Planning for change: integrating coastal retreat in adaptation planning

It will provide a practical, research-based overview of how retreat can be applied as part of broader coastal adaptation planning, supporting informed decision-making in response to climate change.

Who this is for

This project is designed for:

• South Australian coastal councils
• council planners, environmental and infrastructure officers
• state government agencies involved in coastal management and planning
• elected members and decision-makers involved in adaptation strategies.

What's being delivered

This project will deliver a clear, evidence-based resource that:

• builds understanding of managed retreat as a climate adaptation option
• identifies practical, legal and social considerations for councils
• assesses the suitability of retreat mechanisms for South Australian coastlines
• supports stronger, future-ready planning and policy development
• builds the confidence and capability of council staff to consider retreat options
• promotes collaboration across state and local government in adaptation planning.

About the project

As coastal hazards intensify, councils need clear guidance on how to approach managed retreat in a way that is fair, practical and legally sound. Managed retreat remains one of the most challenging aspects of climate adaptation planning, with limited guidance currently available to local government.

This project builds on LGA’s Climate Ready Coasts Program and will assess a range of retreat mechanisms such as buyouts, zoning overlays, land swaps and relocation assistance. It will provide councils with a research-based analysis of what has worked elsewhere and what challenges exist in applying these approaches in South Australia.

The final options paper will help councils and government agencies make informed decisions, plan proactively and reduce risks to communities, property and the natural environment.

Project delivery

URPS will manage the project with oversight from a Steering Committee that includes representatives from the Adelaide Coastal Councils Network (ACCN) and the SA Coastal Councils Alliance (SACCA).

This structure makes sure metropolitan and regional perspectives are considered throughout.

The project includes seven key stages:

1. Define the problem – clarify challenges and gaps in current policy and practice.
2. Research – review national and international approaches to managed retreat.
3. Targeted engagement – conduct interviews with local and state stakeholders.
4. Case studies – analyse up to three local and international examples of retreat.
5. Coastal retreat forum – present findings and gather sector feedback.
6. Draft options paper – synthesise key insights and outline potential tools.
7. Engage and finalise – consult on the draft paper and publish the final resource.

The project will deliver a final paper to support councils in considering retreat as part of climate adaptation planning.

Project funding

This project is funded through the Local Government Research and Development Scheme.

This scheme allocates funding to projects that support the development of SA local government. Successful applicants are decided through an annual grant round.