Shire of Roebourne to protect its foreshores

Point Samson foreshore (Source: Shire of Roebourne)

$6 million has recently been made available for coastal protection by the State Government through its Coastwest program, triple that of previous years. $5 million of the newly named Coastal Adaption and Protection (CAP) Grants could be applied for by local coastal managers for the 2013-14 funding round, with scope to spend funds between 2013 and 2015.

A further annual allocation of $1million will be advertised and available to local coastal managers in 2014-15. Local CAP grants have become valuable sources of funding to assist coastal managers in understanding and sustainably adapting to coastal processes and associated risks in their areas. The funding has been increasingly sought after, which is no surprise given predicted sea level rise in WA (as described in a previous post).

Essential Environmental has helped the Shire of Roebourne commit to the protection and management of its coastal areas and foreshore reserves by preparing three successful Coastwest grants applications for 2013. Foreshore Management Plans for Karratha, Point Samson and 40 Mile Beach (Gnoorea) will be developed by Essential Environmental to provide an assessment of current facilities, access, and protection of cultural and environmental values in light of likely change in population, sea level rise and climate variability. Consultation will be undertaken with local indigenous and community groups in the form of workshops to allow these groups to provide input into the development of the foreshore management plans.

Karratha coast and foreshore (Source: Shire of Roebourne)

Watch out for further updates on the community workshops and foreshore management plans later this year!