RISING sea levels and coastal erosion across the Limestone Coast will be probed in a new $30,000 State and Federal Government-funded study.
The Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA) has received funds to analyse LiDar data – laser or light detection and ranging – to help the region’s councils protect and adapt coastal communities and environments from impacts relating to sea level rise, storm surge and increased erosion.
LCLGA project manager Michaela Bell said the funding would help develop a digital elevation model which could be used to map potential flooding, identify high risk areas and assets and plan for future restrictions on development.
She said the project will capture information on the coastal communities in the Grant, Wattle Range, Robe and Kingston council areas.
“Sea level rise exposing low lying coastal areas to increasing inundation and storm surge as a result of climate change will have a significant impact on community, industries, infrastructure and environments along the coastline,” she said.
“The project will enable a variety of flood inundation, sea level inundation and erosion maps and modelling to be produced that will show where flooding, erosion and sea level rise may occur over a range of water levels and time frames.
“These maps and modelling will enable councils and the community to develop tools and information that will help them understand local flood risks, protect from a range of water levels, identify assets that would be potentially threatened and preserve the natural environment and resources.”
Ms Bell said on the project’s completion, the 3D modelling could also be used to identify areas for future development that are not likely to be at risk.
“This project will provide a series of scenarios which will be very visual, so you can see very easily the variation in sea level rise,” she said.
The Federal Government will contribute $25,000 to the program, with the State Government providing $5000.
State Emergency Services Minister Corey Wingard said the funding would ensure Limestone Coast communities were well prepared and resilient in the event of a disaster.
“This funding encourages shared responsibility when it comes to preparing for and responding to disasters and keeping communities safe,” he said.
