Emergency Management of Coastal Erosion in NSW

D.J. Hanslow, Coastal Unit, NSW Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources; and M. Howard, Mitigation and Risk Management, NSW State Emergency Committee Secretariat

The southeast coast of Australia has a long history of adverse impact from coastal storms. Past responses to coastal erosion events have included the placement of temporary mitigation works ranging from sandbag and rock walls through to dumping of building waste and car bodies. These works have varied significantly in their effectiveness and most have had a significant adverse impact on beach amenity.

This paper examines arrangements for emergency management of coastal erosion in NSW. This includes details of the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies involved in coastal erosion emergency management as well as the requirements of relevant legislation. A number of principles are suggested as a guide to both planning and response decisions relating to coastal erosion emergencies.

Download the research paper to find out more.