Coastal Adaptation Plans

Coastal Adaptation Plans

Erosion is a naturally occurring process impacting many parts of Victoria’s coastline.

Coasts are dynamic environments impacted by storms that are increasing in severity and frequency due to climate change.

At some locations this erosion is occurring at a fast rate and is impacting important community assets or infrastructure.

To plan for and mitigate these impacts, DELWP works with other relevant authorities to develop new Coastal Adaptation Plans.

The plans identify short and long-term options for authorities to manage the impacts.

All plans and potential mitigation options are prepared in line with the Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 that aims to reduce environmental impacts through an adaptive approach over new and existing physical infrastructure where possible.

More information on the Marine and Coast Policy 2020 here: https://www.marineandcoasts.vic.gov.au/coastal-management/marine-and-coastal-policy

Wye River

At Wye River, the estuary opening has undergone movement in an easterly direction. This has resulted in some recession of the dune system, impacts to beach access and risks to local assets including the surf lifesaving club ramp due to erosion.

The Wye River Coastal Adaptation Strategy will identify what the dominant processes influencing estuary opening and movements at Wye River are and recommend possible measures to address the issues.

To address immediate impacts of the estuary shifting east, the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has completed short-term remedial works, including sand renourishment and scraping to minimise further erosion of the foreshore, damage to the boat access ramp and improve public safety.

These actions will help reduce further impacts while the adaptation plan is developed.

‘What We Heard’ Wye River Community Consultation (PDF, 924.4 KB)

Eastern View

Sections of Eastern View has experienced high levels of erosion and action is required to avoid further damage to localised infrastructure, habitat and improve beach amenity.

The Eastern View Coastal Adaptation Plan will investigate short and longer-term solutions to coastal hazards between Devil’s Elbow to Coalmine Creek (Memorial Arch).

Adaptation options to coastal hazards will seek to understand current community usage, and how coastal processes will affect the site under a changing climate.

‘What We Heard’ Eastern View Community Consultation (PDF, 761.8 KB)

Eastern View Coastal Adaptation Plan (PDF, 14.5 MB)

Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove is a high-energy ocean beach exposed to Southern Ocean swell and wind waves generated in Bass Strait, which drive sediment transport processes on the shoreline.

Consequently, the beach experiences changes in width and occasional erosion of the back-shore area during storms. There is currently increased erosion which has impacted assets and infrastructure such as access stairs.

Hodgson Street Coastal Adaptation Plan will focus on the beach area between Presidents Ave (14W beach accessway) and Hodgson Street (13W beach accessway).

It will assess the vulnerability of the site to coastal hazards, such as sea level rise and identify measures than can be implemented over time to respond to these hazards.

Community consultation occurred in Ocean Grove in June 2021 at several local drop in sessions.

Here is what we heard:

• Ocean Grove Coastal Adaptation Plan Community Consultation 'What We Heard' (PDF, 237.8 KB)
• Ocean Grove Coastal Adaptation Plan Community Consultation 'What We Heard' (DOCX, 629.2 KB)

Portland Cliffs

The coastal cliffs at Portland are continually changing in response to natural landscape processes. The cliffs are composed of many varied layers of sedimentary rock which differ in age, thickness, origin, and hardness and include soft clays, basalt and sandy limestone. Due to the geological variability present they are particularly vulnerable to ongoing erosion from heavy rainfall, wind and coastal processes leading to landslips.

In particular, the area north of Nun’s Beach towards Anderson Point, has been identified as posing a significant and immediate risk to public safety. Sections of the cliff in this area have deteriorated to a point where there is potential for a large-scale failure, such as cliff collapse or landslide, and that this could happen suddenly and without warning.

DELWP has engaged a consultant to prepare a coastal risk-based adaptation plan for Portland Cliffs. The plan will be prepared consistent with the pathways approach outlined in the Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 to inform the adaptation options and management actions from Anderson Point through to Nun’s beach to address cliff landslides and rockfall risks.

The plan will factor in existing technical, risk and scientific information and community values.

The Portland community is invited to attend an upcoming listening post event to discuss the next steps of coastal erosion management. This will occur from 10am – 1pm on Saturday 8 October at the Portland Lighthouse.

Adaptation options recommended in the plan will aim to preserve the amenity of the cliffs where possible, and improve safety for all users of Portland’s coastal cliffs.

What We Heard Portland Cliffs October 2022 (PDF, 755.9 KB)

Queenscliff Dog Beach

At ‘Dog Beach’ the erosion is impacting the dune system that forms part of the thin piece of land known as the ‘Narrows’ which links Queenscliff with the Bellarine Peninsula. The 300 metre stretch of beach has experienced erosion following the extension of the Point Lonsdale rock revetment where a large terminal scour has evolved. As a result, the dune face has become steep and unstable posing a public safety risk for users of the area.

To plan for and mitigate these impacts, DELWP is working with the Borough of Queenscliffe, key stakeholders and community to better understand the values, hazards, risks, and adaptation options for the site.

The project will follow the pathway approach in the Marine and Coastal Policy 2020 to inform future management of the area. Actions identified can be implemented over time prompted by trigger points informed by ongoing monitoring.

Community consultation occurred at Dog Beach and online in March 2022 and in May 2022. Here is what we heard:

What We Heard - Listening post 27 March 2022

What We Heard - Open house and survey 29 May 2022

Queenscliff Dog Beach Coastal Adaptation Report

Consultation

Community engagement is an essential component of finalising the plans and authorities will be seeking local input.

Local information will help shape the strategies and provide valuable insights into how the community values and uses the areas as well as how these coastal environments have changed over time.

Details of community consultation for each adaptation plan will be available shortly.