Learn more about coastal hazards in your locality

Coastal hazards are natural coastal processes that may negatively impact the natural environment or human use of a coastal zone, including erosion, storm tide inundation and inundation due to rising sea levels.

This comes after council recently secured $5 million in federal funding for the construction of stage one of the South Mackay levee wall, which will help reduce the impact of coastal hazards in this area.

Mayor Greg Williamson said council was working towards better understanding and preparing for how the future effects of climate change may impact our coastline.

“Mackay has 320 kilometres of mainland coastline, so flooding and storm tide inundation is something we must be prepared for,” he said.

“While council is working to develop adaptation options that will reduce the risks of coastal hazards in our region, such as the South Mackay levee wall, not every natural phenomenon can be prevented.”

Mayor Williamson said council was asking residents to take part in a second survey as part of the Mackay Coast Our Future study.

“The first survey focussed on what residents’ valued most about the coastline,” he said.

“This time we’re hoping to gain a better understanding of residents’ observations and knowledge of coastal hazards and adaptation options.

“We would like residents to look at the maps of their area to gain a better understanding of how coastal hazards may impact them both now and into the future and complete the survey to test their knowledge on coastal adaptation options in the locality they live in and those they visit frequently.”

The Mackay Coast Our Future survey will be available to complete online at connectingmackay.com.au/future-coast until midnight on December 18.

Alternatively, attend one of five drop-in sessions and talk to council staff and learn more about coastal hazards that may affect your locality:

• Caneland Central (Cyclone Saturday) – Saturday, November 19, from 9am to 1pm
• Seaforth Community Hall – Thursday, November 24, from 4pm to 6pm
• Jubilee Community Centre – Thursday, November 24, and Friday, November 25, from 11am to 1pm
• Armstrong Beach Progress Association Hall – Friday, November 25, from 4pm to 6pm
• Eimeo Surf Lifesaving Club – Saturday, November 26, from 1pm to 3.30pm.

This study is being undertaken under the QCoast₂₁₀₀ program, which is funded by the State Government and administered in partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland.