Key Takeaways:
- Coastal erosion is a significant issue in Australia, with many communities experiencing loss of land and property due to the encroaching sea.
- Climate change is contributing to coastal erosion, with changes in weather patterns and sea levels affecting the coastline.
- The question of who is responsible for addressing coastal erosion is complex, with ownership of the beach and funding for solutions being major issues.
- Current solutions, such as seawalls and sand nourishment, are not sustainable in the long term and may not be effective in stopping erosion forever.
- Communities are looking for new approaches to address coastal erosion, including adaptive development and public education.
Introduction to Coastal Erosion
Most Australians live near the coast, but the coastline is disappearing due to erosion. In Western Australia, the Gingin Shire is experiencing significant coastal erosion, with a popular lookout in Lancelin being demolished due to the encroaching sea. The shire’s president, Linda Balcombe, notes that coastal erosion is an emotive issue for the community, with many residents feeling scared and angry about the loss of their coastline.
The Impact of Coastal Erosion
Coastal erosion is not just a local issue, but a national problem. In Victoria, the Inverloch surf beach has lost over 70 meters of foreshore since 2012, with the local surf lifesaving club struggling to keep its clubhouse standing. The club’s president, Glenn Arnold, notes that the damage is ongoing and that the community is frustrated with the lack of funding to address the issue. In other parts of the country, houses are falling into the ocean, and jetties are being left stranded due to shifting sands.
The Causes of Coastal Erosion
Coastal erosion is not a new issue, but climate change is exacerbating the problem. According to coastal engineer Angus Gordon, the key factor is not sea level rise, but a shift in the latitude of weather systems. This shift is causing changes in wave patterns, which are eroding the coastline. Gordon notes that building permanent structures in an inherently changing environment is at the crux of the issue, and that we need to adopt a more adaptive approach to development.
Who is Responsible for Coastal Erosion?
The question of who is responsible for addressing coastal erosion is complex. The issue of ownership of the beach is a key factor, with many beaches being privately owned. The public trust doctrine, which dates back to Roman times, gives the public the right to access the foreshore, but this does not necessarily mean that the government is responsible for maintaining it. In reality, the cost of addressing coastal erosion often falls to local councils, which may not have the resources to fund solutions.
Solutions to Coastal Erosion
There are several techniques that can be used to stop or slow down coastal erosion, including building seawalls and pylons, sandbagging, and sand nourishment. However, these solutions are often expensive and may not be effective in the long term. In Inverloch, a federal grant of $3.3 million has been allocated to address the issue, but the local council is concerned that it will not be enough. In Lancelin, the council is looking into sharing the cost of addressing coastal erosion with private landowners.
Looking to the Long Term
Even with funding, the current solutions to coastal erosion may not be sustainable in the long term. Angus Gordon notes that non-adaptive structures, such as seawalls, may only provide a temporary solution and that the coastline will continue to change. The Gingin Shire is taking a proactive approach, implementing new rules that require developments to be adaptive and able to be moved if necessary. The shire is also noting the risk of erosion on property titles, to ensure that buyers are aware of the potential risks. By taking a more adaptive approach to development and educating the public about coastal erosion, we may be able to find more effective solutions to this complex issue.
