The coast is always changing. Cyclones, erosion and rising sea levels are significant challenges which need to be planned for and managed into the future. The Town is developing a Coastal Foreshore Management Plan (CFMP) to protect and enhance the stretch of coast from Marapikurrinya Park through to Six Mile Creek.
A CFMP is a plan that provides recommendations and specific actions for managing the coastline. The plan proposes ways to protect existing assets, modify or relocate assets and suggests new assets to enhance part of the coast and protect its value to the community.
The first stage of engagement for the CFMP concluded in late-August 2020 and included face-to-face meetings, surveys and workshops. The valuable insights garnered from this stage informed the development of the draft CFMP, which is now available for public comment until Wednesday 24 March.
WHAT IS a coastal foreshore management plan?
A Coastal Foreshore Management Plan (CFMP) is a plan that provides recommendations and specific actions for managing the coastline. The plan proposes ways to protect existing assets, modify or relocate assets and suggests new assets to enhance parts of the coast and protect its value to the community.
For the Town of Port Hedland, the design scenarios will take into account the impacts of coastal erosion and flooding highlighted in the 2019 Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) and studies completed after the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Veronica were reviewed.
These studies identify options to mitigate coastal hazard risks and assess the most preferable options. Options include sea walls, sand nourishment, groynes and other measures including avoiding further development in coastal areas, and some of these options are already well on the way to being delivered.
The CFMP will recommend other actions that will support implementation of the short-term requirements of the CHRMAP.
WHAT IS OUR COASTAL FUTURE?
Our Coastal Future is the public engagement campaign which informs the development of the CFMP.
WHy is the cfmp being undertaken now?
The area of coastline from Marapikurrinya Park to Pretty Pool, including Six Mile Creek Reserve, contains valuable assets such as beach stairs, seating, shelters and parkland. The area has been directly impacted by erosion and flooding over many years.
The CFMP addresses these negative impacts and proposes ways to protect and enhance the assets within this area or manage the impacts effectively. It is important to plan so that the money spent on rehabilitation and protection of the area is put into effective treatments.
WHo is preparing the CFMP?
The Town is preparing the CFMP with the assistance of a team which is made up of technical specialists in:
- Coastal management (coastal hazard and risk assessment)
- Statutory and strategic planning
- Community engagement
- Environmental science
- Landscape architecture
WHen is the cfmp being prepared?
The first stage of engagement for the CFMP concluded in late-August 2020 and included face-to-face meetings, surveys and workshops.
The information gathered from the first engagement period has been used to develop background reports and preparation of a draft CFMP. This draft will be available for public consultation later in the year.
This final public advertising period will enable the Town to understand community preferences more clearly and support the final recommendations for the study area.
The draft CFMP will be out for public comment for 30 days from Wednesday 24 February until Wednesday 24 March 2021.
A final CFMP will be presented to Council mid 2021.
By registering for the project, you will continue to be provided with project updates and opportunities to be involved in developing the recommendations.
how will the cfmp impact me?
The CFMP will propose actions and projects that help to preserve and protect natural and other infrastructure such as playgrounds, park and picnic areas. Some of the actions may include restricting or reducing access to certain areas or reducing some of the activities allowed in an area.
Having your say through the process will give us a better understanding of the impacts some of these decisions will make.
WHAT ARE THE KEY MANAGEMENT ACTIONS IN THE CFMP?
- Cleaning up cyclone damage
- Planting / revegetation for dune stabilisation and environmental reasons
- Protecting turtle nesting areas
- Education about environmental and cultural significant across the CFMP area
- Trigger based reconstruction / relocation of coastal paths and construction in more temporary materials
- Trigger based relocation of coastal assets and infrastructure further inland
- Rationalising and formalising beach access to stabilise dunal systems and associated vegetation
- Sand nourishment in areas at most risk of erosion
- Seawall construction in nominated and planned locations over the longer term with increasing coastal erosion and/or inundation risks
HOW can i be involved?
Community and stakeholder engagement is a key component of the CFMP process and your input is very important to the Town. We want to know what you value the most about your coastal lifestyle, what you would prioritise along the coast and what you consider important for a positive coastal environment.
We invite you to have your say on the draft CFMP from Wednesday 24 February until Wednesday 24 March 2021. Click here to access the consultation page.