This consultation has closed. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Project update July 2023 - Options for managing changes in our coast

The City of Onkaparinga has started the process of preparing a Coastal Adaptation Plan. You can provide feedback on the coastal adaptation options we are considering for the higher risk locations.

The Coastal Adaptation Plan will provide a planned response to the recommendations of the 2021 Coastal Adaptation Study.

The study shows that there are sections (referred to as ‘cells’) of the Onkaparinga coastline that are generally stable but require ongoing monitoring to identify and respond to future risks. There are other sections of the coast with a higher level of risk. In these areas, we will need to identify options for responding to the risks. Details of the status of each cell can be found in the Coastal Adaptation Study cell fact sheets and reports.

The process of exploring options for how we adapt to coastal change is an important step in developing the Coastal Adaptation Plan. It’s about using an evidence-based approach to make sure we are taking the right actions in the right locations so we can continue to enjoy the things we love about our coast.

Coastal adaptation options analysis

The goal of the options analysis is to consider a range of possible approaches to manage changes in our coastline. The options we consider are shaped by what we know about the levels of current and future risk to our coast. This information was captured in the 2021 City of Onkaparinga Coastal Adaptation Study.

We are considering a two-stage process to undertake an initial assessment of the adaptation options for the different cells along the Onkaparinga coast.

The options analysis has identified:

• Sixteen locations that do not require further analysis at this stage. These sites will be actively monitored over time.
• Eight locations that do not require further analysis at this stage, but require a specific approach to monitoring changes in the coast, or further investigation of a particular issue. This is because specific risks are expected to present as sea levels rise, or because further investigation is needed about a particular coastal issue.
• Eight locations that require a detailed adaptation options analysis now because of the higher level of current or future risk.

For information about the outcome of the Adaption Options Analysis and the locations that have been identified as needing action now, visit the Frequently Asked Questions or you can read the full Progress Report.

Help us shape our Coastal Adaptation Plan

You can provide feedback on the coastal adaptation options we are considering for the higher risk locations as well as the kinds of things we should be considering as we develop our Coastal Adaptation Plan.

In August, we will be hosting three community drop-in sessions, and an online webinar, where you can:

• Learn more about the Coastal Adaptation Study that underpins the plan
• Explore the options we are considering for managing changes in our coast
• Let us know what’s important to you as we develop the Coastal Adaptation Plan
• Register your interest to become a coastal ‘citizen scientist’.

The sessions will be held:

If you can’t make these sessions, you can also watch the webinar below and provide your feedback and/or register to become a coastal citizen scientist by completing the short survey below.

Consultation is open until 10 September 2023.

Further information

• FAQs - Exploring options for managing changes in our coast
• Coastal Adaptation Plan Options Progress Report

What are the next steps?

The valuable input received from the community and stakeholders through this engagement will be used to prepare a draft Onkaparinga Coastal Adaptation Plan. This Plan will outline our principles and strategic priorities for managing coastal change. It will also contain the specific adaptation options for each coastal cell that responds to our evidence-based understanding of current and future risks.

There will be a further round of consultation on a draft Coastal Adaptation Plan before it is finalised and implemented as a long-term guide for decision making about how we can look after our coastline. The Coastal Adaptation Plan Planning and Engagement Process outlines the project timeline.