Have your say on the future of our coast

DISTRICT Council of Grant is inviting residents and interested community members to have their say on the draft Coastal Adaptation Strategy now open for community consultation.

The draft Strategy outlines how council proposes to respond to long-term coastal hazards, including erosion, flooding and storm impacts, while supporting the liveability and resilience of the district’s coastal townships into the future.

District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston said the release of the draft strategy was an important step in planning for a changing coastline.

“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. “This draft strategy combines technical assessments, and local knowledge and priorities so we can plan for the future with confidence.”

The document builds on a series of community workshops held earlier this year in Port MacDonnell, Carpenter Rocks and Donovans.

These sessions allowed community members to better understand the project and ask questions about the potential impacts of coastal erosion and flooding in the district with Council’s coastal management expert.

Community members also provided valuable input on initial adaptation options for council to implement to safeguard townships.

District Council of Grant chief executive officer Darryl Whicker sad the strategy will provide an important framework for long-term decision-making.

“We are encouraging everyone with an interest in our coast to review the draft Coastal Adaptation Strategy and share their thoughts,” Mr Whicker said. “By outlining clear adaptation pathways, the draft Strategy supports Council, Government and our communities to work together on practical solutions that strengthen resilience over time.

“It also puts Council in a strong position to seek future external grant funding for priority adaptation projects in the coming years.”

The community is now invited to review the draft Coastal Adaptation Strategy and provide feedback during the consultation period.

The draft Coastal Adaptation Strategy can be viewed online via Your Say DCG at yoursaydcg.com.au/coastal-adaptation-strategy, with hard copies available at Council’s Principal Office and Port MacDonnell Community Complex.

Feedback must be submitted to the District Council of Grant by 5pm Friday, December 12.