Project update: January 20, 2023

Workshops will turn the tide on coastal hazards

See a wave tank in action when environmental consultants Alluvium visit our region next month.

The wave tank simulates the ocean’s movements to demonstrate how different combinations of coastal defences and wave and tide conditions can affect issues such as wave overtopping and flood risk.

Alluvium will be hosting four community workshops in February as part of the Mackay Coast Our Future program, which will include coastal erosion and storm tide inundation displays and maps, and opportunities to discuss possible adaptation options for the region.

Mayor Greg Williamson said the workshops would allow residents to gain a better understanding of what adaptation options would be most suitable for specific locations in our region.

“When you install a barrier like a seawall to help protect the coastline, the water has to go somewhere,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The purpose of the wave tank is to demonstrate that not every adaptation option is suitable for every location,” he said.

“We want to take proactive action to protect our region’s coasts and foreshores from the future effects of climate change and coastal hazards, such as erosion, storm tide inundation and rising sea levels.”

The Mackay Coast Our Future study aims to determine what adaptation options are best suited to the areas that have the most risk of these coastal hazards in our region.

Council conducted two surveys last year to gather feedback on how residents use the coast and what knowledge they had in relation to coastal adaptation options.

“Next month’s workshops will be an opportunity for residents to learn from experts about what coastal hazards exist in their area and what adaptation options make the most sense,” Mayor Williamson said.

Residents are invited to attend one of the following workshops:
> Thursday, February 2, from 11am to 1pm at the Jubilee Community Centre
> Thursday, February 2, from 4pm to 6pm at Seaforth Community Hall
> Friday, February 3, from 4pm to 6pm at Llewellyn Hall, Armstrong Beach
> Saturday, February 4, from 1pm to 3.30pm at Eimeo Surf Life Saving Club

No bookings are required.

Recent results of the Mackay Coast Our Future surveys revealed:

• The top three reasons that attract people to live and visit our region are:
  > Outdoor experiences and recreational opportunities (boating, fishing, camping, 4WD etc)
  > Unique landscapes and natural beauty
  > Access to the beaches
• 68 per cent of respondents visited the beach or foreshore weekly, with 43 per cent visiting the beach two to three times a week
• 49 per cent of respondents believe there is a lot more planning and preparation required to prepare for coastal hazards
• 49 per cent of respondents have been affected by coastal hazards
• 63 per cent of respondents believe they have a good to expert understanding of potential coastal hazards such as sea levels rising and changing storm tide intensity.

Mackay Coast Our Future is funded under the QCoast₂₁₀₀ program, which is funded by the State Government and administered in partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland.

Click here to learn more about Mackay Coast Our Future study and subscribe to project update emails.

Click here to read the full values survey feedback summary document.