Coastal Defenses Boost, Resilient Communities Rise
- Twelve coastal councils will receive a share in more than $5 million funding to support coastal hazard resilience projects.
- Round 4 of the QCoast2100 program is jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
- Projects aim to help councils implement effective coastal hazard adaptation strategies to protect communities from the impacts of coastal erosion, storm tide inundation and sea level rise due to climate change.
More than a dozen transformative coastal projects have secured vital funding to protect communities and tackle emerging shoreline threats.
The QCoast2100 program is jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) as part of more than $152 million from the Efficiencies Funding Program 2023-24, supporting priority disaster resilience and mitigation projects across Queensland.
Fifteen key projects managed by twelve local governments will receive a share in $5.11 million.
The latest round of funding aims to support coastal hazard resilience projects, bolster coastal defences and address emerging risks associated with coastal communities.
One key project being funded is Sunshine Coast Council’s Diamond Head seawall at Golden Beach, which aims to protect the community from the rapidly developing tidal breakthrough on Bribie Island through the construction of a 500-metre seawall.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the funding would help councils deliver practical, on the ground solutions to protect vulnerable coastal areas now and into the future.
“This is about making sure local governments have the tools they need to plan, prepare and respond to the real impacts communities are already seeing along our coastlines,” Minister McBain said.
“We’re working closely with state and local governments to boost coastal resilience and support long term adaptation to climate change.
“These are smart, targeted investments that will help safeguard lives, properties and critical infrastructure from worsening coastal hazards.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the QCoast2100 program supports local governments in mitigating risks such as sea erosion, storm tide inundation and sea level rises linked to climate change.
“The Queensland Government remains committed to working with local governments to address the impacts of climate change and coastal hazards,” Minister Powell said.
“The QCoast2100 program continues to provide targeted support to ensure communities are better prepared for future challenges.
“These funded projects will contribute to reducing risks and enhancing the safety of coastal communities for years to come.”
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Chief Executive Officer Alison Smith welcomed the continuing joint investment in the program that has been helping protect Queensland communities for almost a decade.
“QCoast is a program that has been running since 2016, so it is fantastic to see it continuing,” she said.
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/102913