Have your say on coastline future

WATTLE Range Council is encouraging the community to have their say on the Draft Beachport Coastal Adaptation Strategy, with feedback now open until Monday, July 6.

Following several years of research, modelling and consultation with key stakeholders and the community, council have developed the draft Beachport Coastal Adaptation Strategy in partnership with engineering and consulting specialists FSC Range.

The draft Strategy sets out a long-term plan to manage coastal hazards in Beachport, including erosion and inundation, through to the year 2100. It outlines how council may respond to future coastal events, with proposed adaptation actions linked to specific trigger points such as severe storms or gradual shoreline change.

The consultation period follows community information sessions held in Beachport on Apri 30l and online on May 6.

These sessions gave residents the opportunity to learn more about the Strategy, ask questions and share their views on how coastal risks should be managed into the future.

However, attendance at the sessions was low, resulting in limited feedback.

Council’s Director for Engineering Peter Halton said it was important more community members review the draft and share their views.

“Coastal adaptation is a long-term process and the decisions we make now will have lasting impacts on the Beachport coastline,” he said.

“While we appreciated those who attended the sessions, we need to hear from more of the community. If you have feedback or concerns, now is the time to speak up.”

The strategy is a key step in planning for the future of Beachport and will also help support future funding applications to State and Federal governments for coastal protection and adaptation works.

Council has provided several opportunities for community input throughout the development of the strategy and is encouraging residents, property owners and interested stakeholders to review the draft documents and help shape the final outcome.

The Draft Beachport Coastal Adaptation Strategy and supporting technical report are available at www.engage.wattlerange.sa.gov.au, where feedback can be submitted until July 6.