Clarence City Council has endorsed its Coastal Hazards Policy, which will ensure a consistent approach to the management of current and emerging coastal hazards on council-controlled coastal land within the municipality.
The City of Clarence features 191 kilometres of coastline, some of which are at significant risk of coastal erosion.
The policy adopts a risk-based approach to managing coastal hazards and clarifies responsibilities regarding council-controlled land, Crown land and privately-owned land.
The policy will also enable the development of coastal management plans for key coastal areas.
Clarence City Council Mayor Alderman Doug Chipman said the Coastal Hazard Policy would guide council’s decisions in managing the risks associated with coastal hazards.
“Due to our city’s extensive coastline, we want and need to take the lead by developing a consistent approach to the management of coastal erosion as it has the potential to significantly impact our city and its residents,” he said.
“We are the first council in Tasmania to develop and implement such a policy. We have looked closely at other municipalities nationally as we developed our policy.
“We believe our risk-based approach, backed up through the development of coastal management plans, represents the best way forward for our city.”
Community consultation will be undertaken to develop local coastal management plans for areas that require a coordinated and long-term response to coastal hazards.
These plans will use the best available evidence, relevant scientific data and modelling, and best practice coastal management techniques to provide a sound basis for future decisions on management of key coastal areas.
All local coastal management plans available to the public when completed.
For more information or to view the Coastal Hazards Policy, visit www.ccc.tas.gov.au.