We’re working to protect the things you love about Moreton Bay Coast
Published 14 October 2021
Moreton Bay Regional Council has taken one big step towards better understanding and planning for how we protect and manage our region’s beloved coastline.
With input from over 1,000 people from across our region we have achieved the first milestone in the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS) process by capturing our communities’ experiences, concerns and ideas for how we address the hazards, and protect our coastline for current and future generations.
Mayor Peter Flannery said, while we can’t fight the power of the wind and waves eroding our beaches and waterways, we can better understand and manage the impacts it has on our communities to ensure we are better prepared and more resilient.
“With 294 kilometres of stunning coastline and flourishing estuaries, our coastal areas are a core part of the Moreton Bay experience—contributing to recreation and leisure, business and economic activity, history and culture, environment and our local lifestyle”, he said.
“We know our waterways are a massive drawcard for tourists, so we need our bays and beaches not only looking great but supporting vibrant healthy ecosystems for our flora and fauna.
“The CHAS is one way Council is taking action so our coastal environments and estuaries continue to thrive, especially in the face of rapid population growth.
“We are also grappling with the local impacts of climate change so it’s these initiatives that will guide our work, modernise future planning schemes and protect our local economy from any potential long-term effects.
Given our vast coastline, there are certainly parts of the region that are more susceptible to change from natural hazards including coastal erosion, storm tide inundation and predicted sea-level rise and most coastal communities have at one time, or another, experienced these effects first-hand.
Mayor Flannery said, by understanding what’s important to locals, we can develop strategies that address the needs and interests of land and asset owners, and coastal communities.
“The CHAS engagement summary report gives us that shared understanding to help inform appropriate coastal management options for the Moreton Bay Region.
“Our coastal communities spoke loud and clear that preserving scenic amenity and protecting natural ecosystems are extremely important priorities.
“And while there is no one-size-fits-all solution, we need to think smarter and find the right balance between people, liveability and the environment.
“This might include regenerative options like beach nourishment, new or improved infrastructure like seawalls, changes to the way we plan, more sustainable building design, or changes to how we manage and care for natural and recreational areas.
“I am very committed to this CHAS process because like you I want future generations to enjoy the same incredible natural areas we have today.
“I want to one day take my grandkids to our beautiful beaches and bushland areas, so we need to continue working together to protect these important environmental assets in our region”, he said.
The CHAS is a long-term plan to ensure Council, service providers, businesses and communities are ready to meet the challenges of coastal change well into the future.
Given the importance of this work, we have established a Community Reference Group so we can continue to understand how changes in sea level may impact coastal communities, explore historical and current climate risks, and help us develop a range of solutions.
A series of community engagement activities and additional drop-in sessions will also take place giving interested residents the opportunity to have their say on our draft coastal management planning.
The report is available on the project webpage at Your Say Moreton Bay