Changing coastline conversations continue into next phase

Council will embark on its next phase of consultations along the Isaac Coast to continue conversations for an evidence-based plan to adapt to a changing coastline. 

Four community pop ups will roll out at Carmila, Clairview, Greenhill and St Lawrence between 11-19 March 2022 to provide feedback on the draft Our Resilient Coast: Isaac Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy.

Isaac Regional Council, with support from QCoast 2100 program, is planning for long-term change to the region’s coastline though the draft strategy.

This project is different to the recent changes exhibited in the new Isaac Region Planning Scheme, it provides a holistic strategy to respond to the impacts of storm-tide inundation and coastal erosion as they are influenced by sea level rise.

Deputy Mayor Kelly Vea Vea, who is the chair of the Planning, Environment and Community Services standing committee, said the region needs a strategy to plan, prepare and respond to coastal hazards over time, with emphasis on community awareness and infrastructure resilience. 

“Building the resilience of our coastline is one of our top priorities. To do this we need to understand how our coast is impacted by coastal hazards today and in the future,” Cr Vea Vea said.

“Understanding current and future coastal hazards, their risks and impact on our community allows us to proactively plan, prepare and respond to them over time.

“We have been open with the community in relation to this process and we are ensuring this due diligence continues since it started more than seven years ago.

Cr Vea Vea said understanding what matters most to residents on the coast will help us plan and identify ways to reduce coastal hazard impacts on these important areas.

“Each coastal community in the Isaac region is different and requires unique adaptation actions,” Cr Vea Vea said.

“This project will help inform future decisions to adapt to coastal changes. It will help to inform coordinated responses, and prioritise actions for Council, other levels of government, community organisations, businesses and industry, and residents.”

Division 8 Councillor Viv Coleman said the Isaac coastal region is made up of four small, discreet coastal communities, sandy beaches with low profile dune systems fronted by broad inter-tidal flats, separated by extensive estuarine wetlands.

“The region has the largest tidal range on mainland Queensland, with a range in the order of seven metres,” Cr Coleman said.

“We are reaching out to you as a landowner on the Isaac coast as some of the findings of this strategy may affect your property and other facilities, infrastructure and places you value along the coast.”

Public notification of the Draft Our Resilient Coast Strategy is now open for all members of the community to provide feedback and will close on 4 April 2022.

The community pop ups where you can hear more about the strategy, chat to Council and share your thoughts are at the following dates, times and locations:

For those who are unable visit the pop up sessions in person can head online  https://speakup.isaac.qld.gov.au/our-resilient-coast to view the draft strategy and to provide feedback.