Coastal communities are vulnerable to sea level rise, coastal inundation, flooding and dune recession in our changing climate. In responding to these risks, local councils must actively collect data that informs practical decision making, and provide the opportunity for capacity and resilience building amongst staff, community, and other stakeholders in the mitigation and adaptation responses.

Hazard Maps

An online erosion and inundation mapping tool has been developed.  The erosion and inundation mapping tool has been developed based on the following:-

• Coastline categorised as sand, soft rock or hard rock.  Visit the Coast Adapt website for details http://coastadapt.com.au/coastadapt-interactive-map#-35.929463,137.175408,10
• Prevailing wave direction and set up
• Sea level rise of 30cm by 2050 and 100cm by 2100
• Bruun Factor 50 and 100
  The theoretical amount of shoreline recession that results from seal level rise.  Bruun Factor 100 shoreline recedes horizontally 100 times the vertical rise.  Bruun Factor 50 shoreline recedes horizontally 50 times the vertical rise. 
• MHWS (Mean Height Water in Spring)
  Average height of two successive high tides during spring when rage of the tide is greatest.
• AEP 1% (Annual Exceedence Probability)
  The measure of the likelihood (expressed as probability) of an event equalling or exceeding a given magnitude in any given year.

The online erosion and inundation mapping tool will be available for use in August 2018 aligning with Community Workshop 1.  Below are samples of what the mapping tool is predicting:

The Project

Kangaroo Island Council obtained funding through the Natural Disaster Resilience Program to undertake a pilot coastal hazard mapping project for sections of the Kangaroo Island coast (subject to LiDAR data availability).   

The focus on coastal hazards associated with current and projected sea level rise aligns with the outcomes of the Resilient Hills and Coasts (RH&C) Regional Climate Change Adaptation Plan, which identified built coastal assets as one of four priority areas of adaptation on Kangaroo Island. 

The key outputs of the project are:

• Detailed modelling using LiDAR data to develop future erosion and flood scenarios.
• Analysis of the modelling to inform decision making.
• Development of a communication and engagement strategy aimed at working with the community to build capacity and resilience.
• Final report that assesses response options and makes recommendations to Kangaroo Island Council on adaptation actions.
• Preparation and distribution of a case study to promote and inform similar exercises in other council areas.