Managing WA Coastal Erosion

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan has called on the Commonwealth Government to work with State and local governments to manage coastal erosion across the country.

The State Government today released a comprehensive report outlining the scope and scale of coastal erosion across Western Australia, and potential options for managing areas of risk.

The report itself was commissioned to gain a better understanding of where coastal erosion is expected to have a significant impact on public and private property or infrastructure over the next 25 years.

It identifies 55 locations across Western Australia – 15 metropolitan and 40 regional – that have varying levels of risk that will need collaborative solutions. An additional 31 locations have been placed on a watch-list for future monitoring.

The estimated cost for managing the 55 locations could be up to $110 million over the next five years, with additional funding required in the long term.

“Managing coastal erosion should not just fall onto the lap of local and state governments, especially given the negative impact climate change is having on our coastlines,” said Premier Mark McGowan. 

“The Commonwealth response to climate change needs to prioritize coastal action and I look forward to discussing this further with my Federal and State counterparts.”

Planning Minister Rita Saffioti added: “This report is a step forward for all levels of government to better understand the challenges posed by coastal erosion in years to come.

“While there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to managing coastal erosion, the outcomes of this study will help us refine our coastal management strategy and better allocate resources.

“We now have a list of 55 locations to focus our efforts on and we will work with all levels of government and with coastal managers to find ways to address the challenges.

“In the past decade more than $16 million in State funding has been invested in projects to improve planning and management of Western Australia’s coastal assets.”

Findings include a broad evaluation of coastal management options – which along with more detailed local coastal hazard risk management and adaptation planning – will inform future funding considerations and priorities for the coastal zone.