08/0169 - Response to Information Request [As Published] · 132008.169

Seaview Terrace, Ecology Report
2.2.3 Erosion Prone Areas

Under the State Coastal Management Plan (2001) policy 2.2.2 Erosion prone areas are
defined as:

areas that are vulnerable to erosion or encroachment from tidal waters within a 50
year planning cycle. These areas provide a buffer between land uses and the coast
to allow the natural fluctuations of the coast to occur without the need for
intervention to protect human life and property.

They are important in an ecological context as:

Fluctuations in the position of the coastline and periodic inundation of some
coastal areas are part of the natural processes of the coast.

Development in a coastal setting can pose threats to this natural process and result in
adverse impacts on coastal resources (State Coastal Management Plan, 2001). The Erosion
Prone Areas of the site are shown in Figure 2.

The Coastal State Management Policy 2.2.2 states that:

To the extent practicable, erosion prone areas are to remain undeveloped apart
from acceptable temporary or relocatable structures for safety and recreational
purposes. Where building works and activities have been undertaken within an
erosion prone area, future use should not be at a greater intensity than the existing
level. Redevelopment of these areas or an increase in intensity may only occur in
circumstances where it can be clearly demonstrated that it would not compromise
coastal management outcomes and principles.

In areas under constant threat of erosion, a strategy of retreat from erosion prone
areas is the preferred option. However, where an area has been developed to a
scale and intensity that the retreat option is not achievable, property protection
works may be needed to defend land uses and infrastructure from coastal
processes. In such circumstances, any further building or infrastructure including
extensions to existing buildings or the location of services (including water, power
and sewerage), should not extend any further seaward than the existing building
alignment for the neighbouring properties. For developed areas, structural
engineering and stabilisation works will be initiated only as a last resort where
erosion presents an immediate threat to public safety or property and
infrastructure that is not expendable. The siting, design and materials used for
works will not cause any significant adverse impacts on the coastal resources of the
location nor interrupt the natural cycles of erosion and accretion of beaches.

 

Chenoweth EPLA Seaview_Ecology_Report_Vers2_4-3-09 . Mar ‘09