Sunshine Coast Council has been working closely with our community to develop ‘Our Resilient Coast. Our Future’, a long-term Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy that will help manage the impacts of coastal hazards and increase the resilience of our region.
This strategy is a key action in council’s Environment and Liveability Strategy which seeks to protect and enhance our natural environment and the lifestyle which our residents enjoy.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said developing this draft strategy had been a collaborative effort with significant input from our residents and community groups.
“We’ve been on this journey together for some time to proactively plan for the future management of our coastal areas, and to build our communities’ resilience to the potential impacts of a changing climate,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“The Draft Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy is informed by the best available science and provides a pathway for future coastal hazard management, and insight into how they are likely to change over the next 80 years until 2100.
“Our coastal zone is dynamic and always changing. Residents will be familiar with beach erosion, shifting sand and periodic inundation of low-lying areas from high tides and storm events.
“These natural processes are referred to as coastal hazards when they impact on how we use and enjoy the coastal area.
“The scope and intensity of these impacts varies but is expanding as we confront the implications of a changing climate.
“Over time, coastal hazards are something that will affect many aspects of the liveability of our region – which is why it’s so important the community reviews the draft strategy and provides their feedback.
“It’s real action and proactive planning projects like this that will help us achieve our vision to be Australia’s most sustainable region – healthy, smart, creative.”
Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Peter Cox said our coastal areas, which includes our beaches, foreshores and coastal floodplains formed an integral part of our Sunshine Coast identity and lifestyle, and are fundamental to the future of our economy.
“Council is planning now to make sure we can all continue to enjoy our beaches and coastal areas, and the activities they facilitate into the future,” Cr Cox said.
“This means making sure our natural and built assets are in good condition, designed appropriately, are resilient to climate change impacts, and are being used sustainably.
“Becoming a well-adapted and resilient community is a long-term plan that requires ongoing efforts by everyone in our community.
“I encourage everyone to review the draft strategy because your local knowledge is so valuable.
“Following consideration of the community feedback, the strategy will be finalised, and we look forward to continuing this journey with the community as together, we build a resilient and healthy coast which responds to coastal hazards, facilitates recreational uses and maintains our much-loved coastal lifestyle.”
Have your say
The community is encouraged to provide feedback on the Draft Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy by 5pm Monday December 7, 2020.
There are a few ways you can have your say:
Review the draft strategy online
Attend one of our online webinars
Visit us at an open house session near you.
For all the details and to learn more about ‘Our Resilient Coast. Our Future’ visit haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
‘Our Resilient Coast. Our Future’ is an initiative of the State Government QCoast2100 Program. More than 30 coastal councils in Queensland are developing strategies to manage coastal hazards.
