Capel joins coast protectors with risk management plan

The Shire of Capel’s coastline is set to be protected by a joint coastal risk management plan to help tackle future problems and allow the community to understand coastal hazard impacts. Managed by the Peron-Naturaliste partnership with the City of Bunbury, shires of Dardanup and Harvey, Southern Ports Authority and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan will help the shire identify coastal hazards, risks and adaptation measures for Capel so it can plan for the management of the coastline. The council’s decision to participate in a joint CHRMAP will bring the estimated cost down from $150,000 as a solo project to a contribution between $15,000 and $35,000 for the joint plan. Capel’s 27km of sandy beaches is significantly impacted by coastal hazards such as erosion from wind, waves and coastal currents and inundation from storm surges and extreme wave heights. The vulnerability of the shire’s coastline to these hazards is expected to increase over time, with additional stress from impacts associated with climate change. Cr Doug Kitchen said coastal erosion would be a significant issue going forward and was an important regional issue. “This program is looking at it from a regional perspective,” Cr Kitchen said. Cr Sebastian Schiano said it was important to bring attention to coastal erosion. “This is about how we can mitigate and deal with that on many levels, including the way we plan in the future,” Cr Schiano said. “A great example is the Dalyellup foreshore and the things we have to consider for erosion in the future.” Cr Schiano referenced the damage done to the Rockingham foreshore from the recent severe storms as an example of what could happen from coastal hazards. “Joining with neighbours is the most beneficial way to approach this,” he said. “I don’t think we’d be able to do this on our own.”