Coastal adaptation options analysis

The City of Onkaparinga has started the process of preparing a Coastal Adaptation Plan which will provide a planned response to the recommendations of the 2021 City of Onkaparinga 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.

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

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

The options analysis 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 Coastal Adaptation Plan Options Progress Report.

Engagement to inform development of the Coastal Adaptation Plan

Between 18 July and 10 September 2023 we engaged with stakeholders and the community on potential adaptation options for the higher risk locations. This included an online survey, community drop-in sessions, a webinar and workshop sessions at schools. Through the engagement, community members could also register their interest in participating in citizen science to help monitor the coast.

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.