through
on neighbouring areas adaptive
- design
Seekintoorder
accommodate
to increase the risk to major
resilience duringinfrastructure
a major erosion throughevent, (i.e.and
David Low continued
ensure Way)
adaptive design
functionality post-event in order to increase resilience during a major erosion event, and ensure
continued functionality post-event.
Figure 13 shows the expected progression of these preferred outcomes between 2020 and 2100.
Table 7 provides
Figure 13 shows a the
breakdown
expectedofprogression
actions in of these preferred outcomes between 2020 and 2100.
Pathways Map Legend
support
Table 7ofprovides
these outcomes,
a breakdown to beofpursued
actions in support of Trigger
thesepoints
outcomes,
(points in time to be pursued
for when within
a decision needs the
to be made)
within the five-year
five year lifeplan.
life of this of this plan. Commencement or future commencement of adaptation option
Active action on this adaptation pathway
Effectiveness of this option may be reduced and require reassessment
Figure 13 - Preferred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal erosion risks in Marcus Beach and
Figure 13 - Preferred long-term adaptation pathway response
Castaways to projected coastal erosion risks in Marcus Beach
Beach
and Castaways Beach
Page 48
Section 49
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
The following actions will help progress the achievement of these outcomes:
MANAGEMENT ACTIONS FOR MARCUS BEACH AND CASTAWAYS BEACH –
RESPONSE THE NEXT 5 YEARS
AREA
Land Use Amend the Noosa Plan 2020 to ensure it aligns with State Planning Policy
Planning requirements regarding coastal erosion risks
Public Investigate opportunities to reduce risks to the beach carpark (including
recreational, amenities block) and David Low Way at Castaways Beach through adaptive
built, and design as part of asset renewal program updates
Infrastructure
assets
Beaches and Expand native vegetation coverage to support frontal dune stabilisation
Dunes
Redesign beach accesses to deter foot traffic across nearby dunes
Install signage for increasing beach user understanding of importance of
healthy dune systems
Investigate options of managed alignment of coastal creeks and other natural
drainage locations
Other No actions proposed
Table 7 - Five-year action plan for responding to projected coastal erosion risks in Marcus Beach and Castaways Beach
Other shire-wide actions are also identified at the beginning of this Section 5.
Page 49
Section 50
Noosa Shire Council
SUNRISE BEACH AND SUNSHINE BEACH
Setting The low height of the frontal dunes, backed by
very steep vegetated dunes, in this section of
Sunrise Beach and Sunshine Beach are the the coastline mean some areas of the beach
northern-most localities in the Eastern Beaches. and dune foreshore may be at risk from a major
Bordered by Burgess Creek in the south, and coastal erosion event. Appendix 4 shows the
Noosa National Park at the northern end, this projected change in erosion prone area due to
locality has around 3.2 kilometres of beach sea level rise across various parts of Sunrise
frontage with a vegetated dune area between Beach and Sunshine Beach during a severe
development and the sea. These localities, storm event. Tables 8 and 9 below provide a
particularly the beaches and foreshore summary of the changing risk profile for six
recreational areas, are popular with locals broad asset types within the localities that
and visitors. They contain a range of assets are projected to be exposed to the effects of
and activities, from residential and tourist coastal erosion between present day and 2100.
accommodation, to popular restaurants and the
The main public assets at risk in Sunrise and
Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC).
Sunshine Beach are: natural assets (beaches
Despite their popularity these localities maintain
and vegetated dunes); beach accesses;
the aesthetics and atmosphere of a small
carparks and roads; buried infrastructure,
village.
and the Sunshine Beach SLSC and Ed Webb
Park. As well as these, a significant number of
Risks to Sunrise Beach and beachfront private dwellings may be affected.
Sunshine Beach The capacity to provide and maintain coastal
protection works (e.g. seawalls) for protection
Both Sunrise and Sunshine Beach have from erosion risks is impaired given the steep
experienced erosion and loss of the frontal profile of the dune system upon which the
dunes during powerful swell events and tropical majority of high-risk locations are developed
cyclones. Like the other Eastern Beaches (such as private dwellings along Seaview
localities, the beaches have typically recovered Terrace, Park Road, and Tingira Crescent) and
through natural coastal processes over time. the scale of many of these structures relative to
their lot size.
Impacts to the public assets (e.g. carparks,
roads) may also have indirect impacts on
adjacent commercial and retail businesses.
Asset Type Sunrise Beach Erosion Risks by Year
Present Day 2040 2070 2100
Tourism Low
Business Low
Residential Low High Very High
Infrastructure31 Low Very High
Recreational Low
Natural Medium High Very High
Table 8 - Change in Sunrise Beach asset risk profiles across planning horizons
Table 8 - Change in Sunrise Beach asset risk profiles across planning horizons
31
These resultsAsset Type
are driven Sunshine
by exposure of Beach
David Low Way Erosion
as it crosses Risks
Burgess by Year
Creek.
Present Day 2040 2070 2100
Page 50 Tourism Low Medium High
Business Low
Residential32 Medium Very High
Section 51
Residential Low High Very High
Infrastructure31 Low Very High
Recreational Low
Natural Medium HighNoosa CoastalVery
Hazards
High Adaptation Plan
Table 8 - Change in Sunrise Beach asset risk profiles across planning horizons
Asset Type Sunshine Beach Erosion Risks by Year
Present Day 2040 2070 2100
Tourism Low Medium High
Business Low
Residential32 Medium Very High
Infrastructure Medium High
Recreational33 Medium High Very High
Natural Medium High Very High
Table 9 - Change in Sunshine Beach asset risk profiles across planning horizons
Table 9 - Change in Sunshine Beach asset risk profiles across planning horizons
At present, the only methods for mitigating the risks in Sunrise Beach and Sunshine Beach are:
At present, the only methods for mitigating the risks in Sunrise Beach and Sunshine Beach are:
- Maintaining and enhancing
- Maintaining vegetated
and enhancing vegetateddune areas,
dune areas,which
whichact
act as a natural
naturalbuffer
buffertotoerosion
erosion by
by dispersing wave energy during storm
dispersing wave energy during storm events events
- Planning controls on coastal development that prevent encroachment into the vegetated
- Planning
dunecontrols on coastal
areas, thereby development
preserving that prevent
natural coastal encroachment into the vegetated dune
processes
areas, thereby preserving natural coastal processes
Adaptation
Adaptation outcomes
outcomes andandassociated
associated actions
actionsfor
forSunrise
SunriseBeach and and
Beach Sunshine BeachBeach
Sunshine
The assessment
The assessment of erosion
of erosion risks
risks in Sunrise
in Sunrise Beach
Beach andSunshine
and SunshineBeach
Beach shows
showsthe thelevel
levelofofrisk to to
risk
some residential, recreational, and natural assets could become intolerable within 20 years,
some residential, recreational, and natural assets could become intolerable within 20 years, with risks with
risks to tourism and service infrastructure assets currently expected to remain tolerable until late
to tourism and service infrastructure assets currently expected to remain tolerable until late century
century due to their distance from the projected erosion prone areas.
due to their distance from the projected erosion prone areas.
Analysis of economic, social, and environmental considerations, as well as multiple legal and
Analysis of economic, social, and environmental considerations, as well as multiple legal and
governance constraints and input from the Noosa community indicates the most suitable and
governance
feasibleconstraints and input
adaptation pathway fromlocality
in this the Noosa
is onecommunity
that supportsindicates the most
natural coastal suitable
processes andand feasible
existing
adaptation beach use
pathway and locality
in this amenityisvalues by implementing
one that natural
supports natural coastalprocesses
coastal protection solutions and abeach
and existing
medium-
use and to long-term
amenity values bytransition of development
implementing and public
natural coastal assets away
protection from high
solutions anderosion risk to long-
a medium-
areas.
term transition of development and public assets away from high erosion risk areas.
As a result, the preferred adaptation outcomes for this locality are:
31
These results are driven by exposure of David Low Way as it crosses Burgess Creek.
-
32Implement measures that support and enhance dunes, beach health and natural coastal
These risk results are being driven by the potential high level of exposure of private assets along Arakoon
and Seaview Tce.
processes Properties
as soon on beachfront streets south of the Sunshine Beach SLSC have a lower risk
as possible
rating.
-
33Prevent the construction of hard protective structures where possible that are likely to
The recreational asset most at risk in Sunshine Beach is Ed Webb Park.
exacerbate
Noosa Council –erosion
Coastal risk, impact
Hazards on preferred
Adaptation Plan outcomes for dune and beach health,Page
impair
51
natural coastal processes, and lead to adverse impacts on neighbouring areas
- Begin re-locating recreational assets outside the project high risk coastal erosion prone area
by 2040, such as seating and footpaths
- Re-locate service infrastructure assets to areas outside the high-risk area by 2070
- Where important recreational and service infrastructure assets cannot be feasibly located,
seek to accommodate the risks by adapting the design of these assets to be more resilient
during and after a major erosion event.
- Ensure development in erosion prone areas mitigates the risk to people and property to an
acceptable or tolerable level, consistent with the State Planning Policy – natural hazards risk
and resilience.
These risk results are being driven by the potential high level of exposure of private assets along Arakoon and
32
Seaview Tce. Properties on beachfront streets south of the Sunshine Beach SLSC have a lower risk rating.
33
The recreational asset most at risk in Sunshine Beach is Ed Webb Park.
Page 51
Section 52
- Begin re-locating recreational assets outside the project high risk coastal erosion prone
area by 2040, such as seating and footpaths
- Re-locate service infrastructure assets to areas outside the high-risk area by 2070
- Where important recreational and service infrastructure assets cannot be feasibly located,
seek toShire
Noosa accommodate
Council the risks by adapting the design of these assets to be more resilient
during and after a major erosion event.
- Ensure development in erosion prone areas mitigates the risk to people and property to an
acceptable or tolerable level, consistent with the State Planning Policy – natural hazards
risk and resilience.
Figure 14 shows the expected progression of these preferred outcomes between 2020 and 2100.
Table 10 provides a breakdown of actions in support of these outcomes, to be pursued within the
Figure 14
five-year lifeshows
of thisthe expected progression of these preferred outcomes between 2020 and 2100.
plan.
Table 10. provides a breakdown of actions in support of these outcomes, to be pursued within the
Pathways Map Legend
five year life of this plan. Trigger points (points in time for when a decision needs to be made)
Commencement or future commencement of adaptation option
Active action on this adaptation pathway
Effectiveness of this option may be reduced and require reassessment
Figure
Figure 14
14 -- Preferred
Preferred long-term
long-term adaptation pathway response
adaptation pathway response to
to projected
projected coastal
coastal erosion
erosionrisks
risksininSunrise
SunriseBeach
Beachand
and
Sunshine
Sunshine Beach
Beach
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page 46
Page 52
Section 53
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
The following actions will help progress the achievement of these outcomes:
MANAGEMENT ACTIONS FOR SUNRISE BEACH AND SUNSHINE BEACH –
RESPONSE THE NEXT 5 YEARS
AREA
Land Use Amend the Noosa Plan 2020 to ensure it aligns with State Planning Policy
Planning requirements regarding coastal erosion risks
Public Assess relocation options for small recreational and infrastructure assets
recreational, (seating, footpaths, and viewing platforms along Tingira Crescent, Belmore
built, and Terrace, The Esplanade, and Ed Webb Park) to landward of current position at
Infrastructure end of current life
assets
Investigate alternative designs for beach accesses so as to accommodate
coastal processes of erosion and accretion
Develop options for minimising risks to Sunshine Beach SLSC prior to 2070
Support review of emergency event response (storm erosion) plans for surf life-
saving club and update where appropriate
Investigate opportunities to avoid risks to the carpark and amenities block on
Tingira Crescent, Sunrise Beach
Investigate long term opportunities for reducing risk to –– Tingira Crescent,
Ross Crescent, Park Crescent, Belmore Terrace, The Esplanade, Arakoon
Crescent, and Seaview Terrace. This includes any buried service network
assets.
Beaches and Expand native vegetation coverage to support frontal dune stabilisation
Dunes
Redesign beach accesses to deter foot traffic across nearby dunes
Investigate options for managing foot traffic within frontal dune areas, including
fencing design.
Install signage for increasing beach user understanding of importance of
healthy dune systems
Investigate options of managed alignment of coastal creeks and other natural
drainage locations where creeks consistently erode incipient dunes
Other Investigate impact of illegal encroachment by private asset owners into
publicly-owned dune areas on dune health and natural coastal processes
Table 10 - Five-year action plan for responding to projected coastal erosion risks in Sunrise Beach and Sunshine Beach
Other shire-wide actions are also identified at the beginning of this Section 5.
Page 53
Section 54
Noosa Shire Council
NOOSA NORTH SHORE AND TEEWAH
Setting Erosion risks to Noosa North
Noosa North Shore and the Teewah township Shore and Teewah
lay in the north-eastern part of Noosa Shire. The beach adjacent to the Teewah township
Noosa North Shore boasts outstanding natural historically experiences erosion after large
beauty with pristine beaches, dramatic sand swell events and tropical cyclones, temporarily
dune systems, as well as coastal lowlands exposing indurated sediments (commonly
and wetlands adjacent to the Noosa River. referred to as ‘coffee rock’) beneath the frontal
The dynamics of its open coast beaches is dunes. This beach has historically recovered
similar to those between Peregian Beach and well after these events via natural coastal
Sunshine Beach, consisting of approximately processes. The low height frontal dunes mean
six kilometres of open sandy beach stretching the vegetated dune may become increasingly
between the Noosa River Mouth and Second at risk from coastal erosion events over time.
Cutting. Noosa North Shore provides residential By the year 2070, the beach accesses, the
and rural style home sites, as well as significant Esplanade (including the portion of beach used
areas zoned for environmental conservation. to reach the township), and eventually a portion
Noosa North Shore Beach Campground sits of private beachfront lots, may be exposed to
directly behind the frontal dune with campsites the effects of coastal erosion.
close to the beachfront. The southern portion of Teewah Beach
Teewah is the northern-most township along experiences periodic episodes of short-term
Noosa’s coastline. The township has undergone beach erosion, with sand naturally replenishing
low levels of development in the form of single over time. The wide beach and dune profiles
detached houses34, and sits adjacent to beach means much of the beach is considered at
frontage with a moderately vegetated dune area low risk from coastal erosion. However, the
between the developed areas and the shoreline. backyards (beach-facing) of approximately 102
Despite having access constraints (due to the lots may be exposed to erosion risks by the year
beach being the only official means of access), 2070.
Teewah is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike In addition, the campground may be
for the atmosphere that it provides of a semi- increasingly exposed to erosion over the coming
remote coastal village of years gone by. decades. By the year 2070 beach-fronting camp
sites and other minor infrastructure may be
within the high erosion risk area.
Appendix 4 shows the projected change in
erosion prone area due to sea level rise across
various parts of Teewah Beach during a severe
storm event. Table 11 provides a summary of
the changing risk profile for six broad asset
types within the locality that are projected to
be exposed to the effects of coastal erosion
between present day and 2100.
34
There are approximately 102 dwellings in Teewah, many of which are leased as tourist accommodation
Page 54
Section 55
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Asset Type Erosion Risks by Year
Present Day 2040 2070 2100
Business (not applicable for this locality)
Residential Low Medium High
Tourism35 Low Medium High
Infrastructure36 Medium High
Recreational Low
Natural Low Medium
Table 11 - Change in Teewah and Noosa North Shore asset erosion risk profiles across planning horizons
Table 11 - Change in Teewah and Noosa North Shore asset erosion risk profiles across planning horizons
At present, the only methods for mitigating the risks at Teewah and along Noosa North Shore
beach are:
At present, the only methods for mitigating the risks at Teewah and along Noosa North Shore beach
are: - Existing vegetated dune areas, which act as a natural buffer to erosion by dispersing wave
energy
- Existing during storm
vegetated dune events
areas, which act as a natural buffer to erosion by dispersing wave
- Planning controls on coastal development that prevent encroachment into the vegetated
energy during storm events
dune areas, thereby preserving natural coastal processes of erosion and accretion
- Planning controls on coastal development that prevent encroachment into the vegetated dune
areas, thereby preserving natural coastal processes of erosion and accretion
Erosion adaptation outcomes and associated actions for Noosa North Shore and Teewah
Erosion
The adaptation
assessment ofoutcomes and
erosion risks associated
along actions
the open beaches for Noosa
of Noosa North North Shore
Shore and and
at the Teewah
Teewah
township show
The assessment of the level risks
erosion of riskalong
to most
theassets
openisbeaches
acceptable
of for muchNorth
Noosa of theShore
planning
andperiod.
at the Teewah
However, there may be intolerable risks to the campground and Teewah road access by mid-
township show the level of risk to most assets is
century, as well as to some private houses by 2100.acceptable for much of the planning period.
However, there may be intolerable risks to the camp ground and Teewah road access by mid-century,
Analysis
as well of economic,
as to some private social,
houses and
byenvironmental
2100. considerations, as well as input from the Noosa
community indicates the most suitable adaptation pathway in this locality for responding to coastal
Analysis of economic,
erosion, is one thatsocial, and
supports environmental
natural considerations,
coastal processes and existingas beach
well asuse
input
andfrom the values
amenity Noosa
by implementing
community indicates natural
the mostcoastal protection
suitable solutions
adaptation and transitioning
pathway public
in this locality forrecreational
responding and
to coastal
infrastructure
erosion, is one thataway from high
supports erosion
natural risk areas
coastal over the
processes andmedium term.
existing beach use and amenity values
by implementing natural coastal protection solutions and transitioning
As a result, the preferred adaptation outcomes in response to these erosion publicrisks
recreational
are: and
infrastructure away from high erosion risk areas over the medium term.
- Implement measures that support and enhance dunes, beach health and natural coastal
As a result, the preferred adaptation outcomes in response to these erosion risks are:
processes as soon as possible
- Prevent
- Implement the construction
measures of hardand
that support protective
enhancestructures
dunes,where
beachpossible
health that
andare likelycoastal
natural to
exacerbate erosion risk,
processes as soon as possible impact on preferred outcomes for dune and beach health, impair
natural coastal processes, and lead to adverse impacts on neighbouring areas
- Prevent
- Avoidthe risks
construction of hard
to campground protective by
infrastructure structures where
relocating these possible
out of thethat are likely
high-risk area to
by
mid-century
exacerbate erosion risk, impact on preferred outcomes for dune and beach health, impair
- Ensure
natural coastaldevelopment
processes,in and
erosion
leadprone areas mitigates
to adverse impactstheon risk to people and
neighbouring property to an
areas
acceptable or tolerable level, consistent with the State Planning Policy – natural hazards
- Avoid risk
risks to resilience.
and camp ground infrastructure by relocating these out of the high-risk area by mid-
century
- Ensure development in erosion prone areas mitigates the risk to people and property to an
acceptable or tolerable level, consistent with the State Planning Policy – natural hazards risk
and resilience.
35
This public tourism asset is referring to the Noosa North Shore Campground.
36
The infrastructure of concern is the use of the beach as the Esplanade and the primary access method for
the Teewah township, thus representing an accessibility risk for the community.
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page 56
35
This public tourism asset is referring to the Noosa North Shore Campground.
36
The infrastructure of concern is the use of the beach as the Esplanade and the primary access method for the
Teewah township, thus representing an accessibility risk for the community.
Page 55
Section 56
Noosa Shire Council
Figure 15 shows the expected progression of these preferred outcomes between 2020 and 2100.
Table 12 provides a breakdown of actions in support of these outcomes, to be pursued within the
five-year life of this plan.
Figure 15 shows the expected progression of these preferred outcomes between 2020 and 2100.
Pathways Map Legend
Table 12. provides a breakdown of actions in support ofTrigger
these outcomes,
points (points in time forto bea pursued
when decision needswithin the
to be made)
five year life of this plan. Commencement or future commencement of adaptation option
Active action on this adaptation pathway
Effectiveness of this option may be reduced and require reassessment
Figure 15 - Preferred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal erosion risks along Teewah Beach
Figure 15 - Preferred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal erosion risks along Teewah Beach
Page 56
Section 57
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
The following actions will help progress the achievement of these outcomes:
MANAGEMENT ACTIONS FOR NOOSA NORTH SHORE AND TEEWAH –
RESPONSE THE NEXT 5 YEARS
AREA
Land Use Maintain land use planning approach and ensure the Noosa Plan 2020 aligs
Planning with State Planning Policy requirements regarding coastal erosion risks
Public Ensure asset management plans for the Noosa North Shore Campground
recreational, address coastal erosion risks as part of any asset renewals
built, and
Infrastructure
assets
Beaches and Expand native vegetation coverage to support frontal dune stabilisation
Dunes
Redesign beach accesses to deter foot traffic across nearby dunes
Investigate options for managing foot traffic within frontal dune areas, including
fencing design
Investigate opportunities for more effective control of vehicle access to dunes
and turtle nesting areas
Install signage for increasing beach user understanding of importance of
healthy dune systems
Other No actions proposed
Table 12 - Five year action plan for responding to projected coastal erosion risks along Teewah Beach
Other shire-wide actions are also identified at the beginning of this Section 5.
Inundation risks to Noosa North Shore
The main coastal hazard risk of concern for Noosa North Shore is periodic tidal inundation, both
from low frequency, high magnitude (i.e. depth and extent) storm tide events, and high frequency, low
magnitude. Table 13 shows those asset types within this locality that are projected to be exposed to
the effects of tidal inundation between present day and 2100 (map versions are available in Appendix
3). Whilst there has been very limited and low-intensity development to date, a significant proportion
of the development is private dwellings located along the shores of the Noosa River. Some of these
areas experience inundation as a result of king tides and minor flooding, however most residences
are not affected. These hazards are projected to increase in severity and frequency over the life of
this plan. There are limited publicly-owned assets in this locality, consisting primarily of unsealed road
network, with little expansion of development areas anticipated.
Page 57
Section 58
low magnitude. Table 13 shows those asset types within this locality that are projected to be
exposed to the effects of tidal inundation between present day and 2100 (map versions are
available in Appendix 3). Whilst there has been very limited and low-intensity development to date,
a significant proportion of the development is private dwellings located along the shores of the
Noosa River. Some of these areas experience inundation as a result of king tides and minor
Noosa Shire Council
flooding, however most residences are not affected. These hazards are projected to increase in
severity and frequency over the life of this plan. There are limited publicly-owned assets in this
locality, consisting primarily of unsealed road network, with little expansion of development areas
anticipated.
Asset Type Tidal Inundation Risks by Year
Present Day 2040 2070 2100
Tourism Low
Business Low
Residential Low High Very High
Infrastructure Low High Very High
Recreational Low
Natural Low Medium High
Table 13 - Change in Noosa North Shore asset inundation risk profiles across planning horizons
Table 13 - Change in Noosa North Shore asset inundation risk profiles across planning horizons
At present, the only methods for mitigating the erosion and inundation risks in Lower Noosa North
At present,
Shore the
are: only methods for mitigating the erosion and inundation risks in Lower Noosa North
Shore are:
- Existing vegetated dune areas, which act as a natural buffer to erosion by dispersing wave
- Existing vegetated
energy dune events
during storm areas, which act as a natural buffer to erosion by dispersing wave
energy during and
- Planning storm events
land use regulations are in place to control further land subdivision, and
building floor heights for new buildings
- Planning and land use regulations are in place to control further land subdivision, and building
- Major portion of Noosa North is designated for conservation
floor heights for new buildings
- Major portion of Noosa North is designated for conservation
Inundation adaptation outcomes and associated actions for Noosa North Shore
The assessment of inundation risks within Noosa North Shore shows the level of risk to residential
and road network assets may become intolerable within approximately 20 years. Intolerable risks to
natural areas and biodiversity are more likely than not to eventuate by the year 2070.
Assessment of a range of socio-economic, environmental, and governance considerations, as
well as community feedback during the development of this plan, determine the most appropriate
adaptation pathway for responding to frequent inundation risks in this locality is one that supports
existing accessibility services, visual amenity values and natural ecological processes. Therefore, the
preferred adaptation outcomes are:
- The increased inundation risk to service infrastructure assets is accommodated through
adaptive design
Figure 16 shows the expected progression of these preferred outcomes between 2020 and 2100.
Table Noosa Council –a Coastal
14 provides Hazards
breakdown of Adaptation
actions inPlan Page 59
support of these outcomes, to be pursued within the
five-year life of this plan.
Page 58
Section 59
adaptation pathway for responding to frequent inundation risks in this locality is one that supports
existing accessibility services, visual amenity values and natural ecological processes. Therefore,
the preferred adaptation outcomes are:
- The increased inundation risk to service infrastructure assetsCoastal
Noosa is accommodated through
Hazards Adaptation Plan
adaptive design.
Figure 16 shows the expected progression of these preferred outcomes between 2020 and 2100.
Pathways Map Legend
Table 14. provides a breakdown of actions in support ofTrigger
these outcomes, to be pursued within the
points (points in time for when a decision needs to be made)
five year life of this plan. Commencement or future commencement of adaptation option
Active action on this adaptation pathway
Effectiveness of this option may be reduced and require reassessment
Figure 16 - Preferred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal inundation risks in Noosa North Shore
Figure 16 - Preferred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal inundation risks in Noosa North Shore
The following actions will help progress the achievement of these outcomes:
The following actions will help progress the achievement of these outcomes:
MANAGEMENT
MANAGEMENT ACTIONSACTIONS FOR NOOSA
FOR NOOSA NORTHNORTH
SHORESHORE
– THE AND
NEXTTEEWAH –
5 YEARS
RESPONSE
RESPONSE THE NEXT 5 YEARS
AREA
AREA
Land
LandUse
Use Maintain
Maintainland use
land planning
use approach
planning and
approach ensure
and alignment
alignment with State
with State Planning
Planning
Planning
Planning Policy
Policy.
Public
Public Ensure road
Ensure asset
road plans
asset and
plans upgrades
and upgradesonon
Noosa North
Noosa Shore
North appropriately
Shore appropriately
recreational,
recreational, consider periodic tidal inundation risks
consider periodic tidal inundation risks
built,
built,and
and Investigate opportunities for maintaining functional road access to ferry landing
Infrastructure Investigate opportunities for maintaining functional road access to ferry
Infrastructure area
assets landing area
assets
Foreshores and Review and update Council’s Conservation Land Guideline that supports
Natural Areas environmental land acquisition, to ensure the risks to Noosa’s biodiversity
assets from periodic tidal inundation are appropriately considered
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page 53
Other Liaise with Local Disaster Management Group to ensure emergency response
planning for the rural fire brigade asset on the Homeport Track appropriately
considers increasing inundation risks in that area
Work with Unitywater to commence investigation of options for reducing
inundation risks to residential wastewater systems, including alternatives to on-
site septic treatment/holding tanks.
Table 14 - Five year action plan for responding to projected coastal inundation risks in Noosa North Shore
Other shire-wide actions are also identified at the beginning of this Section 5.
Page 59
Section 60
Noosa Shire Council
NOOSA HEADS
Setting Erosion risks for Noosa Heads
The Noosa Heads locality encompasses the Noosa Main Beach is susceptible to erosion on
southern side of the mouth of the Noosa River a regular basis due to the shape of the beach
(‘the spit’) and Noosa Main Beach in the north, (including its north-easterly orientation) and the
the northern shore of Lake Weyba to the south, slow rate of sand movement onto the beach via
Noosa Junction, and is framed by Culgoa Point natural processes due to the headland. Whilst
and Weyba Creek to the west. sand can naturally replenish the beach, this
process is complemented through the use of
The Noosa Heads locality provides a diverse
the sand recycling system commissioned in
coastal urban area with a strong focus on
2012.
tourism, business uses, apartment living and
low-density housing. The locality has a low Recession of the shoreline is limited by the
rise, coastal character framed by a vegetated presence of the buried bouldered seawall (more
backdrop to the built environment. Development commonly referred to as the ‘rockwall’) installed
has a strong relationship to the coast, in the 1960s. The low and narrow profile of the
watercourses and the iconic Noosa National beach and lack of vegetated dunes mean the
Park with distinctive views and high accessibility developed foreshore adjacent to the beach is
to these natural assets. at risk of erosion today. Given the age of the
seawall, there is a material level of uncertainty
The topography of the locality is varied and
regarding its ability to withstand wave attack
includes Noosa Hill and nearby elevated areas,
or limit a relative increase in the frequency and
as well as low-lying areas adjacent to Noosa
intensity of wave-overtopping as the sea level
River and Laguna Bay. Much of the natural
rises. The sand recycling system is the most
landform and landscape is retained including
significant infrastructure asset located within the
the vegetated backdrop of Noosa Hill and areas
erosion prone area, as well as carparking and
of natural foreshore.
shower assets along Claude Batten Drive.
The low elevation and proximity to the
Appendices 3 and 4 show the change in
coastline and riverfront exposes some parts
risk profile across various parts of Noosa
of the locality to coastal hazards. Noosa Main
Heads as the area exposed to the effects
Beach consistently experiences erosion on an
of coastal erosion and periodic tidal
annual basis, with Noosa Heads Lions Park
inundation respectively, increases due to
occasionally experiencing inundation due to
projected changes in sea level. The potential
storm tides. Under future climate conditions,
consequences of an event in this location are
both of these hazards are expected to worsen,
particularly high relative to others give the
with permanent tidal inundation due to rising
major socio-economic value of this location to
sea levels also expected to occur in Lions Park
Noosa, and therefore high-risk ratings are not
and along recreational parklands along the rear-
unexpected.
side of Claude Batten Drive.
Tables 15 and 17 provide a summary of the
changing risk profile for six broad asset types
within the locality that are projected to be
exposed to the effects of coastal erosion and
periodic tidal inundation between present day
and 2100.
Page 60
Section 61
Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
Erosion Risks by Year
Asset Type
Present Day 2040 2070 2100
Tourism Very High
Business Very High
Residential Low
Infrastructure Very High
Recreational High
Natural Medium High
Table 15 - Change in Noosa Heads asset erosion risk profiles across planning horizons
Table 15 - Change in Noosa Heads asset erosion risk profiles across planning horizons
At present, the measures for mitigating the erosion risks in Noosa Heads are:
- the
At present, Recycling
measuresof sand from the open
for mitigating thecoast siderisks
erosion of Noosa Spit, Heads
in Noosa to the southern
are: end of Noosa
Main Beach
- Recycling
- Groyneof walls
sandtofrom
slowthe
theopen coastmovement
northward side of Noosa Spit,
of sand, to theit southern
making end
available for of Noosa
sand
Main Beach
recycling
- The
- Groyne seawall
walls on the
to slow theseaward sidemovement
northward of Hastingsof
Street
sand,(beneath
makingthe boardwalk)for sand recycling
it available
- The seawall on the seaward side of Hastings Street (beneath the boardwalk)
Erosion adaptation outcomes and associated actions for Noosa Heads
Erosion
The adaptation
assessment ofoutcomes andrisks
coastal erosion associated actions
in Noosa Heads forthe
show Noosa Heads
level of risk to all built assets
along the Noosa Main Beach beachfront is already considered intolerable. In addition, risks to the
The assessment of within
natural assets coastaltheerosion risks inarea
Noosa Woods Noosa Heads
will be show
become the levelbyof2070.
intolerable risk to all built assets along
the Noosa Main Beach beachfront is already considered intolerable. In addition, risks to the natural
assetsAnalysis of economic,
within the Noosa Woods social,area
and environmental
will be become considerations,
intolerable byas2070.
well as multiple legal and
governance constraints and significant input from the Noosa community indicates the most
appropriate
Analysis adaptation
of economic, pathway
social, for responding to
and environmental high coastal erosion
considerations, risks
as well as in this locality
multiple legalisand
one
that seeks
governance to provideand
constraints support for existing
significant beach
input fromuses, amenity
the Noosa values, keyindicates
community public services,
the mostand
economic activities by continuing (and enhancing where feasible) existing coastal protection
appropriate adaptation pathway for responding to high coastal erosion risks in this locality is one that
measures in this locality whilst prohibiting further intensification of urban development over the
seeksshort-
to provide support for existing beach uses, amenity values, key public services, and economic
to long-term.
activities by continuing (and enhancing where feasible) existing coastal protection measures in this
Aswhilst
locality a result, the preferred
prohibiting adaptation
further outcomes
intensification offor this locality
urban are:
development over the short- to long-term.
- the
As a result, Implement measures
preferred that support
adaptation and for
outcomes enhance dunes,are:
this locality beach health and natural coastal
processes as soon as possible
- Implement measures that support and enhance dunes, beach health and natural coastal
- Re-locate service infrastructure assets to areas outside the high-risk area by 2070
processes
- Whereas soon asrecreational
important possible and service infrastructure assets cannot be feasibly located,
seek service
- Re-locate to accommodate the risks
infrastructure by adapting
assets to areasthe design the
outside of these assets
high-risk to be
area bymore
2070resilient
during and after a major erosion event
- Where important
- Avoid recreational
increasing and and
the exposure service infrastructure
vulnerability assets
of people cannot be
and property feasiblyerosion
in high-risk located,
areas
seek to accommodate the risks by adapting the design of these assets to be more resilient
during and after a major erosion event
-
Avoid17
Figure increasing
shows thethe exposure
expected and vulnerability
progression of people
of these preferred and property
outcomes betweenin2020
high-risk erosion
and 2100.
areas
Table 16 provides a breakdown of actions in support of these outcomes, to be pursued within the
Figurefive-year
17 showslife the
of this plan. progression of these preferred outcomes between 2020 and 2100.
expected
Table 16 provides a breakdown of actions in support of these outcomes, to be pursued within the
five-year life of this plan.
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page 62
Page 61
Section 62
Noosa Shire Council
Pathways Map Legend
Trigger points (points in time for when a decision needs to be made)
Commencement or future commencement of adaptation option
Active action on this adaptation pathway
Effectiveness of this option may be reduced and require reassessment
Figure 17 - Preferred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal erosion risks in Noosa Heads
Figure 17 - Preferred long-term adaptation pathway response to projected coastal erosion risks in Noosa Heads
The following actions
The following actions will
will help
help progress
progress the
theachievement
achievementofofthese
theseoutcomes:
outcomes:
MANAGEMENT ACTIONS FOR NOOSA HEADS – THE NEXT 5 YEARS
MANAGEMENT ACTIONS FOR NOOSA HEADS –
RESPONSE
RESPONSE THE NEXT 5 YEARS
AREA
AREA
Land Use
Land Use Amendthe
Amend theNoosa
Noosa Plan
Plan 2020
2020 to to ensure
ensure it aligns
it aligns with
with State
State Planning
Planning Policy
Policy
Planning
Planning requirementsregarding
requirements regardingcoastal
coastalerosion
erosion risks
risks
Investigate opportunities for optimising use of existing sand recycling system
Public Investigate opportunities for optimising use of existing sand recycling system
for enhancing beach resilience prior to erosive events
Public
recreational, for enhancing beach resilience prior to erosive events
recreational,
built, and Assesspossible
Assess possiblealternative
alternative locations
locations outside
outside thethe high-risk
high-risk area
area forfor
re-re-
Infrastructure
built, and positioningthe
positioning thesand
sandrecycling
recyclingsystem
system pumpingstation
pumping station
assets
Infrastructure Investigate design
Investigate requirements
design requirements forfor
thethe
existing
existingburied seawall
buried to ensure
seawall to ensure it
assets it meets
meets current
current and
and future
future coastal risk conditions, and prescribe any
coastal risk conditions, and prescribe any
requirements for an upgrade
requirements for an upgrade oror
replacement
replacement of of
this structure
this if ifrequired
structure required
Beaches and Redesignbeach
Redesign beachaccesses
accessestotodeter
deterfoot
foot traffic
traffic across
across nearby
nearby dunes
dunes along
along thethe
Dunes Noosa Spit
Noosa Spit
Investigate options for managing foot traffic within frontal dune areas of Noosa
Beaches and Investigate options for managing foot traffic within frontal dune areas of Noosa
Spit, including fencing design
Dunes Spit, including fencing design
Install signage for increasing beach user understanding of importance of
Install dune
healthy signage for increasing
systems along thebeach
NoosauserSpitunderstanding of importance of
healthy dune systems along the Noosa Spit
Other Liaise with beachfront asset owners to ensure their natural disaster
Liaise with beachfront asset owners to ensure their natural disaster
Other management plans are mitigating erosion event risks where possible
management plans are mitigating erosion event risks where possible
Table 16 - Five-year action plan for responding to projected coastal erosion risks in Noosa Heads
Table 16 - Five-year action plan for responding to projected coastal erosion risks in Noosa Heads
Other
Othershire-wide
shire-wideactions
actionsare
arealso
alsoidentified
identifiedatatthe
thebeginning
beginningofofthis
thisSection
Section5.5.
Noosa
Page 62 Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page 63
Section 63
Install signage for increasing beach user understanding of importance of
healthy dune systems along the Noosa Spit
Liaise with beachfront asset owners to ensure their natural disaster
Other Noosa Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan
management plans are mitigating erosion event risks where possible
Table 16 - Five-year action plan for responding to projected coastal erosion risks in Noosa Heads
Other shire-wide actions are also identified at the beginning of this Section 5.
Inundation risks to Noosa Heads
Inundation due to storm tide and increases in tidal extents present risks to public assets throughout
the planning horizon
Inundation risksoftothis plan.
Noosa In the present day, areas and assets at risk due to storm tide include
Heads
low-lying parks, road networks and buried infrastructure (e.g. stormwater networks), and natural
Inundation due to storm tide and increases in tidal extents present risks to public assets throughout
areas within Noosa Spit.
the planning horizon of this plan. In the present day, areas and assets at risk due to storm tide
includetidal
Permanent low-lying parks, exposes
inundation road networks
manyandof buried infrastructure
the same (e.g.
assets that arestormwater
subject tonetworks), and
the effects of storm
natural areas within Noosa Spit.
tide inundation, however, these events are lesser in area and depth, albeit on a much more regular
basis.Permanent
It is this regularity that results
tidal inundation exposes in permanent
many of the tidal
sameinundation
assets thatrepresenting
are subject to athe
significant
effects of risk to
somestorm
assets tide inundation,
within Noosahowever, these events
Heads. These assetsare lessernatural
include in area and
and depth, albeit on
recreational a much more
foreshore assets
regular basis. It is this regularity that results in permanent tidal inundation representing
along the river-side of Noosa Spit, Lions Park, as well as road and other network infrastructure along a significant
risk to some assets within Noosa Heads. These assets include natural and recreational foreshore
Noosa Parade and Noosa Drive.
assets along the river-side of Noosa Spit, Lions Park, as well as road and other network
infrastructure
A small number ofalong Noosa
private Parade and
commercial andNoosa Drive.
tourism assets at the Hastings Street end of Noosa Drive
are expected to be exposed by 2100. Other private assets along Noosa Parade and Noosa Drive are
A small number of private commercial and tourism assets at the Hastings Street end of Noosa
not considered at high risk
Drive are expected to befrom inundation
exposed due
by 2100. to elevated
Other land and
private assets alongbuilding floor heights
Noosa Parade as a result
and Noosa
Drive are not considered at high risk from inundation due to elevated land and building floor
of planning controls in place through successive planning schemes.
heights as a result of planning controls in place through successive planning schemes.
Asset Type Tidal Inundation Risks by Year
Present Day 2040 2070 2100
Tourism Low Very High
Business Low Very High
Residential Low
Infrastructure Low High Very High
Recreational37 Low Medium Very High
Natural Low
Table 17 - Change in Noosa Heads asset inundation risk profiles across planning horizons
Table 17 - Change in Noosa Heads asset inundation risk profiles across planning horizons
At present, the only method for mitigating inundation risks in Noosa Heads is:
At present, the only method for mitigating inundation risks in Noosa Heads is:
- Planning and land use regulations are in place for new development including minimum
- Planning
floorand landfor
heights use regulations
new buildings are in place for new development including minimum floor
heights for new buildings
Inundation
Inundation adaptation
adaptation outcomesand
outcomes and associated
associatedactions for for
actions Noosa Heads
Noosa Heads
The assessment of inundation risks across Noosa Heads shows the level of risk to some tourism,
business, recreational and infrastructure assets is projected to become intolerable in the later
decades of the century.
37
This result is due to risks to ‘Dog Beach’ and surrounds. Lions Park was rated medium risk by 2100.
Given a range of socio-economic, environmental, and governance considerations, as well as
Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan Page 65
community feedback during the development of this plan, determine the most appropriate adaptation
pathway for responding to frequent inundation risks in this locality is one that supports existing
accessibility and infrastructure services, as well as current levels of residential, commercial and retail
development. In response to these risks, the preferred adaptation outcomes are:
37
This result is due to risks to ‘Dog Beach’ and surrounds. Lions Park was rated medium risk by 2100.
Page 63
The text continues on section 64.