The Local Government Association of South Australia’s (LGASA) SA Climate Ready Coasts program is rolling out in seven steps to future-proof the state’s coastline against the effects of climate change.
Stage one of the program recently completed an extensive round of stakeholder engagement, receiving input from 30 coastal councils, key state government departments, regulatory bodies and research institutions on what is needed to better protect the state’s beaches against extreme weather and erosion.
Feedback gained throughout the process has highlighted the priorities which must be considered as the SA Climate Ready Coasts program takes shape and engages with key partners.
The priorities are:
- Establishing clear coastal governance
- Developing Coastal Hazard Adaptation Planning Standards
- Establishing a quality control mechanism
- Developing a flexible implementation model to account for differing coastal, council and community contexts
- Deciding on appropriate scale and scope for coastal hazard adaptation
- Improving access to funding to accelerate coastal hazard adaptation planning and action
- Building skills, momentum and a culture of sharing through investment in coordination
LGASA CEO, Clinton Jury, said that the SA Climate Ready Coasts program is critical to improving coastal management in South Australia – particularly how local and state government, and other stakeholders collaborate – and bringing the framework into line with other states.
“More than 90 per cent of people living in South Australia are located within 50km of the coast, while around six million tourists visit our beaches every year – that’s why it’s critically important we have appropriate measures in place to protect and preserve our coastline,” Mr Jury said.
“Our beaches are one of our state’s most valuable assets, yet early feedback gained through the SA Climate Ready Coasts program stakeholder engagement process showed there are clear gaps in our current approach to coastal adaptation, particularly in terms of governance, information, infrastructure and funding.
“This leaves South Australian coastlines vulnerable in the face of stronger storms, more severe coastal hazards and rising seas caused by climate change – putting people, homes, infrastructure like jetties and natural resources at risk.
“Through this initial consultation, we’ve gained valuable insights into what areas need addressing first and how we can begin to coordinate resources most effectively – across government and industry – to deliver best outcomes as we progress through the next stages.”
The immediate next step for the SA Climate Ready Coasts program is to draft the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Planning Standards for South Australia, which will establish agreed principles and methodologies for coastal adaptation adopted by local and state government.
These standards will be designed to build on and supersede the LGASA’s Coastal Adaptation Guidelines, which were last updated in 2019, to create a consistent statewide approach outlining the minimum standards for coastal hazard adaptation planning and provide supporting tools and resources.
Stage two of the SA Climate Ready Coasts program – expected to take place between July 2024 and December 2025 – will deliver projects, grants and activities which accelerate coastal hazard adaptation planning.
Featured image: LGA South Australia CEO Clinton Jury (right) and President Dean Johnson (left) helping out with some revegetation works at Hayborough in November 2023. Image credit: Local Government Association of South Australia.
