The City of Fremantle has welcomed a $175,000 grant from the Western Australian Government to progress the development of a Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) for the Fremantle coastline and river foreshore.
The funding was awarded through the State Government's CoastWA Coastal Management Plan Assistance Program, and forms part of more than $4 million distributed to 35 projects across Western Australia to help local governments plan for coastal erosion and the impacts of extreme weather.
The funding is being matched by the City of Fremantle, with the project to be delivered over multiple years, reflecting the scale and complexity of the work involved in assessing and planning for coastal hazards along Fremantle's coastline.
A CHRMAP is a strategic planning document required under the State Coastal Planning Policy (SPP 2.6). It identifies coastal hazards such as erosion and inundation, assesses the vulnerability of assets in the coastal zone, and sets out a framework of actions to manage and adapt to those risks over time, typically considering a 100-year timeframe.
For Fremantle, the plan will focus on identifying coastal hazards, asset vulnerability and community coastal values to define and prioritise appropriate responses along the coastline, including at Port Beach a recognised coastal erosion hotspot as well as the City's river estuarine areas.
Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver said it's more important than ever to futureproof the City's coastal assets.
"Rising sea levels and increasingly frequent and severe weather events are placing growing pressure on coastal infrastructure, public open space, businesses and natural environments along the foreshore," Mayor Lawver said.
"A CHRMAP gives the City a clear, evidence-based framework to guide decision-making, land use planning and future investment in coastal protection and adaptation, while ensuring the community's values and priorities are reflected in the response."
The project will build on the work completed in 2017 (Our Coastal Future - Port, Leighton and Mosman Beaches Coastal Adaptation Plan), while considering updated data and climate scenarios, and extending the project boundary and renewing community consultation opportunities.
In line with the funding requirements, the City has appointed a Steering Committee to guide the development of the CHRMAP. The Committee will provide technical oversight and strategic direction throughout the project, drawing on relevant expertise to ensure the plan meets state guidelines and reflects best practice in coastal hazard risk management.
As the project progresses, input from residents and community stakeholders will be sought to guide an appropriate response.
