Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precinct Planning (CHAPP)

Storm tide inundation, permanent tidal inundation and coastal erosion are natural processes that shape the unique landforms of our coastal zone.

However, when these processes negatively impact our communities, infrastructure and natural assets, they are considered coastal hazards.

Coastal hazards include inundation of low-lying coastal areas and erosion of the shoreline. In South-East Queensland, significant coastal hazard impacts are typically associated with East Coast Lows and Tropical Cyclones.

Learn more about the coastal hazards and flooding affecting the Sunshine Coast in Fact Sheet 1 – Common Coastal Hazard Adaptation and Flooding Terminology.

Council plans for, and manages, natural hazards including coastal hazards and flooding. This often means doing detailed investigations and short-term works. It also means being prepared for the longer-term.

Council’s long-term strategies and plans focus on sustainable practices for the resilience of our coastline into the future.

• Environment and Liveability Strategy - Sets strategic directions to 2041 for a healthy coastline resilient to climate change impacts and supporting sustainable use.
• Healthy Coast Management Plan - Brings together our coastal strategies, plans and actions to guide how we manage our coastal areas.
• Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy – Outlines an adaptation pathway to help manage impacts of coastal hazards such as coastal erosion, storm tide inundation, and expanding tidal areas due to sea level rise.
• Shoreline Erosion Management Plan – Describes key coastal processes, identifies Council assets at risk from coastal hazards and outlines preferred actions to manage coastal erosion.
• Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precinct Planning - These investigations are part of a program focused on protecting the coastal public realm from the impacts of coastal hazards. These hazards include sea level rise, permanent tidal inundation and storm tide inundation. There are a number of different adaptation solutions that may be implemented across the region to mitigate these coastal hazards. The investigations will consider social, cultural, economic and environmental factors. Future investigations are dependent on factors including funding availability.

We value the knowledge of rightsholders, stakeholders and community. We commit to working with our community to ensure decisions consider local knowledge, input and the best information available.

Local knowledge will provide a foundation for confirming coastal values, objectives and coastal processes. This will inform the concept options development and analysis.

There will be multiple opportunities for our community and key stakeholders to be involved. You can subscribe to be notified of upcoming engagement opportunities via Have Your Say Sunshine Coast.

Protecting the local values and character across the region are critical criteria that will be considered as we assess possible mitigation options.

While Council plays a key role in managing coastal hazards, the effective management of these hazards requires a collaborative approach. 

Working together will become even more important as we respond to the hazards of a changing climate.

Proactive measures taken today will ensure that we are better equipped to face future challenges, minimise damage and ensure a more resilient Sunshine Coast for everyone.

To find out more information about a collaborative approach to successful adaptation, see Fact Sheet 3 – Working Together.

Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precinct Planning investigations will identify and assess potential adaptation options to reduce the impacts to our community and environment caused by coastal hazards and flooding.

Investigation areas are determined by Council's endorsed Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS). The Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy assigned an adaptation response and pathway for each locality across the Sunshine Coast. Adaptation responses and options are considered by locality which is based on four zones and 28 associated beach units.

Investigations are currently underway in Golden Beach and Caloundra (Bulcock Beach), Maroochydore and Mooloolaba. These areas are already experiencing the impacts of coastal hazards, including inundation. Familiarise yourself with the adaptation pathway outlined for your local beach or area by visiting the endorsed Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS).

Erosion and inundation are natural processes that shape the coastline. However, they can become hazards when they impact on coastal values and how we use and enjoy the coast. Coastal hazard exposure is expected to increase with changes in wave action, storm activity and sea level rise associated with climate change. Coastal hazards include inundation of low-lying coastal areas and erosion of the shoreline. In Southeast Queensland, significant coastal hazard impacts are typically associated with East Coast Lows and tropical cyclones. To find out more about coastal hazards please see Fact Sheet 1 - Common coastal hazard adaptation and flooding terminology.

Reducing coastal hazard and flood risks is complex due to the dynamic nature of the coastal environment and the way we use the coast. This complexity means that no single adaptation element can effectively reduce the risks from flooding and coastal hazards. It will require multiple targeted and integrated actions that can evolve and change with our needs over time. Options will need to be developed by considering the specific challenges and unique nature of each location. To find out more about adaptation elements please see Fact Sheet 2- Adaptation to manage impacts from coastal hazards.

Adaptation approaches seek to safeguard the values (social, environmental and economic) and character of the region. The coastal lifestyle that is critical to the identity of the Sunshine Coast is defined by the local values and character of our coastal places. We need your input on how you currently use these places and what you value about them. Your input will be considered in the development and analysis of potential adaptation solutions. 

While Council plays a key role in managing coastal hazards, the effective management of these hazards requires a collaborative approach. Working together will become even more important as we respond to the hazards of a changing climate. Proactive measures taken today will ensure that we are better equipped to face future challenges, minimise damage and ensure a more resilient Sunshine Coast for everyone. To find out more information about a collaborative approach to successful adaptation please see Fact Sheet 3 – Working together.