Coastal Hazard Mapping Project
Climate change and sea level rise are some of the largest issues facing all levels of Government in Australia today. Kangaroo Island Council acknowledge this challenge and identified the need for a means to communicate the issues to the community, stakeholders and politicians.
The Coastal Hazard Strategy was developed with Seed Consulting by combining technical analysis with an engagement process that involved elected members, key external stakeholders and the broader community. The technical analysis was undertaken by Water Technology, and was based on an erosion and inundation hazard risk assessment that is contained in the Technical Report. This generated Online Mapping Tool showing potential future erosion and inundation for each of the priority settlements.
The Coastal Hazard Strategy Report was adopted by Council in the March 2019 Council Meeting.
Key findings and recommendations from the Coastal Hazards Strategy Report
- The settlements at greatest risk from coastal hazards are:
American River (inundation risk)
Nepean Bay and Brownlow (erosion and inundation risk) - Western Cove as a broader area faces risks from both inundation and erosion exacerbated by overland flow at the same time as a storm surge.
- Critical infrastructure will be exposed to increasing risk including Hog Bay Road, electricity supply, water supply and CWMS infrastructure.
- 136 private properties are at high risk of being impacted by 2050 and by 2100 there are 277 at extreme risk.
Overall, the priority recommendations from the Strategy Report are:
- Raise community awareness about potential impacts. As part of this it is important that the community understands that insurance coverage does not normally extend to storm surge events;
- Further modelling of overland flow combined with potential coastal hazards of inundation and erosion;
- Review the Development Plan to ensure appropriate building requirements are adhered to in high risk areas so that new buildings can accommodate inundation;
- Develop a Community Emergency Management Plans for American River, Nepean Bay and Brownlow;
- Review Council Infrastructure Asset Management Plans, particularly Council’s Road Hierarchy, Levels of Service, annual budget prioritisation matrixes and maintenance programmes;
- Protecting coastal vegetation; and
- Monitoring erosion and inundation extent and impacts.
What is the Kangaroo Island Online Mapping Tool?
The Online Mapping Tool is a means to provide the community, stakeholders and politicians with information and power to make informed decisions by providing information on potential risks to start the conversation on how and when we respond.
The purpose of this tool is to see what areas may be subject to inundation, and to identify those areas where we need to better understand the extent of the effects of inundation.
How do I use it?
Instructions are available here.
