$1.3 million available to councils for coastal hazard adaptation

The Coastal Hazard Adaptation Grants are a key component of the SA Climate Ready Coasts program, which aims to accelerate planning for coastal hazards and help drive a more strategic and integrated approach to coastal management in South Australia.

LGA South Australia has opened an expression of interest (EOI) round to give coastal councils the opportunity to share their early thinking around the projects they may wish to request funding for.

LGA CEO Clinton Jury said this process will help gain a clearer overall perspective of the potential projects being developed across the state and ensure grant funding is allocated where it will make the most impact.

“Many councils in South Australia are already engaged in coastal hazard adaptation work and are constantly innovating and finding new ways to mitigate against erosion and other impacts, so we’re excited to see what’s submitted,” Mr Jury said.

“Coastal hazards are a serious and pressing issue – we know climate change is contributing to rising sea levels and stronger, more severe storms, which are increasingly putting people, homes, infrastructure, livelihoods and natural resources at risk.

“Already through the Climate Ready Coasts program, we’ve developed new guidelines for South Australia which gives step-by-step guidance on how to prepare a Coastal Hazard Adaptation Plan.

“This next step is crucial to gain a preliminary understanding of what projects are being developed by local councils and how they might be funded through the program, with a full application process to commence early next year.”

Expressions of interest close 5 December and will be reviewed by the Climate Ready Coasts Executive Steering Committee later that month.

Feedback will be provided to all councils and may include an invitation to proceed to a full application or a request for more information.

Department for Environment and Water (DEW) Climate Change, Flood Risk and Coast Director Mary-Anne Healy said coastal hazards were a critical issue impacting communities across South Australia and the adaptation planning work being done through the program was vital to protecting our coastlines for future generations to enjoy.

“It is vital that coastal councils undertake coastal hazard adaptation planning because councils are at the frontline when it comes to preserving our coasts,” Ms Healy said.

“The Coastal Hazard Adaptation Grants allow coastal councils to proactively undertake targeted planning to combat rising sea levels and climate change, so I strongly encourage our coastal councils to put forward their ideas.”

The SA Climate Ready Coasts program is being delivered by LGA South Australia in partnership with DEW, Coast Protection Board, Adelaide Coastal Councils Network and SA Coastal Councils Alliance.

Apply or find out more about the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Grants on the LGA website.