Hinchinbrook Shire Council has adopted a local shoreline erosion management strategy following two years of investigations, knowledge sharing workshops, community consultation and analysis.
The final draft Hinchinbrook Shire Shoreline Erosion Management Plan (SEMP) has now been submitted to the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science for review and endorsement.
“Changes in environmental conditions, offshore sand drift and predicted increases in severe weather events will impact the liveability and longevity of our coastal communities,” said Mayor, Ramon Jayo.
“The SEMP provides a road map for Council, the community and Government regulators to guide decision making and on-ground actions to meet the challenges, particularly as regard increasing incidence of beach erosion.”
Council and a team of technical experts facilitated a total of six Hinchinbrook-specific Coastal Management Workshops, two community surveys and a dedicated webpage for any persons interested in engaging in the process throughout the life of the project until now.
The final draft SEMP is a culmination of this work, including community feedback, which has now all been incorporated into the final recommendations of this report. As a result, Council is satisfied that not only is the document technically sound, using the best available information, but the actions contained within will be supported by the community it aims to benefit.
“Now that the final draft SEMP has been adopted by Council, it requires endorsement from the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science. This endorsement will assist Council in obtaining any necessary permissions for future projects that Council deems appropriate,” Mayor Jayo said.
He said that once the Hinchinbrook Shire SEMP is endorsed by the Queensland Government, Council will begin work on some of the projects already identified as critical in shaping the future resilience of Hinchinbrook’s beachside communities.
A copy of the final draft SEMP and supporting documents are available on Council’s website, Coastal Foreshore Management page, and will be updated periodically.
