The City has taken another step in planning for the long-term management of coastal erosion and coastal hazards, with a new research report noted by Council which identifies a range of adaptation options that could help protect the coastline into the future.
Prepared by Griffith University and International Coastal Management Consulting, the Alternative Coastal Adaptation Options Research Report examines existing, emerging and innovative coastal adaptation measures used across Australia and internationally. The research assessed whether these approaches could be suitable for application along the City's coastline.
The report forms part of the ongoing development of the City's Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP), a strategic planning document required by the Western Australian Planning Commission to identify and manage coastal hazards over the next 100 years in accordance with State Planning Policy No. 2.6.
The research report will help inform future stages of the draft CHRMAP. The report will also inform further site-specific assessments which will be undertaken in areas experiencing significant coastal erosion.
The outcomes from the Alternative Coastal Adaptation Options Research Report align with community preferences for low visibility and nature-based solutions whilst acknowledging that structural options can form a part of future adaptation pathways.
It is important to note that identifying a potential adaptation option does not mean it will be adopted by the City. Different options, and combinations of options, will be applicable to different sections of the City’s coastline and they will vary depending on the characteristics and vulnerability of specific locations. Any future adaptation options will be subject to detailed technical assessment, further investigations and community consultation.
In 2026-27, the City will be undertaking a Coastal Hazard Assessment to further progress the CHRMAP and a Hillarys-Kallaroo Detailed Adaptation Options Assessment to identify suitable site specific adaptation options using the outcomes from the research report.
The City will continue to undertake additional studies and assessments to support the development of the draft CHRMAP. Findings from the research report will be considered alongside coastal monitoring data, technical advice and other supporting investigations as part of this process. Future stages of the City’s coastal hazard planning will be informed by feedback from the CHRMAP Community Reference Group, CHRMAP Technical Steering Group, Council and the community, where relevant.
Further information about the City’s CHRMAP process and a copy of the research report can be found here: Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP)