Coast Protection Board Inquiry

In March this year council was advised that the Minister for the Environment and Water had referred the project to the Coast Protection Board in an effort to ensure the project is considered in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The report from the Coast Protection Board is now completed and has been publicly released.

The report findings include that the project was unlikely to have any unacceptable environmental impacts on the coastal environment (terrestrial and marine), landform and coastal processes and complies with the Board’s coastal access, environmental and hazard polices. The report proposes some additional recommendations regarding the approach to design and construction of the project which council accept.

The report should provide greater confidence that environmental and legislative requirements are being met.

A full copy of the report is available on the Department of Environment and Water's website.

The design process will include consultation with the Department of Environment and Water (Coast and Marine Branch and Marine Parks) to ensure that the potential impacts on the environment are managed throughout the construction.

Upgrade of the Existing Path

The protection of the Witton Bluff cliffs from coastal erosion has been a long-term strategy of Council and the State Government. Past works included the construction of the existing seawalls to protect the cliff from further erosion.

Investigations have been undertaken on the existing seawall to understand both the current condition of the seawall and what future adaptations would be required to allow for the impact of climate change. Future adaptations of the seawalls may include raising and widening the crest of the seawall, increasing the size of the armour rocks and the installation of a wave return wall.

It is important to note that these adaptations are not required immediately but understanding the works that may be required in the future is an important design consideration.

Ongoing monitoring of the coastline and cliff faces will continue to inform our coastal adaptation strategy and the further protection work that may be required in the future. The base trail is being designed to allow for future adaptations.