2021-01-18 GC - Item 3 - Attachment 1 - Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan for Community Consultation

         Introduction
Purpose
Noosa Council is responding to the potential effects of coastal hazards over time, and has
prepared this CHAP to provide a comprehensive and coordinated adaptation program in response
to changing coastal risks caused by a changing climate. This plan specifically deals with the likely
impacts of coastal erosion along the open beach areas and inundation of low-lying areas from
storm tides and higher tides, and how these existing hazards are likely to change over time due to
sea level rise.

The core objectives for the program are to:

   •   Improve Noosa Council and the community’s understanding of current and future risks from
       coastal hazards and how they might change through time as a result of climate change;
   •   Consult with the community clearly and sensitively throughout key stages of the project so
       the community understands the implications and contributes to the decision making;
   •   Identify what actions are required to avoid, reduce or adapt to these risks to people,
       property, assets and the environment;
   •   Provide mapping and visual products and deliverables that are useful for a range of
       purposes across Council departments and functions and within the community (e.g.
       planning scheme, asset management, community awareness, disaster management and
       financial planning); and
   •   Provide direction for a coordinated approach for Council and the community to adapt to
       climate change and coastal hazards.

The plan is based on a detailed assessment of coastal hazards for present day and 2040, 2070
and 2100 including hazard modelling, risk assessments and socio-economic analysis of preferred
options. It provides a set of recommended actions for implementation over the next 1-5 years, and
presents a potential pathway for responding to these changing risks over the long term.

The development of the CHAP has been supported by funding obtained under the QCoast2100
initiative, established by the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) in 2016.


Context
The majority of Noosa’s population, and private and public built assets, as well as significant areas
designated for conservation purposes are located within Noosa’s coastal zone. Many assets and
locations of particular interest to the local community and visitors have historically been exposed to
the effects of coastal erosion and inundation. This includes private residences, commercial
premises, parks and recreational facilities, as well as service infrastructure such as roads and
stormwater networks. Therefore, close attention is required to any effect climate change –
particularly sea level rise – is likely to have in worsening risks associated with these existing
hazards.

This plan has been developed in consideration of the principles and strategies outlined in Noosa
Council’s Corporate Plan 2017-2037, Environment Strategy 2019, Social Strategy 2015, and Local
Economic Plan 2015.

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, proactively planning for
changes to coastal hazard risks including ensuring appropriate and effective development


Noosa Council – Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan 2020 - 2030 (community consultation version)    Page 3