District Council of Robe, Naracoorte News

The District Council of Robe is excited to announce the successful receipt of funding through the 2024-25 Coast Protection Grant Program for two critical coastal protection initiatives: the annual Sand Replenishment Program at Hoopers Beach and Fox Beach, as well as the Fox Beach Coastal Protection Project, which includes investigations and design work to address ongoing coastal erosion.

These projects align closely with the council’s ongoing efforts to address the risks posed by coastal hazards in line with its “Draft Coastal Adaptation Strategy”.

The council has been awarded $32,000 for the Sand Replenishment Program and $40,000 for the Fox Beach Coastal Protection Project. These funds are essential in mitigating the impacts of coastal erosion, protecting community infrastructure, and ensuring the long-term resilience of Robe’s coastlines.

Mayor Lisa Ruffell emphasised the importance of these projects in the context of the broader adaptation strategy: “Our beaches are critical not only for local tourism but also for the safety and well-being of our community. The recent engagement around our Draft Coastal Adaptation Strategy, which identifies coastal hazards and risks up to 2100, has underscored the urgency of taking action.

These grants support our ongoing efforts to reduce these risks and ensure that our coastal areas remain safe and resilient in the future.”

The Sand Replenishment Program involves the harvesting of 2,500m3 of sand from Karatta Beach, which will then be relocated to Hoopers Beach and Fox Beach. This annual replenishment process helps to mitigate the effects of erosion by providing a buffer against overtopping waves and inundation, both of which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.

Chief Executive Officer Nat Traeger spoke to the alignment of the grants with the strategy: “The funding for sand replenishment is not only crucial for this year’s works but also ties directly into the overarching goals of the Draft Coastal Adaptation Strategy.

By continually replenishing our beaches, we are taking proactive steps in adapting to the identified coastal risks and helping to reduce the long-term impacts of climate change on Robe’s coastal environment,” Ms Traeger said.

In addition, the Fox Beach Coastal Protection Project aims to address significant coastal erosion threatening vital infrastructure. The project will investigate design options such as a hard structure and evaluate the potential risks from The Outlet, which has been identified in the adaptation strategy as a significant source of inundation hazard.

The first phase of this project will include community engagement, design selection, and cost analysis.

Ms Traeger highlighted the critical role of the project in the broader adaptation context: “Fox Beach is one of the areas most affected by coastal erosion, and these funds will enable us to explore long-term solutions.

The project will provide the necessary information, designs, and costings to guide future adaptation strategies and help us make informed decisions based on community needs and environmental risks.”

Mayor Lisa Ruffell said the projects represented a key component of the council’s commitment to adapting to coastal hazards and ensuring Robe’s infrastructure and community assets were protected for future generations.

“As we continue to engage with our community on the Draft Coastal Adaptation Strategy, these grants are directly supporting the pathway toward sustainable, well-considered solutions for the challenges we face.”

Both projects play a vital role in addressing the impacts of coastal erosion and ensuring the sustainability of Robe’s coastal environment. As part of the adaptation strategy, council is actively engaging the community to evaluate potential adaptation options and pathways for reducing risks up to 2100.

Mayor Ruffell also expressed the council’s gratitude to the funding provider, stating: “We would like to sincerely thank the Coast Protection Board for their continued support. This funding is critical in helping us to protect our beloved coastline and the future of our community.

“We look forward to collaborating with them as we move forward with these essential projects.”

This article appeared in the Naracoorte News.