Environment and Resource Management

Shoreline erosion management planning

Coastal erosion and its implications for communities

Cyclones can devastate coastal and island communities in Queensland and destroy our iconic beaches. Many coastal areas also experience recurring shoreline erosion problems due to natural coastal processes—including longshore transport of sand and channel migration.

Technically sound planning and shoreline management is vital in these areas to ensure infrastructure, natural systems and local amenity are protected from the impacts of coastal erosion and storm events.

Local governments generally have responsibility for beach management and commonly undertake works to protect beaches and community infrastructure from coastal erosion. Shoreline erosion is an ongoing threat to many coastal communities, and it is important for coastal councils to plan and respond to this threat in the most effective and cost-efficient way. However, effective planning for shoreline erosion requires specialist technical knowledge which some councils to may not have. The Department of Environment and Resource Management can provide technical assistance to assist councils plan for erosion.

Shoreline erosion management plans

Shoreline erosion management plans (SEMPs) are the Department's (Department of Environment and Resource Management) preferred method for local governments to address shoreline erosion issues at the local level. SEMPs enable local governments and their communities to develop effective and sustainable erosion management strategies. The department will provide technical support and advice to any local government wishing to prepare a SEMP.

SEMPs serve to:

State Government assistance for shoreline erosion management planning

The Environmental Infrastructure Program (EIP), administered by the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation commences in July 2008, and will provide local governments with a subsidy of up to 50 per cent to meet a broad range of environmental management needs - including stormwater quality improvements, solid waste recycling or disposal, landfill rehabilitation, erosion control and flood mitigation.

The Queensland Government has decided to bring forward $1million in EIP funding as a specific source of grant funding (of up to 50%) to help local governments in cyclone-affected areas prepare Shoreline Erosion Management Plans (SEMPs). This funding will be available from 1 July 2007 and applications for funding will be accepted by the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation from early 2007.

The new SEMP funding scheme will help ensure erosion mitigation project proposals put forward by councils under the full Environmental Infrastructure Program, commencing July 2008, are effective and sustainable. Project proposals, which are consistent with a SEMP, will have a much greater chance of receiving works funding.

Access to the early funding for shoreline erosion management planning

The Queensland Government will provide local government with a grant of up to 50 per cent of the total project costs associated with preparing SEMPs. An invitation to apply for funding will be made in early 2007 by the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation.

For more information on developing a shoreline erosion management plan

The department has developed a guideline Preparation of a shoreline erosion management plan to assist local governments.

Additional specific advice on coastal erosion and state and regional coastal management plans:

Enquiries can be directed to coastal.support@derm.qld.gov.au.

 

Last updated 7 February 2012

Coastal management

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