‘A beachfront property would be nice – perhaps Australia’ mused Superman’s adversary as he anticipated the spoils of his evil doing. Australia’s thousands of kilometres of coastline have certainly attracted many people but not without a price.
The fact is beaches provide a wonderful scenic location, but they are not always the most stable environment on which to build. Past building practices in Warringah have not only meant that buildings are located where they are vulnerable to being washed away, they themselves have contributed to coastal erosion and the undermining of their own foundations.
“Building on the foreshore has changed the beach dynamics,” said Craig Tucker, Environment Officer. “The dunes have been undermined and significant coastal erosion has resulted.”
Warringah’s beachfront problem has been identified as the third most significant coastal issue in Australia.
The Collaroy Narrabeen Coastline Management Plan is designed to ensure more careful development in future, balance the rights of beach users and property owners and address the problems already caused to the sensitive coastal region. Under the Plan, the coastline has been divided into five separate precincts, with different management options for each.
The middle and southernmost sections of the beach have been identified as the most vulnerable to coastal hazards. In drawing up the Plan, Council worked closely with the Warringah Coastal Management Committee, comprising representatives from resident’s groups, sporting associations and State Government. Strong differences of opinion emerged, all of which were given careful consideration by Council.
To help address the problems, a special levy is to be applied to beachfront property owners. A voluntary buy back scheme by Council will also enable the return of vulnerable areas to public open space. Regular beach nourishment or sand replacement will continue.
Under the Plan’s proposals all new developments must be located further west, away from wave impact lines. Enhancement and extension work of the seawall is also to be investigated.
As Warringah plays host to a number of major national and international surf related sports events and attracts large numbers of day trippers, it is essential to the local economy as well as the environment that this management plan is workable and successful.
Warringah is also aware that it is being watched by other coastal areas to see how the issue can best be managed considering all the interest groups affected.
For further information contact Craig Tucker, telephone (02) 9982 0333.
