2021-11-15 GC Agenda - Item 7 - Attachment 1 - Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan

                                                               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.




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