Our coastline
Bundaberg Region Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy
Many coastal communities face coastal erosion and inundation risks. We are already experiencing erosion problems across the Bundaberg region including Woodgate Beach, Moore Park Beach, Nielsen Beach and Miara. It is anticipated that projected sea level rise and more intense storms from a changing climate will increase and extend these risks.
To assist in understanding and adapting to climate change, Bundaberg Regional Council has developed a Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS). The CHAS looks at hazards such as coastal erosion, storm tide inundation and sea level rise and identifies adaptation options to reduce risks associated with these coastal hazards.
Further information
The coastline is one of the Bundaberg Region's greatest assets. It has a unique combination of terrestrial, estuarine and marine ecosystems which support a wealth of biodiversity. It also forms the basis for activities such as:
- Commercial and recreational fishing
- Tourism and recreation
- Urban development
- Aquaculture
- Shipping and transportation
- Coastal agriculture
In our region, the coastal zone also happens to be stunningly beautiful.
Over 86 per cent of the Australian population now lives near the coast and even more visit regularly. This places greater pressure on coastal resources. Active management of human impacts on the coastal zone is necessary if the health and productivity of coastal ecosystems are to be sustainable.
Bundaberg Regional Council is encouraging rehabilitation, protection and improvement of the coastline through proactive planning and management.
These important natural assets include:
- Coral reefs near areas such as Hoffman's Rocks and Barolin Point which are very popular with snorkelers and divers
- Mangrove forests which are used by fish, prawns and crabs for breeding and as nurseries for their offspring
- Saltmarshes which filter nutrients and provide a buffer to storms and cyclones
- Seagrass beds which provide habitat for Dugongs and support fish breeding
- Tidal mudflats where wading birds roost and feed before migrating to other countries
Council is developing a Shoreline Erosion Management Plan for Woodgate Beach to address the areas of shoreline at risk of continued erosion.