The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) is set to host five in-person workshops over September, where it will seek input from councils on coastal hazard challenges.
The extensive consultation workshops will be held in Port Lincoln, Victor Harbor, Port Pirie, Millicent and metro Adelaide. There will also be one online session available for councils unable to attend in-person workshops.
These workshops will provide an opportunity for councils to discuss the overall direction of LGASA’s SA Climate Ready Coasts program, give direct input into what is working well and what’s missing, and make comment on draft Coastal Hazard Adaptation Planning Guidelines.
LGASA CEO, Clinton Jury, said that the SA Climate Ready Coasts program will deliver a series of connected projects, like the guidelines, over the next two years and it’s important for councils to give feedback as it progresses.
“Coastal management presents a difficult challenge for all levels of government, with climate change contributing to rising sea levels and stronger storms that batter our beaches,” Mr Jury said.
“South Australia has some of the most beautiful coastline in the world and if we want to preserve it for future generations to enjoy, we need to act now.
“Councils know their communities and local area and their feedback is invaluable in helping us finalise the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Planning guidelines, which will detail how local governments can mitigate against coastal damage into the future.
“We encourage all council staff, and any State Government staff, working in coastal management and planning to attend these upcoming workshops and lend their insight to these important guidelines.”
The SA Climate Ready Coasts program is being delivered by LGASA along with several partners including the SA Coast Protection Board, Department for Environment and Water (DEW), Adelaide Coastal Councils Network and SA Coastal Councils Alliance.
It seeks to accelerate efforts to protect South Australia’s coastlines from changing climate, while the guidelines, once complete, will give councils a framework to help prepare their own Coastal Hazard Adaptation Plan.
DEW Coast Manager, David Osborn, said that the SA Climate Ready Coasts program was a highly constructive partnership and that the upcoming workshops would be invaluable.
“We value this partnership as it provides a great opportunity for the State Government and the LGASA to work closely with coastal councils to proactively prepare targeted measures to combat rising sea levels and climate change,” Mr Osborn said.
“This workshop series will provide a timely forum for councils to share their local knowledge and insights to help us all plan to protect our coastal communities.”
Consultation on the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Planning Guidelines will close on 30 September.
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