Community input on the agenda

THE District Council of Grant is inviting residents and interested community members to attend the next round of Community Workshops to contribute to council’s Coastal Adaptation Strategy.

The project aims to identify coastal hazards such as erosion and flooding, assess the associated risks for each of the council’s coastal townships, and evaluate practical adaptation options to help protect and strengthen our coastal communities into the future.

District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston said council was proud to be working closely with the coastal communities to create this strategy.

“Our coastline is one of our region’s most valued assets, and we know that the challenges of erosion are expected to increase in future years,” Mayor Boston said. “These workshops are a vital opportunity for residents to help shape a strategy that reflects their local knowledge, values and priorities.

“Together, we can create practical solutions that protect our coastal communities for years to come.”

The Coastal Adaptation Strategy focuses specifically on investigating adaptation strategies for the townships of Carpenter Rocks, Pelican Point, Blackfellows Caves, Nene Valley, Cape Douglas, Port MacDonnell, Racecourse Bay, Eight Mile Creek and Donovans.

In March this year, a round of Community Workshops were held in Port MacDonnell and Carpenter Rocks proving an opportunity to learn about potential coastal hazards and contribute to the early planning stages of the strategy.

Following the review of initial feedback and development of a Draft Coastal Adaptation Strategy, council is now holding a second round of workshops on:

• Wednesday 7 May 2025 | 4pm to 5pmDonovans Community Hall (10 Adams Street, Donovans)

• Wednesday 7 May 2025 | 6pm to 8pmPort MacDonnell Community Complex (5–7 Charles Street, Port MacDonnell)

• Thursday 8 May 2025 | 6pm to 8pmCarpenter Rocks Community Hall (26–44 Carpenter Rocks Road, Carpenter Rocks)

The workshops will give community members a chance to review the draft strategy in detail, speak directly with the council’s coastal management expert, ask questions to better understand the potential impacts on their community and provide valuable feedback on the proposed adaptation measures.

Chief executive officer Darryl Whicker explained that every resident has a part to play in how the coastline is managed and protected for the future.

“Through collaboration and forward planning, we aim to build resilience across our coastal townships with the outcomes of the Coastal Adaptation Strategy to be a shared responsibility between Council, Government and our community,” Mr Whicker said.

“The strategy will allow council to prioritise adaptation projects in the coming years and position well for future grant funding opportunities to help bring these important initiatives to life.

“Council encourages all residents within our coastal communities to attend a workshop and take an active role in understanding adaptation, risks and mitigation to shape the future of our coastline.”

Interested community members are also encouraged to find out more about the Coastal Adaptation Strategy online via Your Say DCG – Coastal Adaptation Strategy | Your Say DCG.

Broader community consultation will follow both rounds of workshops allowing the wider District Council of Grant community an opportunity to review the Draft Coastal Adaptation Strategy and provide feedback.