LGA South Australia yesterday hosted an in-person workshop with local councils seeking feedback on the SA Climate Ready Coasts program and draft guidelines for coastal hazard adaptation.
The extensive consultation workshop was held in Millicent and was one of five to take place around the state.
LGA South Australia chief executive Clinton Jury said the workshops were being held to provide an opportunity for councils to discuss the overall direction of LGA’s SA Climate Ready Coasts program, give direct input into what is working well and what’s missing, and make comment on draft Coastal Hazard Adaptation Planning Guidelines.
Mr Jury said the SA Climate Ready Coasts program will deliver a series of connected projects, like the guidelines, over the next two years and it’s important for councils to give feedback as it progresses.
“Coastal management presents a difficult challenge for all levels of government, with climate change contributing to rising sea levels and stronger storms that batter our beaches,” Mr Jury said.
“South Australia has some of the most beautiful coastline in the world and if we want to preserve it for future generations to enjoy, we need to act now.
“Councils know their communities and local area and their feedback is invaluable in helping us finalise the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Planning guidelines, which will detail how local governments can mitigate against coastal damage into the future.”
The SA Climate Ready Coasts program is being delivered by the LGA South Australia along with several partners including the SA Coast Protection Board, Department for Environment and Water (DEW), Adelaide Coastal Councils Network and SA Coastal Councils Alliance.
It seeks to accelerate efforts to protect South Australia’s coastlines from changing climate, while the guidelines once complete will give councils a framework to help prepare their own Coastal Hazard Adaptation Plan.
DEW Coast Manager David Osborn said the SA Climate Ready Coasts program was a highly constructive partnership and the upcoming workshops would be invaluable.
“We value this partnership as it provides a great opportunity for the state government and the LGA to work closely with coastal councils to proactively prepare targeted measures to combat rising sea levels and climate change,” he said.
“This workshop series will provide a timely forum for councils to share their local knowledge and insights to help us all plan to protect our coastal communities.”
Consultation on the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Planning Guidelines will close on September 30.
