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December 2011

Nambucca Shire Council

DRAFT Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan Managing Change in the Coastal Zone

DRAFT Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan

Prepared by

Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited

on behalf of


2/20 The Boulevarde PO Box 838

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Project Director: Peter Jamieson Project Manager: Pam Dean-Jones Report No. 2895/R01/V7 Date: December 2011

Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan DRAFT Executive Summary

Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited 2895/R01/V6 December 2011 E1

Executive Summary The coastline is a key aspect of the lifestyle and landscape of Nambucca Shire. The preparation of a Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) is one of Nambucca Shire Council’s (NSC) tools for managing the future of its coastal landscape, natural resources and communities. This CZMP outlines how Council will manage the open coastline within the NSC Local Government Area (LGA) into the future; aligning coastal management with Council’s other strategic and operational plans. The coastline of the Nambucca LGA extends approximately 25 kilometres and includes the beaches, dunes and headlands between Scotts Head in the south and Valla Beach in the north. The Nambucca coastline is a relatively undeveloped area. The main settlements are villages and small towns that have a small local population that is greatly increased by visitors in peak holiday periods. The main settlements are: • Scotts Head (Forster Beach – also known as Main Beach at Scotts Head, Little Beach

and Wakki Beach);

• Nambucca Heads (Main Beach, Beilbys Beach, Shelly Beach, the small beach on the north side of the breakwall (near Wellington Rock) and beaches/reserves in the estuary mouth area); and

• Valla (North and South Valla Beaches).

Issues and Strategy

Many of the coastal management issues that Council faces are shared with other small coastal local government areas. They include maintenance of beach access infrastructure and facilities to maintain recreational amenity, maintenance of robust coastal defence structures, and ensuring that new development does not increase risks associated with long term coastal recession and climate change. In the short to medium term, for Nambucca Council, the main resourcing commitments are for construction/reconstruction of access ways, maintenance of minor seawalls, upgrading of facilities such as surf clubs and picnic areas, increasing community awareness of future change, establishing clear planning controls and setting up a monitoring program so that changes in the coastal environment can be tracked. For approximately 50 years, there is little risk to private property from coastal hazards. Council’s strategic focus in the short to medium term is on maintaining the natural and built assets which support community enjoyment of the coast and the economic well being of local communities. In the longer term, over coming decades, Council and its local communities face some bigger challenges, as the recession impacts of sea level rise become more certain. It is expected that some coastal process risks will only be able to be avoided or mitigated by retreat (landward relocation of development, assets and infrastructure). Over time, Council’s strategic direction will shift to managed retreat and accommodation of climate change impacts on the coastline. Current information indicates that in the NSC area, assets such as some power and water infrastructure, surf clubs and seawalls are likely to require relocation or major reconstruction in the 20 to 50 year planning period. To minimise investment impacts, Council will try to integrate asset relocation with major maintenance or redevelopment that is necessary as assets reach the end of their useful life.



Objectives

A key aim of the CZMP is to minimise coastal process risks to the natural coastal environment and to community cultural identity and enjoyment of coastal landscapes, whilst maintaining safe community access to an attractive coastal landscape. The plan recognises that communities need clear information about Council’s strategic direction when environmental changes are expected. Within the broad vision and mission established in the Community Strategic Plan, the objectives of the NCZMP are: • to guide Council, State government and community working together to achieve healthy

functioning coastal systems;

• to guide council land use and land management strategies and actions so that they take coastal hazards into account for short and long term timeframes;

• to provide good value investment in council assets in the coastal zone, so that infrastructure for coastline access and enjoyment (such as surf clubs, picnic facilities, showers and access ramps) is good quality, meets the needs of residents and visitors and is affordable; and

• to provide clear information about coastal processes and hazards and support community involvement in planning future activities in the coastal zone.

A key feature distinguishing the Nambucca from other nearby coastal areas is that there is little development along the coastal frontage, and that most of the Nambucca coastline is in public ownership, as National Park, Crown Reserve or Council community land. The Nambucca community has a deep-seated connection with the coast, with many residents enjoying activities in the natural coastal landscape, such as walking, swimming, surfing, bird watching, boating, fishing and cultural practices, among others. One of the overarching values the community holds is the desire to keep the coast in as ‘natural’ state as possible and protection of the natural and cultural integrity of the coastline is seen as important. Policy Drivers

NSW government legislation (www.environment.nsw.gov.au/coasts/coastalmgtdocs.htm) requires that councils prepare a plan to manage coastal zone risks, including ongoing erosion and recession and the additional recession affects of sea level rise and climate change. The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) has released a suite of policy guidelines and legislation to assist councils with planning for climate change and sea level rise. Central to these is the NSW Sea Level Rise Policy Statement (2009), which sets the scientifically derived sea level rise benchmarks for coastal planning in NSW into the future. Coastal planning must consider the risks from the coastal hazards operating in the region at present and into the future, including a projected sea level rise of 40 centimetres by 2050 and of 90 centimetres by 2100, relative to 1990 levels. Options to avoid or mitigate risks associated with coastal hazards must be established and evaluated in consultation with local communities, so that the best mix of actions for any local government area can be determined. Council’s coastal management strategy takes into account the level of risk, best available science and technical data, management costs, community preferences and implementation capacity.



Coastal Process Hazards and Risk Assessment

SMEC undertook coastal erosion hazard and coastal slope instability studies on behalf of Council to assess the hazards that the shoreline is expected to experience in the immediate future, with respect to short-term coastal processes, and the next 100 years, with long term coastal change (and climate change). The key hazards to the Nambucca coastline are as follows:

• short term beach changes (storm bite erosion);

• long term coastal recession, and recession with the addition of sea level rise;

• coastal inundation;

• geotechnical instability;

• migration of creek and river entrances; and

• stormwater discharges.

Based on analysis of these process hazards, hazard zones were established for immediate, 2050 and 2100 planning periods and a risk assessment was undertaken (based on the requirements of the Australia/New Zealand risk management standard ISO 31000, following on from AS/NZS 4360). Risks are influenced by the value of impacted assets, including amenity areas, facilities, coastal protection and community infrastructure and, in the longer term, private property. Management Options

A suite of options was developed to meet community aspirations for safe and attractive beaches and facilities, and to avoid or mitigate the risks posed by the coastal hazards in the beach environment. Council’s current coastal zone management practices have been reviewed and refined to align them with new government guidelines and legislation. Plans prepared by Council will endeavour to align all its management plans, not only internally, but with Crown land managers and cultural landowners. This will promote shared objectives and the best use of pooled resources, for the best results for the community as a whole. During a series of briefings and workshops, community and cultural stakeholders discussed risk areas and provided input about issues and acceptable management responses. Their ideas and concerns have been considered and incorporated where possible. Further feedback will be sought during the exhibition of this document. All potential management options have been evaluated in terms of their risk mitigation capacity, technical viability, social acceptance, environmental impact and financial implications (see Appendix 1). Three time periods are identified in terms of the priority of management responses: • Short term – immediate to 5 years

• Medium term – 5 to 20 years

• Long term – beyond 20 years, usually at time frames beyond 50 years.

The Plan focuses on the implementation of management actions for the short and medium term. These time frames relate to Council’s operational and strategic planning horizons. For



risks and responses beyond 20 years, the plan highlights the assets that are expected to be impacted and the types of management response that may be necessary. In this time frame, with sea level rise, Council’s response would be shifting from maintenance, preparation and defence to planned retreat. However, for risks and responses beyond the 20 year time frame, Council will review the available science, review coastal hazard and risk assessments, and review both options and option evaluation before acting. These reviews will be conducted in consultation with local communities. Coastal monitoring information, collected over the next 20 years, will contribute to the review process. This process will allow Council to adapt and modify its coastal zone management strategies as necessary to take new knowledge into account. The investment required to implement all the actions identified for the 5 year and 20 year time frames is beyond the capacity of NSC. Council will seek grant funding from relevant NSW and Australian Government programs to help meet coastal zone management costs, especially in relation to future relocation strategies. Council will also work with the NSW Government partners such as OEH and Department of Lands, and with local communities, to bring together the resources needed to implement priority actions in a timely manner. For instance, in relation to monitoring the condition of the coast, it is expected that data will be contributed from multiple sources: • LiDAR data and aerial photogrammetry provided by the NSW government (OEH

programs)

• Beach profiling and/or ground level photographic records collected by Council, OEH field staff and local community groups at specific locations (see Section 6.0, Table 6.1 for monitoring priorities)

• Water quality data collected by Council or the CMA (could be done under the Northern Rivers Ecohealth Monitoring Program initiative that collects information on standard suite of indicators health of rivers, estuaries and coastal lakes). This could be linked to Beachwatch which is NSW Government program that provides information on beach water quality so people can make informed decisions about where and when to swim.

• Vegetation condition information collected by CMA and Landcare groups

It is expected that monitoring will be in accordance the NSW Natural Resources Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Strategy 2010-2015 which guides the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of natural resources in NSW. The strategy focuses on developing a seamless link between local, regional, state and national data on natural resource management (NRM) that will inform the community about how to care for the natural resources of NSW.

Tables E.1 and E.2 summarise the management responses proposed for the Nambucca coastline for the short (immediate to 5 years) and medium (5 to 20 years) timeframes.



Table E.1 – Short Term Management Responses for the Nambucca Coastline

Overarching Strategy: maintain existing assets and amenity, provide safe access, raise awareness and prepare for change

Strategy Management Action Lead Organisation

Land use planning to reduce future risk

Action 1: Council will not approve applications for new development or redevelopment of existing allotments forward of the 2050 limit of the Zone of Slope Adjustment with possible exceptions for specific coastal protection works and/or maintenance or strengthening of surf clubs (in the short-term). Action 2: Council will require that new development, located within the 2100 Zone of Reduced Foundation Capacity, be on pier foundations designed to transfer the building loads into the Stable Foundation Zone for the 2100 planning period, Council will develop an appropriate standard pier specification as a Consent Condition for new development. The CZMP provides references to relevant standards (AS2870-2011). Action 3: Council will include information about the 2050 and 2100 limits of the Stable Foundation Zone on the Section 149 Certificates of relevant properties, to inform residents of the potential coastal hazard risk at each site. This will apply only to a small number of properties at Scotts Head and Swimming Creek. Action 4: Council proposes to zone the entire dune system along the NSC coastline as open space or environmental protection area, to enhance ecological connectivity, maintain resilient coastal ecological communities and to avoid future development risks. Action 5: Council will include provisions in its DCP in relation to modifications or maintenance of existing buildings in the 2050 coastal risk area. The intent is to avoid future coastal recession risks by requiring that modifications to existing buildings not move the footprint of the development seaward of the existing development.

Nambucca Shire Council Consult with OEH and DP&I

Establish a monitoring strategy to track changes to coastal condition

Action 6: Council proposes to establish a monitoring strategy which includes collection of data by various stakeholders. The monitoring program underpins Council’s adaptive management of coastal risks and will provide information about the effectiveness of risk management and protection of ecological values. Suggested locations are noted in Section 6.0 (Table 6.1). The program would include regular beach profile surveys and/or a photographic monitoring program; • LiDAR to monitor changes in beach volume and

escarpment position over time; • monitoring of cliff and bluff stability; • monitoring the condition of existing seawalls and

revetments, particularly after storm events; • monitoring the condition of the entrances of Deep

Creek, Swimming Creek (open, closed, extent of scour etc). An entrance management strategy is in preparation for Deep Creek;

• monitoring of the condition of ecological habitats and communities;

Nambucca Shire Council for program management and some actions. OEH - LiDAR



Strategy Management Action Lead Organisation• beach access ways, particularly after storms; and • condition of surf clubs and beach amenities prior to

and at the end of the main tourist and swimming seasons.

Investigate funding sources

Action 7: Council will investigate potential funding sources and prepare applications and business cases to gain grant funding for priority projects. Action 8: Council will consider a specific allocation of its environmental levy to coastal protection works and a long term fund for relocation and retreat of assets.

Nambucca Shire Council NSW Government Australian Government

Raise community awareness of coastal processes and coastal change

Action 9: Maintain a coastal management page on Council’s web site, with information about implementation of the CZMP, information about coastal processes; information about monitoring results and community involvement activities. Action 10: At main beaches and lookouts, provide clear and well designed signage to inform residents and visitors about coastal process hazards. Action 11: During implementation of the CZMP, continue to support a Coast and Estuary Management Committee at Council, with representatives of local coastal communities and other agency stakeholders.


Maintain existing rock protection to maintain functionality

Action 12: Monitor the condition of seawalls at Scotts Head, Nambucca Main Beach, Shelley Beach and Valla Beach Action 13: Maintain existing rock protection structures, increasing the size of materials as necessary to comply with proper design standards. Note: At Nambucca Heads, maintenance works must consider the social value of art works on the breakwall. Strengthening and extending the seawall at Main Beach Nambucca heads is urgent. Maintenance/reconstruction of the seawall at Bellwood Park should be considered during this time period. Over time, as sea level rises, seawalls will need redesign and reconstruction to meet proper design standards for future conditions. Monitoring will inform decisions about the timing of this at each location, but the aim is to maximise the life of existing infrastructure.

Nambucca Shire Council Nambucca entrance training walls – Department of Lands

Trial use of beach scraping to stabilise steep eroded dune escarpments on sand depleted beaches

Action 14: At Main Beach Scotts Head, conduct a trial beach scraping program. The works would stabilise the toe of the dune escarpment in the southern corner of Main Beach Scotts Head and help raise the beach profile. Beach scraping involves moving sand along and across the beach from the swash zone (between mean high water and mean low water). A detailed review of application of beach scraping (Carley et. al., 2010) is in Appendix 5.

Nambucca Shire Council Technical advice from OEH

Consolidate coastal crown land parcels into a single coastal reserve for improved and consistent management

Action 15: Consolidate coastal crown land parcels into a single coastal reserve, and prepare a Plan of Management for the reserve as a whole. At Nambucca heads, Crown Land is currently held in multiple discrete parcels which hinders effective management of ecological values and of recreational use. Similarly, crown land at South Valla/Deep Creek area should be consolidated into single reserve.

Department of Lands with Nambucca Shire Council



Strategy Management Action Lead OrganisationStrengthen weed removal programs in coastal ecological communities and replant with locally indigenous or native species

Action 16: In consultation with CMA and Landcare groups continue invasive species programs to remove weeds of national significance and regionally important weed species from coastal ecological communities. Headland communities and communities along coastal creeks (e.g. Swimming Creek) should be a priority.

CMA, Landcare and Nambucca Shire Council

Ensure consistent application of permitting conditions for beach driving permits issued by Nambucca, Kempsey and Hastings Councils

Action 17: Develop a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NSC and OEH (Parks Service) so that there are consistent requirements for compliance across various land tenures. The MoU should be modelled on the existing MoU between Hastings Council and OEH.

Nambucca Shire Council, with OEH, Hastings Council and Kempsey Council

Maintain and improve beach access ways to ensure safe access onto and between the main beaches in the Shire

Action 18: Remove rubble from Main Beach (southern corner of Forster beach) at Scotts Head. Reinstate a beach access ramp separate from the boat ramp, using a design that is flexible and robust in different beach conditions. Action 19: Maintain the toe of stairways at Little Beach, so that safe access is maintained. This could be achieved by extending the stairs below the beach sand level or by reinforcing the toe. Action 20: Upgrade and formalise the walking track between Shelly Beach and the breakwall at Nambucca Heads. Action 21: Reinstate a beach access ramps at Shelly Beach, using a design that is flexible and robust with different beach levels. Construct controlled stormwater discharge point(s) to mitigate erosion at the car park and accesses undermining due to stormwater runoff. Action 22: Rebuild the footbridge over Deep Creek and Valla Beach, using a design suitable for an intermittently open creek entrance with occasional high flow velocities and scour potential. Action 23: Maintain the headland viewing platform at Scotts Head and consider the formalisation of the walking tracks and access ways at Wakki Beach.

Department of Lands Nambucca Shire Council RASH - Residents Action for Scotts Head

Maintain and improve beach amenity facilities

Action 24: Install shower facilities at strategic beach access locations. Designs should be robust and water efficient. Action 25: Assess the condition of surf clubs and related beach amenity facilities at each of the main beaches prior to and at the end of the main summer beach/tourism season and take remedial action where necessary to ensure facilities are safe and attractive, providing amenity for beach users.


Improve storm water management where stormwater outlets affect beach amenity and safety

Action 26: Conduct a Water Sensitive Urban Design Study for the catchment of the stormwater outlet onto Scotts Head Beach, with the intent of reducing peak velocities and scour and reducing water quality events (nutrients and pathogens). Action 27: Investigate methods to manage storm water flows across and from the car park a Beilbys beach, which currently scour fill and erode the embankment.




Table E2: Proposed management actions, medium term (5 to 20 years)

Overarching Strategy: Maintain access and amenity, prepare for change, monitor and evaluate progress, commence transition from defend and protect to planned retreat, as necessary

Strategy Management Action Lead Organisation

Upgrade seawalls to meet proper design standards

Action 28: Prepare designs and costings for upgrades of all seawall assets, to remain functional with sea level and wave climate conditions beyond 2020. Action 29: Reconstruct the seawall in front of South Valla car park and amenities.

Nambucca Shire Council, With technical advice from OEH

Review traffic management at beaches

Action 30: Conduct a traffic study of the beach parking areas and vehicle circulation at Scotts Head to identify opportunities for improved layout. Options to be considered include changed turn around areas for the boat ramp; limiting parking beyond the surf club. Any potential changes should be discussed with the local community and would be included in reviews of the Master Plan for the Crown Reserve. Action 31: Prepare a traffic study on vehicle access to Main Beach Nambucca Heads, to consider alternative access arrangements beyond 2020, as coastal recession takes effect.

Nambucca Shire Council with Department of lands

Mitigate effects of stormwater discharges on beaches

Action 32: At Scotts Head Main Beach, modify the stormwater drainage system in accordance with the results of the WSUD study, to reduce scour in the southern corner of the beach, protect beach access and address stormwater quality issues. Action 33: At Beilbys Beach, construct controlled stormwater discharge point (s) to mitigate erosion of the embankment and erosion and deposition of fill material onto the beach.

Nambucca shire Council with Department of Lands

Review viability of surf club infrastructure

Action 34: Review functionality, safety and amenity of the two main surf club buildings (Nambucca Main Beach and Scotts Head Main Beach). Examine options for long term protection at the existing sites, or for retreat to lower risk locations. Consider the feasibility of new surf club construction.

Nambucca Shire Council with Department of Lands and Surf Clubs

Review effectiveness of beach scraping

Action 35: Review beach profile records, beach and dune condition at Scotts Head Main Beach, together with storm records and volumes and costs of sand positioned by beach scraping program. Define achievements/outcomes and revise the program as necessary.

Nambucca Shire Council Technical support from OEH

Review monitoring program

Action 36: Review the data collection processes and information collected by the monitoring program after five years, in consultation with OEH, CMA and local communities. Modify as necessary to provide relevant and cost effective information.


Review CZMP strategy

Action 37: Review the implementation of the CZMP and consider new knowledge about coastal processes, climate change, sea level rise and community aspirations. Determine whether trigger points for changing coastal risk management approaches have been reached. Review overall cost effectiveness of coastal zone management.

Nambucca Shire Council, with OEH



In this time frame, a number of actions that commenced within the first five years will continue. Examples are: • Monitoring programs (subject to review outcomes);

• Maintenance of access ways;

• Maintenance of the headland lookout at Scotts Head;

• Community information and involvement programs, including the Coast and Estuary Management Committee and web based information;

• Implementation of consistent compliance requirements for beach driving permits across Nambucca, Hastings, and Kempsey Councils and OEH coastal lands;

• CMA and Landcare weeding programs in coastal ecological communities (and other CMA programs to protect coastal species).

Strategies for Management of Long Term Coastal Risks

These strategies relate to risks and management responses beyond the 20 year time frame. In this time frame, it is expected that the effects of sea level rise on coastal recession will become apparent. At least two new IPCC reports on sea level rise will have been released, reducing uncertainty around actual rates of change. Council will also have a long record of coastal change from both on ground monitoring and LiDAR analysis, and will be well positioned to assess the effectiveness of coastal zone management. The strategies noted below are based on the currently available information and both the need for action and the appropriate response may change in the future. Based on current information, Council and local communities will need to prepare for the following actions in the 50 year time frame and beyond. Most of the actions relate to retreat of previously constructed coastal assets and infrastructure. Retreat involves: • Not permitting new development in high risk frontal dune locations (planning controls will

be put in place in the first five years of the plan to facilitate this).

• Relocation (where feasible) or demolition of private dwellings or commercial buildings which will be in extreme risk areas (in the Zone of Wave Impact and Slope Adjustment) in this time frame. An example is the Big4 Nambucca Beach Holiday Park (near Swimming Creek) which is expected to be affected by coastal recession in this time frame. Council should establish trigger point distances in to ensure the risk to property is monitored and action taken as necessary.

• Redesign and/or relocation of local seawalls, such as those at Scotts Head, Nambucca Main Beach and Shelly Beach. Timing would depend on the declining condition of existing assets (asset life) and the actual impacts of sea level rise and climate change, as well as agreeing on suitable designs and locations with local communities.

• Ongoing roll back of coastal access ways on sandy beaches. Review of access arrangements for Nambucca Heads Main Beach and Beilbys Beach, where recession is likely to remove the beach, leaving a rocky cove.

• Potential relocation or redesign of surf clubs, to align with the recreational amenity of the coastline. For instance, an alternative site for the Nambucca Main Beach Surf Club may be necessary, as beach amenity declines.



• Relocation of power poles, water supply lines, stormwater outlets and sewerage lines where necessary. At Scotts Head, some local services are within the 2050 and 2100 coastal risk areas.

• Relocation or redesign of coastal holiday parks. Van and cabin sites in the holiday park at Scotts Head are likely to be affected by coastal process hazards in the 2050 and 2100 periods.

Future retreat and relocation strategies in the coastal zone, and funding, are not only issues for local government but something that will require a national response with all levels of government involved. Thus, future management strategies will need to be undertaken in collaboration and accordance with any legislation, guidelines and government aided strategies may also be produced in future.

Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan DRAFT Table of Contents

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction .............................................................................. 1.1

1.1 Report Structure ................................................................................ 1.1 1.2 Why Prepare a CZMP? ...................................................................... 1.2 1.3 Council’s Vision................................................................................. 1.2

1.3.1 Aims and Objectives of the CZMP ..................................................................1.3 1.4 Council’s Strategy for the Coast ...................................................... 1.4 1.5 Study Area ......................................................................................... 1.4

1.5.1 Key Locations ..................................................................................................1.5 1.6 What Distinguishes the Nambucca From Other Areas? ................ 1.6 1.7 Key Issues, Threats and Opportunities ........................................... 1.6

1.7.1 Storm Bite Damage to Beach Access Ways and Dune Vegetation ................1.6 1.7.2 Matching Access Infrastructure to Community Needs ....................................1.7 1.7.3 Climate Change and Sea Level Rise ..............................................................1.7 1.7.4 Alignment with Other Management Plans .......................................................1.8

2.0 People and Place ...................................................................... 2.1 2.1 Community Values ............................................................................ 2.1

2.1.1 Specific Local Values ......................................................................................2.2 2.1.2 How the CZMP Considers Community Views .................................................2.3

2.2 People and the Coast ........................................................................ 2.3 2.2.1 Population ........................................................................................................2.3 2.2.2 Land Use .........................................................................................................2.3 2.2.3 Land Tenure ....................................................................................................2.4 2.2.4 Scotts Head Crown Reserve Master Plan .......................................................2.4

2.3 Indigenous Culture and Heritage ..................................................... 2.5 2.3.1 Gaagal Wanggaan National Park ....................................................................2.7

2.4 Investment in the Coast – Assets and Infrastructure ..................... 2.8 2.4.1 Economic Value of the Nambucca Coast ........................................................2.8

3.0 The Coastal Environment – Landforms and Processes ....... 3.1

3.1 Introduction ....................................................................................... 3.1 3.2 Hydrodynamics.................................................................................. 3.1

3.2.1 Waves ..............................................................................................................3.1 3.2.2 Extreme Water Levels .....................................................................................3.1 3.2.3 Currents ...........................................................................................................3.2 3.2.4 Rips ..................................................................................................................3.2 3.2.5 Waves and Currents in Open Estuaries ..........................................................3.3 3.2.6 Climate Change and Sea Level Rise ..............................................................3.3

3.3 Beach Processes ............................................................................... 3.4 3.3.1 Beach Rotation ................................................................................................3.5 3.3.2 Entrance Migration and Tidal Current Scour ...................................................3.5

3.4 Coastal Landforms ............................................................................ 3.6 3.4.1 Beach Types ....................................................................................................3.6 3.4.2 Mobile and Stabilised Dunes ...........................................................................3.6


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3.4.3 Offshore Bathymetry ........................................................................................3.7 3.4.4 Cliff and Bluff Processes .................................................................................3.7

3.5 Coastal Structures ............................................................................. 3.8 3.5.1 Scotts Head .....................................................................................................3.8 3.5.2 Nambucca Heads ............................................................................................3.8 3.5.3 Shelly Beach and Beilbys Beach .....................................................................3.9 3.5.4 Main Beach (Nambucca Heads) .....................................................................3.9 3.5.5 Valla Beach .....................................................................................................3.9

3.6 Coastal Biodiversity .......................................................................... 3.9 3.6.1 Coastal Ecosystem Resilience ......................................................................3.10

4.0 Nambucca Coastal Hazard Assessment ................................ 4.1 4.1 Hazard Identification and Assessment ............................................ 4.1

4.1.1 Short Term Beach Changes (Storm Bite) ........................................................4.1 4.1.2 Coastal Erosion Hazard Zones .......................................................................4.2 4.1.3 Long Term Coastal Recession, and Recession with the Addition of Sea Level

Rise ..................................................................................................................4.3 4.1.4 Coastal Inundation ...........................................................................................4.4 4.1.5 Stormwater Discharges ...................................................................................4.5 4.1.6 Creek and River Entrances .............................................................................4.5 4.1.7 Geotechnical Instability ....................................................................................4.6

4.2 Coastal Hazard Zones and Risk ....................................................... 4.6 4.2.1 Asset Register .................................................................................................4.7

4.3 Risk Assessment and Management ................................................. 4.8 4.3.1 Risk Assessment Results ..............................................................................4.10

5.0 Management of the Coast ........................................................ 5.1 5.1 Introduction ....................................................................................... 5.1 5.2 Roles of Government ........................................................................ 5.1

5.2.1 Coastal Management Reform: Coastal Protection Act 1979 and Associated Codes and Guidelines .....................................................................................5.5

5.2.2 Coastal Management Principles ......................................................................5.6 5.2.3 Certification of the CZMP ................................................................................5.9 5.2.4 Council’s Role in Relation to this CZMP ..........................................................5.9 5.2.5 Funding Options ............................................................................................5.10

5.3 Council’s Strategic Approach ........................................................ 5.13 5.3.1 Broad Strategic Approaches and Options for Coastal Infrastructure ............5.13 5.3.2 Applying Adaptive Management Principles ...................................................5.15 5.3.3 Key Factors for NSC ......................................................................................5.15

5.4 Strategic Options for Coastal Zone Management ......................... 5.16 5.4.1 Appraisal of Options to Address Social, Recreational and Tourism Issues ..5.17 5.4.2 Appraisal of Options to Address Technical/Coastal Hazard Risks................5.17

6.0 Strategies for Resilient Coastal Communities ....................... 6.1 6.1.1 Strategies for Managing Coastal Risks and Improving Community Amenity ..6.1 6.1.2 Infrastructure and Facilities .............................................................................6.3

6.2 Strategies and Management Actions ............................................... 6.3


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7.0 Implementation ......................................................................... 7.1

8.0 References ................................................................................ 8.1

9.0 Glossary .................................................................................... 9.1

FIGURES (after page...)

1.1 Nambucca Coastal Zone Study Area ....................................................... 1.1 2.1 Specific Local Values, Scotts Head .......................................................... 2.3 2.2 Specific Local Values, Nambucca Heads ................................................ 2.3 2.3 Specific Local Values, Valla Beach .......................................................... 2.3 2.4 Land Tenure Map ....................................................................................... 2.4 3.1 Sea Level Rise ............................................................................................ 3.3 3.2 Concept of Beach Rotation ....................................................................... 3.5 3.3 Distribution of Coastal Vegetation Communities .................................... 3.9 4.1 Idealised Schematic of Hazard Zone .............................................. ..........4.3 4.2 Beach Changes Over Time ............................................................. ..........4.3 4.3 Hazard Zones and Key Assets - Scotts Head .......................................... 4.7 4.4 Hazard Zones and Key Assets - Nambucca Heads Estuary

Entrance ..................................................................................................... 4.7 4.5 Hazard Zones and Key Assets - North Nambucca Heads ...................... 4.7 4.6 Hazard Zones and Key Assets - Valla Beach .......................................... 4.7 4.7 Stages in the Risk Management Process ................................................ 4.8 6.1 Scotts Head Options ................................................................................ 6.16 6.2 Scotts Head, Forster Beach and Wakki Beach Options ....................... 6.16 6.3 Nambucca Heads Options ...................................................................... 6.16 6.4 Shelly, Beilbys and Swimming Creek Options ...................................... 6.16 6.5 Valla Beach Options ................................................................................ 6.16


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PLATES (after page...)

1.1 Collapsed Beach Access (Scotts Head) .................................................. 1.7 1.2 Eroded Dune Vegetation (Little Beach, Scotts Head) ............................. 1.7 1.3 Damage to the fencing and access ramp at Shelly Beach ..................... 1.7 1.4 Stormwater damage at Shelly Beach ....................................................... 1.7 3.1 Waves entering the Nambucca Estuary ................................................... 3.3 3.2 Remnants of the Seawall at Bellwood Park ............................................. 3.3 3.3 Cliffs at Valla Beach ................................................................................... 3.7 3.4 Rockfall at Valla Beach .............................................................................. 3.7 3.5a, b Nambucca Heads Surf Club at Main Beach ............................................. 3.9 4.1 Lack of Sediment Volume at Main Beach Exposing Rocky

Substrate .................................................................................................... 4.2

APPENDICES

1 Options Appraisal Tables 2 Risk Assessment Tables and Asset Register 3 Local Newspaper Articles 4 Community Survey Results and Responses 5 Beach Scraping Paper (Carley et al., 2010) 6 Implementation Schedule 7 Emergency Action Plan

Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan DRAFT Introduction

Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited 2895/R01/V6 December 2011 1.1

1.0 Introduction Nambucca Shire Council has prepared this Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) as part of their strategy to manage the coastline by protecting both public assets and the characteristics of the coastline that are valued by the community. The coastline is an important element of the landscape of Nambucca Shire. It contributes to the lifestyle enjoyed by local residents and attracts visitors to the Nambucca, supporting economic well being. The CZMP is one of Council’s tools for managing the future of its landscape, natural resources and communities. This NCZMP outlines how Council plans to adapt its management of the coast in coming decades. Some hard decisions will need to be made as the coast adjusts to long term erosion and recession hazards. Council will manage the beaches within the Nambucca Shire Council Local Government Area (LGA) to reduce risks associated with a range of coastal hazards and to demonstrate best value management approaches for its communities. The CZMP is an integral part of Council’s wider adaptive management strategy which will identify and manage risks such as erosion and recession associated with sea level rise and climate change. Alignment of Council’s land use planning, economic development and coastal risk management tools will help to sustain the natural and cultural values and the built assets of the coastline. The Nambucca coast is located on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia, approximately 450 kilometres north of Sydney. For the purposes of this management plan, we consider the Nambucca coast to be comprised of the beaches, dunes and headlands extending from Scotts Head in the south, to Valla Beach in the north. The Nambucca coastal zone is shown in Figure 1.1. 1.1 Report Structure

This CZMP is set out in seven sections. Its focus is the actions that are proposed to manage risks associated with coastal hazards at each of the beaches along the Nambucca coastline, and how they will be implemented. • Section 1.0 - Introduces the Nambucca coastal zone, presents Council’s vision and

objectives for managing coastal assets and infrastructure and presents some of the challenges faced in the region.

• Section 2.0 - looks at the character of the coast and describes the key stakeholders and their values.

• Section 3.0 - summarises the coastal and geomorphic processes that have shaped the Nambucca coastline.

• Section 4.0 - summarises the results of the coastal process hazard study and presents the coastal hazard zones based on this assessment for now and the 2050 and 2100 time frames. This section also presents the methods and results of the risk assessment which guides priorities for management.

• Section 5.0 - looks at the different management strategies that are possible and/or necessary to ensure that the coastal zone is sustainably managed into the future.



• Section 6.0 - presents the preferred management actions and combinations/sequences of actions. Also in Section 6.0 are indicative detailed scopes for the actions, such as the monitoring program which underpins Council’s adaptive management and will also involve the community in decisions about future investment.

• Section 7.0 - briefly notes the scope of implementation, with the implementation schedule in Appendix 6.

1.2 Why Prepare a CZMP?

In NSW, State legislation requires that councils prepare a plan to manage coastal zone risks. When Council has prepared a Plan which is certified by the NSW government, it is eligible for funding support for coastal management actions. Council has indemnity for actions taken in good faith in accordance with the Plan. The Nambucca CZMP is aligned with other Council and NSW government policies, guidelines and legislation. Council acknowledges that the coastline is a dynamic landscape. Council’s investment in assets and infrastructure for community enjoyment of the coast can be threatened by major storms that erode and reshape the beaches and dunes. In the longer term the coastline is changing in response to sea level rise and other aspects of climate change. These changes present significant risks to assets, infrastructure and coastal amenity. The CZMP analyses the risks associated with coastline change. Based on the risks and Council’s resources, it sets out Council’s strategic approach to the management of its coastal assets and to protecting the community value of the coast. NSC is a small council with limited resources. The planning process helps Council decide where best to invest its resources to protect or develop assets that provide safe and attractive areas to enjoy the coast and to protect the naturalness of coastal lands. For NSC, this involves some hard medium to long term decisions about which areas will be maintained and promoted for recreation and tourism and which areas should be downgraded over time, as the effects of climate change and sea level rise become more apparent. 1.3 Council’s Vision

NSC is preparing a Community Strategic Plan, as required by amendments to the Local Government Act in 2009. The Plan establishes an overarching vision for the shire and a mission statement for Council:

‘Living at its best’ ‘Council will value and protect its natural environment, maintain its assets

and infrastructure and develop opportunities for its people’.

The Community Strategic Plan incorporates several management themes: • best value Council – asset management and quality, value for money services;

• environment;

• people and society;

• diverse economy; and



• economic and business development. Under the Community Strategic Plan, Council has (amongst other documents) an asset management strategy, climate change plan, tourism plan and its Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plan. These plans all influence Council’s approach to managing the coastline, however are largely silent on coastal hazard issues and coastal assets as a stand-alone theme. The CZMP provides the detail about how Council will manage its coastal assets and it links management proposals to Council’s strategic planning framework. 1.3.1 Aims and Objectives of the CZMP

A key aim of the CZMP is to minimise risks associated with coastal processes, protecting important community values and enabling residents and visitors to continue to be able to enjoy safe access to an attractive coastal landscape. The plan recognises that communities need clear information pertaining to Council’s strategic direction. Within the broad vision and mission established in the Community Strategic Plan, the objectives of the NCZMP are: • to guide Council and community contributions to achieving healthy functioning coastal

systems;

• to guide Council land use and land management strategies and actions so that they take coastal hazards into account for short and long term timeframes;

• to provide good value investment in Council assets in the coastal zone, so that infrastructure for coastline access and enjoyment is good quality, meets the needs of residents and visitors and is affordable; and

• to provide clear information about coastal processes and hazards and support community involvement in planning future activities in the coastal zone.

These objectives are to ensure an integrated CZMP is produced that incorporates social and technical principles, to achieve: • Council’s vision;

• sustainable protection of the features of the coastline that people value, particularly safe access and suitable facilities;

• favourable ecological outcomes; and

• favourable cultural outcomes.

The Plan is based on: • up to date science and hazard assessment (in accordance with NSW State guidelines);

• a thorough understanding of coastal processes and geomorphologic principles;

• insight into the potential coastal changes due to climate change and sea level rise;

• consultation with local communities about what is important to them, how their use of the coast is threatened (or improved), and their suggestions about how risks can best be managed in their local area;



• assessment of the effects of these changes on the social, ecological and cultural environment;

• identification of a range of potential responses to mitigate risks; and

• evaluation of the feasibility, suitability and cost effectiveness of risk management responses using a standard set of criteria and a repeatable process.

The Plan is relevant to those living within or near the coast who value the landscape and the recreation opportunities the coast provides; those who make a living through the coastal zone; those with cultural attachments to the coastal zone and those who visit the Nambucca as travellers or holiday makers. 1.4 Council’s Strategy for the Coast

The CZMP includes strategic focus areas and associated timeframes which are intended to allow Council and its management partners to effectively plan and prioritise actions. Table 1.1 briefly outlines Councils overarching strategies and the associated timeframes. Section 5.3 explains Councils strategies more thoroughly.

Table 1.1 - Councils Overarching Strategies and Associated Implementation Timeframes

Short term – commence within 5 years Overarching strategy: Maintain existing access,

amenity and protection. Prepare community and Council for change and monitor actual changes to better understand coastal responses.

Medium term (5 to 20 years) Overarching strategy: transition from maintenance/defend existing approach to a long term retreat approach. Maintain community involvement, continue monitoring actual change; careful review of progress and outcomes.

Long term (strategies for beyond a 20 year timeframe)

Overarching strategy: planned long term retreat in accordance with actual coastal recession. Relocate assets and infrastructure at asset life.

1.5 Study Area

The coastline of the Nambucca LGA runs from Scott’s Head in the south, to Valla Beach in the north, as shown in Figure 1.1. For the purposes of this Plan, the coastline includes the beaches, dunes and headlands along the coast. The CZMP considers the impacts of coastal processes (such as waves and ocean currents) on the coastal landscape. Thus, the focus area of the Plan is the narrow strip of land and sea bed, from where waves break as they approach the shore, to the anticipated limit of coastal erosion and recession over the next 100 years. In general, this means that the CZMP is concerned with about 200 metres offshore and about 200 metres landward of the high tide mark. The coastline is part of a broader coastal zone. The ‘Coastal Zone’ is defined in the NSW Coastal Policy (1997) and Coastal Protection Act (1979, as amended 2010). It incorporates the features of the coastline, but also extends seaward as far as the NSW State boundary (3 nautical miles off the coast) and one kilometre landward of the coast, coastal lakes and estuaries.



Councils and the NSW Government manage various elements of the coastal zone under different pieces of legislation and policy, interpreted in different management plans. For instance: • The Northern Rivers CMA Catchment Action Plan includes targets and actions to

maintain healthy and resilient coastal ecosystems.

• Nambucca Council has prepared an estuary management plan for the Nambucca River estuary, which is part of the coastal zone.

• The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) prepares Plans of Management for national parks.

• Plans of Management are also prepared for marine parks and coastal reserves managed by Reserve Trusts or the Department of Lands.

• Nambucca Shire Council and Department of Planning and Infrastructure prepare Local Environmental Plans and regional strategies which guide land-use and regional development on the coast.

The intent is that all the plans for components of the coastal zone will fit together to provide consistent and effective management of the coastal zone, heading towards shared goals. 1.5.1 Key Locations

The Nambucca coastline is a relatively undeveloped area. The main settlements are villages and small towns that have a small local population that is greatly increased by visitors in peak holiday periods. The main settlements and features are: • Forster Beach, Little Beach and Wakki Beach at Scotts Head

Scotts Head is a relatively isolated coastal fishing and surfing village which experiences significant increases in population in holiday times, with people staying in the holiday park adjacent to the Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) (Figure 1.1). Scotts Head has been a favoured surfing break and is also popular for whale watching and fishing. Parts of Forster Beach are open for four wheel driving. There is slow growth in permanent population on the slopes behind the beach. The headland next to the beach car park is affected by slope instability processes. The embayment north of Scotts Head is Forster Beach. The southern corner near the surf club is known locally as Main Beach. North of the village, Forster Beach includes the recently created and jointly managed Gaagal Wanggaan National Park (northern end of Forster beach, also known as South Beach). Wakki Beach is south of Elephant Head. This is a small pocket beach surrounded by cliffs.

• Nambucca Heads Nambucca Heads is a coastal town at the mouth of the Nambucca River. It has a long history as a small and often dangerous port. It has a range of community facilities and services. It also has several substantial holiday parks and a variety of motel style holiday accommodation bringing in visitors attracted by the estuary and open coast. The ocean beaches at Nambucca Heads include Swimming Creek, Main Beach, Beilbys Beach and Shelly Beach (Figure 1.1). The town beaches for Nambucca Heads are backed by steep cliffs and bluffs which have spectacular views across the mouth of the estuary and along the sandy barriers to the north and south of the headland. The cliffs and bluffs, which are affected by slope instability processes, are also considered in the CZMP. The mouth of the estuary of the Nambucca River, from Bellwood Park, along Wellington Drive, and the V-wall and breakwall are also included in the CZMP.



• Valla Beach Valla Beach is a village with a large caravan park/holiday park on the landward shore of Deep Creek. The coastline at Valla Beach includes the beach, dunes, headland and the lower reaches and mouth of Deep Creek, from the foot bridge to the sea. Parts of Valla Beach, extending south to Swimming Creek and north to Jagun Nature Reserve, are open for four wheel driving, providing access for beach anglers. The Valla Beach area is shown in Figure 1.1. New residential development occurring near Valla Beach is outside the CZMP area.

1.6 What Distinguishes the Nambucca From Other Areas?

A key feature distinguishing the Nambucca from other nearby coastal areas, e.g. Coffs Harbour, is that there is little development along the coastal frontage. • Most of the Nambucca coastline is in public ownership, as National Park, Crown Reserve

or Council community land. For at least the next fifty years, private residential property is not likely to be affected by coastal hazards. New development can be planned outside coastal risk areas.

• The local Aboriginal community is an important coastal land owner. The Gaagal Wanggaan National Park along South Beach (located at the northern end of Forsters Beach) is managed under an agreement and plan of management, prepared by OEH with the local Aboriginal Owners.

• A natural coastal landscape is very important to the Nambucca community. Protecting coastal ecosystems and habitats for the benefit of future generations is seen as a priority. Continuing access to the beaches is also an important priority for local residents.

• The coastal settlements along the Nambucca coastline are small individual villages with distinct local identities and strong community attachment to the beach for swimming, walking, fishing and surfing.

Another significant characteristic is that in recent times some Nambucca beaches have lost sand volume. Recent weather patterns, which are part of longer term cycles, have caused a significant loss of sand in the southern corner of Main Beach Scotts Head and other Nambucca Beaches not seen since the 1970s. Recent erosion has affected the feasibility and safety of beach access and foreshadows future challenges for Council and local communities to ensure the safe and enjoyable access now experienced in the Nambucca is maintained. Some types of erosion and recession will become more pronounced through time. Future changes to the beaches may mean that the landmarks, access, amenity and facilities may no longer be sustainable in their current forms or locations. 1.7 Key Issues, Threats and Opportunities

1.7.1 Storm Bite Damage to Beach Access Ways and Dune Vegetation

Successive storms in the area have caused shorelines in the central and southern areas of the Nambucca to erode, as sand is temporarily redistributed offshore or along the beach. This has caused the beach access points to some beach areas to be undermined and collapse.



Three access points to Forster Beach (Main Beach) at Scotts Head have collapsed. Two of these have a steep 2 metre high scarp face which has left the beach inaccessible from the amenities block and caravan park access points. The access by the Surf Club has also partly collapsed and has been fenced off. Plate 1.1 shows the collapsed access from the amenities block, with the steep escarpment left behind. Accesses to Shelly Beach (Plate 1.3 and 1.4), Beilbys Beach and Nambucca Heads Main Beach have also been affected by storm bite erosion recently, with access issues at Main Beach covered in local media. At Main Beach, the seaward edge of the car parking area has been affected by wave action and retaining walls are collapsing. At both Main Beach and Beilbys Beach, unprotected embankments have also been affected by wave action and storm water erosion. Some related media articles have been included in Appendix 3. As well as the collapse of access infrastructure, some of the long established dune vegetation has also subsided and fallen onto the beach at Scotts Head and Little Beach, as shown in Plate 1.2. The maturity of the fallen trees suggests that area of dune has been stable for the past 10+ years, however now is subject to more frequent storm bite damage. Solutions to minimise further risk from storm bite damage to assets and vegetation are explored in Sections 5.0 and 6.0 of the CZMP. 1.7.2 Matching Access Infrastructure to Community Needs

In order to maintain effective and appropriate access to the area’s beaches, Council seeks to match infrastructure location and design to community needs. For example, beaches with a large number of regular users (or with big summer peaks in use) will require more than one access and parking area, whilst beaches frequented by those with limited mobility (e.g. the elderly or disabled) will require more robust and easily traversable access ways and look outs. In an area dependent on coastal tourism for economic activity, the construction of linked coastal pathways could provide an alternative recreational attraction to surfing and fishing. For sustainable, cost effective beach access, the design of beach access ways must also be adapted to the type and scale of beach erosion, i.e. the design should allow continuing (or rapidly restored) function after storm conditions and as the frontal dune system recedes. The actual location of beach access ways may need to be re-evaluated over time as recession associated with sea level rise changes the shape of the coast and the amenity of long established swimming and surfing areas. For instance, changes to sand volume at Main Beach, Nambucca Heads over the next 50 years are expected to reduce the safety and amenity of the beach area, as a rocky sea floor and wave reflection off the seawall take effect. 1.7.3 Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

Increases in CO2 emissions are slowly affecting climate and warming the oceans. In the coastal environment, the most significant consequence of global warming is sea level rise, due to thermal expansion of water and melting of ice caps. Projected increases in sea level are a significant driver of coastal erosion and recession that has not previously been fully accounted for in coastal zone planning. Additional erosion and recession in response to sea level rise will increase the area affected by coastal process hazards and broaden the coastal risk areas for medium to long term planning horizons. Over time, additional recession driven by sea level rise will affect ecological communities, valued social and cultural places and both urban and recreational assets and infrastructure.



The NSW Government has set planning benchmarks of 0.4 metre of sea level rise by 2050 and 0.9 metre sea level rise (above 1990 levels) by 2100 (NSW Sea Level Rise Policy Statement; DECCW, 2009). Hazard studies prepared for the Nambucca coastline (SMEC, 2010 http://www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-XBQ-07-50-32&c=40) have applied these sea level rise planning benchmarks. SMEC 2010 provides more detail about climate change and expected impacts on coastal processes. Along with the impacts of sea level rise, further impacts attributed to climate change are likely to be experienced, through increased storminess. In the future, coastal areas may be subject to increasingly intense storms and the resultant effects, e.g. stronger winds, larger storm surges and a higher incidence of large waves, will also challenge the resilience of coastal landforms. 1.7.4 Alignment with Other Management Plans

To support efficient coastal zone management, Council is working with other coastal land managers to ensure that responsibilities are clearly allocated, minimising duplication and conflict. The Nambucca CZMP is aligned with and is intended to be implemented in association with several related plans. These include: • Master Plan for the Scotts Head Crown Reserve

(http://www.lpma.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/88931/draft_masterplan.pdf) and Master Plan for the Nambucca River (http://www.resdesman.com.au/nambucca/downloads.asp). These plans were commissioned by Council, the Department of Lands and other State government stakeholders to guide the future development of the river foreshore areas, the Scotts Head coastal area and caravan park, and the effective use of public lands;

• Plans of Management for national park lands;

• The Nambucca LEP (http://www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-LGW-10-63-13&c=77) and DCP (http://www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-MUB-23-17-78&c=184) which are in turn aligned with the Mid North Coast Regional Strategy (2009);

• Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority Catchment Action Plan. The CAP is about to be reviewed and refocused to guide natural resource management over the next ten years (http://www.northern.cma.nsw.gov.au/region_catchment_action_plan.php);

• Any LALC management plans established in the future (currently being undertaken).

Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan DRAFT People and Place


2.0 People and Place This section describes the social and cultural characteristics of the Nambucca coastal area and wider community. These values depend on how and why people use the coastal landscape now, but also include inherited values from long term family associations with the Nambucca area. 2.1 Community Values

Community input during this project has clearly demonstrated a strong interest and attachment to the coast. Community value of the coast in the Nambucca is very high. The local community have a long standing connection with the coast, and for most, interaction with the coast and beaches is a daily part of life. Many people identify with the coast through fishing, four wheel driving, bird watching, surfing and involvement in surf clubs or Landcare activities. Community values for the coastal landscape were gauged through a community survey and community briefings/meetings as well as review of the results of previous consultation programs (see Appendix 4 for survey results). The consultation with the local community and community groups reveals some clear common themes to community valuation of the coastal landscape. Information about community opinions, concerns and aspirations was gathered through meetings and workshops and an on line/hard copy community survey. One of the overarching values the community holds is the desire to keep the coast in as ‘natural’ state as possible. There is a common feeling that future development should not impinge on coastal views or the condition of the beach and coastal dunes. Other values and aspirations held for the future by the community include: • Conservation and preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. There are a number of

reserves and conservation areas within the coastal zone;

• Conservation and preservation of food resources (i.e. seafood, fish);

• Protection of natural coastal landscapes and visual amenity;

• Ensuring tourism continues to grow, to keep money coming into the region. This involves the way the NSC coastline is marketed and promoted, but also requires that the assets and facilities that create an attractive destination for visitors are kept in good condition, both serviceable and attractive;

• Weed management and removal of invasive species on dunes and headlands;

• Areas are kept clean of rubbish and pollution;

• Consideration of the heritage and values of local indigenous groups, and particularly the connection of traditional Aboriginal owners to the land. The Nambucca district is home to a large Aboriginal population, with strong cultural attachment to the estuary and beaches;

• Beach amenity and accessibility. Local communities value safe and robust beach access ways that are suitable for use by people of all ages and abilities and are attractive for visitors to the area;



• The value of the beach as a meeting place for small local communities, where residents share common interests in swimming, surfing, walking, fishing and a natural landscape. Surf Club buildings and facilities are an important asset in this regard. There are two surf clubs in the Nambucca LGA:

Scotts Head. The Macksville-Scotts Head SLSC is a central part of the Scotts Head community. It has operated since the late 1930s, and hosts beach fitness, surf life saving and other community social activities.

Nambucca Heads. This club was established in 1933 and has historically been an important focus of local social and recreational activities, as well as tourism.

• In small coastal communities like Scotts Head, the surf club is a key community meeting place with high social value. At both Scotts Head and Nambucca heads, the surf clubs have a long history and are part of the social fabric of the towns;

• Maintenance and enhancement of beach facilities, such as picnic areas, showers and wash down facilities, amenities blocks, lookouts and fish cleaning facilities; and

• Dune care initiatives which provide opportunities for local communities to be actively involved in looking after native vegetation. There is a strong participation in Landcare throughout the Nambucca valley, with active projects in dune protection, management of invasive species in littoral rainforest and riparian ecological communities along the Nambucca estuary. Landcare and Green Teams are sponsored through local community associations and the local Aboriginal community.

2.1.1 Specific Local Values

Scotts Head For Scotts Head, as well as preserving the naturalness of the coast, limiting development, and creating additional recreation areas, local residents made specific reference to the Surf Club, the picnic and amenities areas. They also noted issues with difficult access to Little Beach (see Figure 2.1). Recent erosion of the frontal dune system and destruction of beach access ways at Scotts Head is a major concern to the local community. Rubble and fallen trees on the beach create safety hazards. There is the opportunity of Scotts Head being an important gateway to the coastal lands to the north and south, so good access facilities are very important. Nambucca Heads At Nambucca Heads, there are a few locations which are considered integral features of the coastal zone landscape, especially with respect to community amenity; these are presented in Figure 2.2. Maintaining the viability of the access ways and facilities at the town beaches was considered of the utmost importance, as well as maintaining the viability of the V-wall as an important tourist draw card. Other specific mention was the continued viability of the Surf Club at Main Beach and the 4WD access near Swimming Creek. There was also suggestion of formalising the path linking Nambucca Heads with Shelly Beach as an additional coastal walk through the Our Living Coast – Sustainability Project. Valla Beach North towards Valla Beach, the community was primarily concerned with limiting further development of the area, as well as preserving the natural environment. An important community infrastructure asset is the foot bridge connecting the caravan park foreshore to



the beach, over Deep Creek. Scour around the bridge footings has resulted in subsidence and an uneven bridge deck (see Figure 2.3). This has been targeted for renovation in the past, and options to improve the condition of the bridge are discussed in Sections 6.0. At Valla Beach, the North Valla car park and four wheel drive access are also important issues to the local community. 2.1.2 How the CZMP Considers Community Views

The issues and locations identified by the community have been considered in the management planning process. The significance of issues raised by the community is considered in the risk assessment. Options to remedy the issues and concerns raised by the community are included in the appraisal tables in Appendix 1. The results of the risk assessment are summarised in Section 4.3 and a range of potential management responses are evaluated in Section 6.0. Council anticipates that local communities will continue to be involved in the implementation of the CZMP, after it is certified and adopted (see Section 5.2.3). In this way, local communities will contribute to the ongoing health and amenity of the coastline and will also contribute to adaptive management decisions as new information becomes available. 2.2 People and the Coast

2.2.1 Population

The population of the three local townships and wider rural communities is relatively small. A total of 17,991 people lived in the Nambucca LGA in 2006 (2006 census), and this number was expected to rise to over 19,000 by 2011. Despite the low population, Nambucca Shire is regarded as having a rapidly growing population (NSC, 2011). Population growth is driven in part by proximity to, but lower costs than Coffs Harbour. The majority of the local concentrated population is in Nambucca Heads (5873), with Macksville second (2658), then Valla Beach (1054), Bowraville (976) and Scotts Head (789). The rest of the population live within the rural hinterland (6547). The Nambucca Valley is a popular tourist destination. Over 100,000 visitors pass through the doors of the tourist information centre every year. The majority of these visitors arrive in summer, when all local accommodation is fully occupied. The majority of the visitor population are regular visitors to the Nambucca beaches and other coastal areas (e.g. the national park). The Nambucca receives day visitors from Coffs Harbour as well as weekly holiday makers looking for a lower key coastal experience. From the census information, it is apparent that the Nambucca district has a relatively high proportion of older people, with the proportion of young people remaining similar over the last 20 years. There is a low proportion of people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (although many of these people are long-term residents). The Nambucca district has a significant Aboriginal population, with many families having a very long association with the estuary and beaches and continuing cultural knowledge (as confirmed by the joint management of the national park). The local Aboriginal population has a relatively high proportion of young people. 2.2.2 Land Use

The majority of the hinterland immediately landward of the open coast beaches, dunes and cliffs is zoned open space or environment protection - for public recreation and nature



conservation and management. Much of the ocean frontage within the Nambucca LGA is national park and nature reserve, for example, Forster Beach and north of Valla Beach. The Nambucca CZMP does not present detailed recommendations for these areas, which are managed by OEH and the local Aboriginal community. However, the intent is to provide for a smooth transition between coastal land managed by Council, Crown Lands Trusts and the OEH. To minimise future risk to residential and commercial development from coastal hazards, Council has a prepared an LEP (Local Environmental Plan) and DCP (Development Control Plan, latest version is 2010), in accordance with the State wide template. Controls for development on any land likely to be affected by coastal processes will be included in the Nambucca LEP and DCP, in accordance with the outcomes of the Coastal Hazard Study (SMEC Australia (2010)). 2.2.3 Land Tenure

Figure 2.4 shows the areas of Crown land, Council land and Aboriginal land within the coastal zone. Note, although much of the foreshore is under Crown ownership, much of this area is under the day to day management of Council. For the most part, the foreshore, seabed, dunes and coastal cliffs are Crown land, with the exception of Aboriginal Land. The Crown land is overseen by a number of organisations including a Crown Land Trust for the Scotts Head Reserve. The Crown Reserve lands are fragmented parcels and there would be benefit in consolidation of the reserve lands into larger more manageable units (or a single reserve). This has been suggested as an option to be considered as part of the CZMP. A similar project to this has recently been undertaken with the Crown reserves in the Bellingen Shire. Council is appointed as the manager of much of the coastal reserve area. They are responsible for decisions regarding the operation of the reserves, which must be made in accordance with the rules which govern the council’s operations and management strategies, as well as the Crown Lands Act 1989. Council is responsible for the town beaches and beach amenities. They also manage the access roads and access structures to the beaches. There is minimal private freehold land within the immediate coastal hazard zone. Land in freehold tenure is generally landward of the frontal dune system. By 2050 and beyond, the coastal hazard area does begin to impinge on freehold land. 2.2.4 Scotts Head Crown Reserve Master Plan

The foreshore area at Scotts Head is a Crown Reserve, partly managed by a Crown Reserve Trust which has community and council representatives. The Department of Lands provides administrative and financial support for the Reserve Trust. The remainder of the reserve is managed by Council. A Master Plan was prepared for the Scotts Head Crown Reserve in 2008 (http://www.lpma.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/88931/draft_masterplan.pdf). The Plan making process involved a number of community consultation activities. and the Master Plan is considered to represent how management of the reserve should move forward. Several actions identified in the Master Plan refer to areas or assets that are within the coastal hazard zones, including:



• Maintain the viewing platform and headland pedestrian paths and management regime, to protect vegetation and minimise erosion and rock falls. Continuing access onto the headland should also respect its Aboriginal cultural heritage value.

• Do not enlarge the current lease area of the surf club, but improve public access to surf club facilities. Any upgrade of the surf club should improve its aesthetic relationship to the coastal setting.

• Establish a public pedestrian access from the village green to the beach

• Maintain existing pedestrian pathways to the beach west of the caravan park, together with an ongoing program of vegetation and fire management on the dunes.

The CZMP supports these actions. The Master Plan was prepared prior to the recent erosion of the frontal dune in the southern corner of Forster beach Main Beach Scotts Head) and the damage to the ramp over the storm water drain. It is largely silent on these assets, although the Master Plan summary figure shows the parking (near the boat ramp), stormwater drain and dune access ways. The CZMP provides some suggestions for future management of these areas, to maximise beach amenity and provide for the most effective long term traffic management. These options are discussed in Section 5, and would only be implemented after further consultation within the community and with Lands Department. 2.3 Indigenous Culture and Heritage

The Nambucca coastline is the traditional land of the Ngaku and Gumbaynggirir people (McIntyre-Tamwoy, 2003). The Dunggati people occupied the Nambucca hinterland, back to the escarpment of the Great Eastern Ranges. Council’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan provides an overview of the traditional occupation of the area and of the importance of ongoing cultural knowledge and practice to local Aboriginal people. Stories from local Aboriginal women have been collated and presented to illustrate the significant connection between indigenous peoples and the coast, whilst raising the profile of the unique historical experience of Aboriginal women from the Nambucca. The stories detail the importance of fishing and gathering shellfish along the coast, as well as the general use of the coast for daily recreation. The most significant locations include Stuart Island where the Aboriginal school was located, and a cemetery. South Beach is also a significant location for both men and women (now part of the Gaagal Wanggaan National Park). A few extracts from the stories that were compiled by OEH/NSW National Parks and Wildlife (2003) have been included to illustrate the coastal values and perspective within the stories (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/cultureheritage/NambuccaWomensHeritage.pdf).



Nambucca Aboriginal Women’s stories

I was born here on Stuart Island in 1936…….In the early days I’d go out fishing with Dad. We had a launch. Dad was catching mullets in those days and I would help him pull in the nets. Rosie and I would sit up the top of the headlands. We’d signal like mad when we saw the fish coming in the waves. When they got our signal, they’d go out in the boat, drop their nets and catch them. It was quite an experience. If you wanted to catch bait properly and there was too much of a tide, you had to wait until the afternoon. There were just certain times when you could catch worms on south Beach. We would catch about two or three thousand worms a day. (Valerie Cohen Smith). There was a lot of sharing on the mission when we went out and caught fish. We’d rent a boat and go over to south Beach to catch it. We’d catch a lot of fish over there. I used to live fishing. We’d get oysters too. (Fay Davis). My biggest thrill was when I was twelve, I would stay with me Auntie Bryan here and she’s take me out worming. She taught me how to catch sea worms. I was frightened at first but when I caught my first one it was wow. After I went out a couple of times, I caught hundreds. We’d go over to McQuires crossing and everywhere. The Goughs owned the bait shop then…… Uncle Benjie was the first Goorie around here to have a fishing licence. …. We’d go out fishing with him up the creek. As soon as we’d catch a feed, he’d make a fire, shove a stick through the mullet’s mouth and shove it over the coals. He’d just put it on leaves or bark or just skin it. (Alma Jarrett).

In the early stages of preparing the CZMP, discussions were held with the coordinator of the Local Aboriginal Land Council about local Aboriginal values and interests in coastal zone management. The local Traditional Aboriginal Owners have made successful claims over the area that is now Gaagal Wanggaan National Park, including the bed of Warrell Creek. They have also successfully claimed three islands within the lower estuary and Indigenous Protected Area plans are in preparation for these islands. Further brief discussions with the Community Coordinator of the Gumma IPA confirmed the great significance of the estuaries, beaches and headlands of the Nambucca coastline for local Traditional Aboriginal Owners. These discussions also highlighted the commitment of Traditional Aboriginal Owners to looking after the estuary, beaches and headlands. This includes a preference for low key development near the coast and work in Green Teams to help restore the health of coastal ecosystems. • The impact of any coastal change on the offshore fishing reefs, and commercial fishing

from the beach. It is unlikely that any options adopted via this plan would have a marked effect above those already experienced, on commercial fishing practices in the area;

• The very high significance of the islands and bed in the Nambucca estuary. Currently management planning is being undertaken by the local Aboriginal land owner groups for the Gumma Indigenous Protection Area, which covers three islands in the outer estuary. Bellwood Park is also a highly significant location in the lower Nambucca. It is a traditional gathering place for local Aboriginal people, long used to obtain crabs, oysters and fish;

• The potential for cultural sites as well as cultural resources to be affected by long term climate change; and

• Involvement of Aboriginal Green teams in managing coastal biodiversity.



Further input will be sought during the public exhibition phase, and additional values and concerns incorporated into the final plan. This can be done once the initial management methods and practices are reviewed by the local aboriginal stakeholders with respect to cultural heritage. Alignment will also be sought after the LALC management plans are produced. 2.3.1 Gaagal Wanggaan National Park

The coastal landscape is a very important part of the country of the Gumbaynggirr people. A new national park covering the South Beach area and the bed of Warrell Creek, was declared in 2010 (Figure 2.4) and is jointly managed by OEH (Parks and Wildlife Service) and the Aboriginal Owners. The coastal land of the Nambucca Valley and the waterways of the Nambucca River and Warrell Creek hold special significance to the Indigenous community. The Gumbaynggirr Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of these lands and waters. The following information is from the OEH web site for the park.

Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park - Jointly managed by the Gumbaynggirr People of the Nambucca Valley and the National Parks and Wildlife Service ‘South Beach is very important to us, apart from the spiritual significance; it was a gathering place to teach young people about the seaside, the sea, the fish, plants and animals as well. Now that it is in Aboriginal hands it gives us a feeling of security. We continue to carry out our cultural practices.’ Aunty Jessie Williams, Gumbaynggirr Elder. The park contains significant Aboriginal cultural values including cultural sites demonstrating the continuous use of the area by Aboriginal people for many thousands of years. It also protects undisturbed coastal dune system, patches of rainforests, palm forests, coastal shrubland, and heath, and the estuarine communities of mangroves, salt marsh and seagrass beds along Warrell Creek. To maintain and strengthen the important association between the land and waters and the Aboriginal community, a Board of Management will be formed to manage the park in the initial stages. The Board of Management for Gaagal Wanggaan (South Beach) National Park will have a majority of Aboriginal owners as well as a representative from: Nambucca and Unkya (Macksville) Local Aboriginal Land Councils, NPWS, Nambucca Shire Council, neighbours to the park and environmental groups. The focus of management will involve managing threats from weeds, pest animals and wildfires. Weed control works in the park have already begun through the efforts of Landcare to secure grant funds employing the Nyambaga Green Team to remove weeds from sensitive areas. Baiting to control foxes and wild dogs to protect the nesting little tern colony and other shore birds, undertaken annually by the NPWS since 2003, will continue. The NPWS will work closely with the local Rural Fire Service to manage fire in the park.

The management actions proposed in the Nambucca CZMP are intended to be consistent with the aims of the Gumbaynggirr people in managing these important cultural lands, so that there is a smooth transition in management from one land tenure to another.



2.4 Investment in the Coast – Assets and Infrastructure

There is little private development in the Nambucca coastal zone. The majority of the coastal assets and infrastructure are owned or managed by Council or Crown Land Trusts, with a small proportion of private property owners (however these areas are mostly set back from the dune). Coastal assets include beach access ways, viewing platforms, sewage treatment plants, water supply, surf clubs, car parks, seawalls, steps, stairs and ramps, signage and caravan parks. Asset maintenance is a major part of Council’s annual expenditure. However, the accounting process does not specifically distinguish investment in assets in the coastal zone. Table 2.1 shows the overall estimated value of Council assets and annual maintenance requirements. 2.4.1 Economic Value of the Nambucca Coast

An understanding of the economic value of the coastline and the different relative values of different parts of the coastline is an important input to decisions about the right management response for coastal process impacts on assets, infrastructure and the coastal landscape. Research conducted by Sydney Coastal Councils Group in 2009 identified several ways in which the value of the coast could be measured. In general, much better information and simpler methodologies exist to estimate the value of coastal protection structures than exist for quantifying the natural or social values of beaches. In addition, whilst the cost of structures is relatively standard, it is often not appropriate to assume that social, natural or cultural values can be transferred from one location to another. Measures which have been suggested for quantifying the value of the coastline include: • The cost/value of protective structures such as seawalls and the value of infrastructure or

assets that would be lost if risk reduction actions are not taken. This would include the value of sewage reticulation systems, water and power services, surf clubs and access ways.

• The value of tourism income generated when beaches/headlands are the dominant tourism attraction. This includes major recreational and entertainment events at beaches, as well as holidays.

• The price of beach front property – with direct access or uninterrupted views of the coastline.

• The preparedness of people to travel to the beach (at a cost) and pay for parking and other facilities.

• The willingness of residents and/or beach users to contribute to the cost of beach management or beach protection (such as a beach management fund to minimise erosion impacts on access and amenity).

• The bequest value of the beaches – the intergenerational equity value of passing on a healthy beach system to children and grandchildren.

• The ecosystem services value of beaches and dunes – in terms of water quality, biodiversity, landform stability or visual amenity.



• The amount of time and resources that local communities are prepared to invest in volunteer work on coastal dune and headland vegetation, such as through Landcare/Coastcare programs.

• The value of services that people are willing to forego to create funds to protect natural, social or cultural values. For instance, local communities may provide feedback to a council that they would prefer that Council invested limited maintenance funds in beach access ways, amenities or picnic facilities, rather than in kerb and guttering or road maintenance away from the coast.

For the Nambucca there is limited information available to develop estimates of economic value, other than the value of Council assets and infrastructure. Information about the value of these built features is in Table 2.1 (from NSC, 2011b). This shows the value of Councils assets as they were in 2010, the required maintenance value for yearly continual upkeep, and lastly the capital investment that would be required to improve the infrastructure of amenity. The amount of money available to Council for maintenance and improvements is far lower than the amounts required, as shown. Over 100,000 visitors to the Nambucca every year bring substantial revenue to the area and local businesses each year. The majority of these are located at Nambucca Heads; however there are smaller concentrations of businesses in Scotts Head and Valla Beach. Visitor surveys undertaken by the Nambucca Valley Tourism Information Centre identify the quality of the Nambucca beaches – relatively uncrowded, easy access, safe swimming, as one of the key reasons people visit the area. People also visit the Nambucca area because of recreational fishing opportunities and access to the commercial harvest of fish and oysters from the estuary. The value of tourism along the North Coast of NSW was estimated to be between $300-400 million for the 2006-2007 financial years, and a proportion of that is received by the Nambucca (from the Nambucca Valley Tourism Strategy, 2007). The Nambucca Tourism Strategy 2007 notes input from Valla Real Estate on a growing trend towards holiday rentals in the Valla Beach area with rentals fetching $1200 to $3000 per week during peak holiday times. To enhance the economic viability of the region, Council has implemented the 2009-2011 Nambucca Economic Development Plan. This represents a long term coordinated approach towards fostering sustainable economic growth within the Nambucca. It builds on the success and momentum that was achieved through the implementation of the 2001 Nambucca Economic Revival Plan and the 2005 Economic Development Plan. The updated economic development plan aims to develop the shire on the strength of growth from the past success. Although this is not solely targeted to the coastal zone, aspects of the plan aid in the development and sustainability of the economic contribution the coast supports.



Table 2.1 - Value of Council Assets

Asset Value Required Annual Maintenance

Required Investment

Urban Streets $34.3M $1.37M $2.9M Sealed Roads $72M $2.6M $10.4M Unsealed Roads $13.4M $890K $855K Bridges $32.4M $695K $4.5M Kerb and Gutters $11.9M $59K $3.9M Footpaths and Cycle ways $4.3M $43K $1.1M Drainage $24.5M $95K $5.8M Water $72.1M $570K $16.5M Sewer $83.8M $1.2M $20M Buildings $30.2M $560K $6.8M Public Toilets $9.4M $150K $1.85M Aquatic Centre $2.2M $65K $800K Show grounds/Sale yards $2.3M $45K $905K Parks & Reserves $10M $1M TBD

Source: Nambucca Shire Council

The Coastal Environment – Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan DRAFT Landforms and Processes


3.0 The Coastal Environment – Landforms and Processes

3.1 Introduction

This section provides an overview of the hydrodynamic and geomorphic processes which shape the Nambucca coast. Understanding these processes is integral to the effective management of the coastal system. ‘Coastal processes’ is the collective term describing the interaction of natural constructive of destructive forces on the shoreline and nearshore seabed. ‘Hydrodynamics’ refers to the water related processes and forces exerted, whilst the term ‘coastal geomorphology’ describes the morphological development of the coast, the shape and characteristics of its landforms. Section 4.0 discusses how coastal processes interact with landforms to create hazards such as coastal erosion, recession and inundation. 3.2 Hydrodynamics

3.2.1 Waves

Wave climate characteristics used in coastal hazard assessment were determined from wave data from Crowdy Head and information from previous studies. The dominant wave approach is from the south-south-east (70% of swell waves are from this quadrant), and a range of wave approach angles were tested (127°N to 140°N) based on an envelope of angles determined by Goodwin (2005). However wave approach angles do vary across seasonal and interdecadal time frames. The wave climate is quite heavily influenced by tropical (Cyclones) and non-tropical (East Coast Lows) storms. Wave heights of up to 10 metres have been experienced along the NSW coast on several occasions since the 1940s during storm events (SMEC, 2010). Examples include June 1967 (approximately 10 metre waves), and storms in 1942, 1954, 1974 (major East Coast Low, with oceanic water level set up and high tides as well as high waves), 1990 (Tropical Cyclone Nancy) and 1995 (Tropical Cyclone Violet, with significant wave height of 7.4 metres). All of these storms were associated with severe erosion along the Nambucca coastline, but the full impact varies also with the time since the last storm. A significant East Coast Low storm occurred in May 2009, with peak significant wave height of 6.4 metres. This storm caused widespread erosion of beaches along the Nambucca coastline and many have not yet recovered. The 2009 storm waves initiated loss of mature trees along the beachfront at Scotts Head and also damaged the sea wall at Main Beach Nambucca Heads. Historic storm and historic photogrammetric data was used in the hazard assessment to observe correlations between the storms and severe erosion events. This was to differentiate between the episodic storm induced erosion and background rates of erosion due to long term trends, natural fluctuations or anthropogenic activity. 3.2.2 Extreme Water Levels

Oceanic water levels fluctuate daily due to tides; however other sporadic fluctuations can increase water surface elevation. The low barometric pressure experienced during a storm causes the water surface to ‘bulge’, thus increasing the water level above the normal tidal



level. This, with the addition of the affects of wind and waves, produce extreme water levels, which can also be known as ‘storm surges’, with the height of the surge being the additional water height above the tidal level. The worst of these situations occurs when a storm and spring or ‘king’ high tide coincide. For example, the maximum water level measure at Fort Denison (Sydney) during the East Coast Low of 1974 was 1.48 metres AHD, which incorporated a storm surge of 0.59 metre on top of a spring tide (SMEC, 2010). This value, with the maximum wave run-up, was calculated by SMEC as part of the coastal hazard study, to determine the oceanic inundation potential of the Nambucca beaches. 3.2.3 Currents

Along the NSW coast the most significant current operating is the East Australian Current. This brings warm water from the Coral Sea south along the east coast producing eddies which are thought to be responsible to incidences of rapid sea surface temperature changes as well as current directions and velocities (Short, 2006). Localised currents are largely wind induced, however contributed to by the effect of waves and tides, and to lesser extent, water density differences (e.g. due to changes in salinity). 3.2.4 Rips

A number of rip currents and cells operate along the Nambucca coast. Rips are strong cross-shore orientated currents (that flow seaward). Rip circulation is driven by the interaction between cross and longshore currents, as well as wave action. Rips are usually stronger during rough seas. The presence of rips affects the safety of beach users, but also affects the severity of beach erosion during storms, with greater erosion of the back beach escarpment occurring at rip heads. The outer bar of Forster Beach (the main beach area north of Scotts Head) is classed as a rhythmic bar and beach (RBB), characterised by the distinct rip troughs separated by detached bars (Short, 2007). Rips occur more frequently along this section of the beach than in the southern corner of Scotts Head Main Beach. Towards the south at Scotts Head Main Beach, the wave height is attenuated by the headland and the surf zone morphology changes to a single bar cut by rips and then in the most protected area to a wide, low gradient attached bar in front of the Scotts Head caravan park and surf club. Rips do occur near Scotts Head, particularly during summer when north-easterly waves prevail. This usually results in a persistent rip against the headland. The Nambucca Heads Town Beaches are generally classed as Low Tide Terrace beaches (LTT). As noted in Short (2007), rock reefs offshore from the beach reducing the wave height. This generally leads to the formation of a continuous attached bar at the northern end of Main Beach (near Swimming Creek), cut by rips during high wave events. Nearer the Main Beach Surf Club, the beach usually has a continuous attached bar under normal waves, with rips forming during higher wave conditions, particularly amongst the rocks. At Valla Beach the southern and the headland beaches are the more sheltered, however there are numerous rips that form under high wave conditions and cut across that surf. North of the Valla headland, the beach experiences 1.5 metre waves and rips cutting through the inner bar.



3.2.5 Waves and Currents in Open Estuaries

The entrance training works at Nambucca Heads ensure that the estuary entrance is at least partly open nearly all the time. Waves can penetrate into the estuary, especially on the flood tide (see Plate 3.1). The configuration of the entrance training walls and foreshore protection works has two process impacts within the estuary: • Flood and ebb tide current velocities are high., particularly where the flows pass through

gaps in the training walls

• Wave and current energy is focused on sections of estuary foreshore that are remote from the entrance, causing erosion. At Bellwood Park, wave action has undermined the low foreshore protection works and the shoreline is receding. Plate 3.2 shows the condition of the eastern foreshore of the park.

The entrance configuration also affects flood processes and flood levels in the lower estuary. These issues are addressed in the Nambucca Heads Flood Study (SKM, 2011). 3.2.6 Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

Climate change happens in response to long term factors, both natural and man-made. The marked increases in atmospheric C02 in the past 100 years are primarily attributed to anthropogenic sources and are contributing to climate change. On the coast, the most conspicuous effect of long term periods of global warming and cooling associated with long term climate change is sea level rise (in warmer periods) and fall (in cooler periods). An example of long term climate change is the last glacial period (which reached its coldest at about 17,000 years B.P.) when sea level fell to -130 metres along the NSW coast; and the subsequent warming in the early Holocene period. Between about 15,000 years ago and 6000 years ago, sea level recovered from its glacial low point to 1 to 2 metres above the present level. Minor fluctuations (of 1 to 2 metres) have occurred during the last 6000 years, sufficient to change the position of the coast by about (+/-) 50 to 100 metres for periods of hundreds of years. On the NSW coast, sea level has risen by approximately 150 millimetres over the last century. The rate of rise accelerated in the late twentieth century, to approximately 3.1 mm/year between 1993 and 2004. Based on national and international evidence and projections of sea level rise, the NSW government has adopted sea level rise benchmarks for the NSW coast of 40 centimetres above 1990 levels by 2050 and 90 centimetres above 1990 levels by 2100. However, the current rates of sea level rise and other climate change processes suggest that potentially even higher sea levels should be considered in long term planning. Figure 3.1 shows the CSIRO and IPCC sea level rise projections, and predicted departures from the global mean sea level in 2070. Further information about predicted climate change and sea level rise over the coming century can be viewed in SMEC 2010 and in reports prepared by the IPCC (http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/publications_and_data_reports.shtml). Small variations in sea level, combined with the differential erosion associated with El Nino/La Nina cycles, are sufficient to remove frontal dune systems (such as at Scotts Head and along the Forster Beach spit), initiate dune transgression, change the volume of sediment stored in the entrance to the Nambucca River and Deep Creek, or cause the headland beaches at Nambucca to accrete or disappear.



3.3 Beach Processes

Sandy beach processes are driven by ocean waves, currents, tides, water level and wind acting on the unconsolidated sediment of the beach, dunes and near shore sea bed. Geotechnical processes are also influenced by these variables but rainfall and local geological conditions are more important drivers. For unconsolidated sediments on beaches and dunes, important coastal processes include: • Storm bite or storm cut. This is the erosion of sand from the subaerial or visible part of

the beach (above the swash zone) during storms, and usually results in a wave cut scarp;

• Slope instability. When the sand dries after a storm, the wave cut scarp may slump, causing further recession of the dune face until it reaches a stable angle of repose;

• Longer term shoreline recession due to loss of sediment from the beach compartment. Sand may be lost from the beach due to:

Sand is trapped offshore, for instance on offshore reefs in deeper water, only active during major storms;

Inland transport by on-shore winds, particularly where the dunes are unstable and transgressing over other terrain;

Sand moving along shore either as part of a medium term beach rotation process or bypassing around headlands; and

Sand moving into estuary entrances.

• Longer term coastal recession due to sea level rise. Climate change may affect coastal processes in several ways, including:

Increasing ocean water levels as sea level rises. For planning purposes, the NSW government has adopted a long term sea level rise of 40 centimetres above 1990 levels by 2050 and 90 centimetres above 1990 levels by 2100;

Changes to storm frequency and intensity, affecting wave height and period, and wind strengths in individual storms; and

Changes to the dominant angle of wave approach.

Variations in the angle of wave approach and dominant wave height also occur at time scales of seasonal to decadal periods, including El-Niño and La-Niña variations. The local impacts of interactions between these processes that operate at different scales and timeframes are currently difficult to predict with precision. However, the Bruun Rule (Bruun, 1962) has proven to be a robust predictor of shoreline retreat for systems that are consistent with the underlying assumptions of the model – such as underwater bed profile and offshore closure point. For the Nambucca coastline, the assumptions of the Bruun Rule are appropriate for applications to sandy embayments, with no or very limited rock reef. The Bruun Rule predicts that the shoreline will recede approximately one metre for every one centimetre of sea level rise, with recession varying systematically with offshore slope. Research is continuing to allow other variables affecting rates of recession to be more accurately predicted. Where there is abundant rock reef or rock underlies the beach and dune system, Bruun Rule predictions need to be examined closely and carefully qualified. The analysis by SMEC (2010) takes underlying rock patterns into account to the extent that the distribution of this



rock is known and recognises that for some small beaches, further work is necessary to better define the distribution of rock. 3.3.1 Beach Rotation

This is the medium term process whereby beach orientation moves slightly in response to coastal processes. Long sandy beaches exposed to ocean waves can rotate slightly with the angle of wave approach. Rotation means the beaches widen and narrow alternately at their northern and southern ends. This concept is presented in Figure 3.2. In the Nambucca, patterns of erosion and accretion on two long sandy beaches (North Nambucca to Valla Beach and Forster Beach) are affected by beach rotation. Pocket beaches tend not to rotate, because the mean direction of wave approach is controlled by the headlands and cannot change very much. The main driver of changes in medium term wave and swell direction is periodic El-Niño and La-Niña events. Previous studies by Goodwin (2005) on SOI trends and beach morphological response indicate that a more southerly wave climate, consistent with an El-Niño event, would increase northerly longshore sediment transport (clockwise beach rotation) while a more easterly wave climate would lead to an anti-clockwise realignment. Coastal scientists have measured beach rotation over periods of decades on NSW beaches. In addition to the actual rotation and shift of erosion from one end of the beach to the other, measurements show that at the commencement of an El-Niño event, the northern end of the beach recedes quickly. In contrast, when a La-Niña event occurs, there is a time lag before the southern end of the beach accretes. This means that when a major storm occurs early in the La Nina part of the cycle, the erosion impact may be greater because sand supply in the southern corners of beaches is already depleted. In the longer term, it is thought a shift from dominant La-Niña to dominant El-Niño conditions associated with climate change would tend to enhance northerly longshore drift and therefore increase beach recession in southern corners. 3.3.2 Entrance Migration and Tidal Current Scour

In addition to the mouth of the Nambucca River, several intermittently closed and open estuaries (small to medium estuarine creeks) discharge across beaches along the Nambucca coastline. Examples include Deep Creek (Valla Beach) and Swimming Creek (north of Main Beach at Nambucca heads). These creek entrances close when shoaling waves build a berm across the entrance. When unconfined by bedrock, the position and shape of the open entrance can vary considerably, for instance in width, distance along the beach, channel depth, cross section and sinuosity. The Deep Creek entrance can be up to 500 metres wide (see also Section 4.1.6 for more information about changing entrance morphology). Open entrance channels can and do undercut frontal dune systems, lower frontal dune height and can also undercut weathered bedrock bluffs. In addition, by scouring sand and lowering the beach profile, an open channel can expose bedrock slopes behind the beach to wave impact. This has also occurred at Deep Creek.



3.4 Coastal Landforms

Coastal landforms are naturally occurring features within a coastal landscape setting which have been shaped over time by the interaction of marine and terrestrial processes. Coastal landforms are the interface between the land and the sea. In the Nambucca, a variety of sandy open coast landforms is present, including beaches, dunes, lagoons and river or creek estuaries. Rocky coast landforms such as cliff and bluffs, headlands and shore platforms are important landmarks. Although within a person’s lifetime, the coastal landscape may appear relatively stable, in the longer term the coast is a very dynamic landscape. Its position and form is determined by the interaction of terrestrial features, marine processes and unconsolidated sediment that is transported by waves, currents and wind. The spatial focus of these interactions varies as sea level rises and falls. 3.4.1 Beach Types

The Nambucca coastline has three main types of beach, each responding in slightly different ways to coastal processes. • Barrier beaches - these are formed from the long term accumulation of marine and wind-

blown sediments on the beach and dunes. Tidal creeks, wetlands, river deltas or wave dominated coastal lakes usually form behind the barrier (e.g. Forster Beach from Scotts Head to the Nambucca River entrance, North Nambucca to south of Deep Creek (near Valla Beach). Long sandy barrier beaches are affected by rotation and by rip cells which affect the movement of sand along the beach and between the beach and offshore bars.

• Pocket beaches - these are small beaches between two headlands. Generally there is limited exchange of beach sediment into and out of the pocket embayment. Beaches are usually narrow, with only a low dune behind the active beach face, separating it from the bedrock landward form of the embayment (e.g. Little Beach at Scotts Head, and the small beach above the far eastern end of the breakwall, near Wellington Rock).

• Thin sand mantle beaches - these are narrow beaches, often with no dune form, where sand has accreted over bedrock near-shore reef and back-beach forms. During big storms, the entire sand volume can be temporarily eroded from the beach, leaving exposed rock (e.g. Shelly Beach, Beilbys Beach, Nambucca Main Beach and North Valla Beach).

Coastal processes drive erosion and accretion on beaches. The effects of these processes are modified by the available sand supply on the beach. 3.4.2 Mobile and Stabilised Dunes

The incipient foredune (low sand ridges with colonising spinifex or other resilient ground cover species) and foredune at the back of the beach are in the transition from marine dominated (waves) to terrestrial (wind and rain) processes. Sand in the incipient foredune and foredune is available for reworking into the beach and nearshore during storm conditions and is part of the active beach sediment compartment. When beach sand volumes and gradients are low and the dune is able to be eroded directly by wave action, it forms a scarp. Under the right conditions and with time a dune would recover, however with sequential storms recovery of sand volume in the back beach and foredune is slow, leaving the beach vulnerable to further wave attack. The occurrence of these steep scarps is also a beach amenity hazard, in terms of access and beach debris.



The term ‘mobile’ refers to dunes that change shape often and move (accrete, transgress and erode) in response to coastal process and climatic variations. These are usually dunes with little or no vegetation present and the dunes migrate landward over the wetlands or slopes behind the beach. Stabilised dunes are those fixed in a location either due to stabilising structures, or established vegetation cover that limits how much the dunes are affected by wind processes. Where coastal dune fields extend away from the beach and are stabilised by vegetation, the dune sand is decoupled from the beach sediment compartment, and is not available to restore beach sand volume. Examples of both stable and mobile frontal dunes can be seen along Forster Beach and at South Valla Beach. 3.4.3 Offshore Bathymetry

Bathymetric mapping of the sea floor near Nambucca Heads shows extensive rock reef on the sea floor. These figures can be viewed in the Coastal Hazard Study (SMEC, 2010). The local bedrock has a strong structural alignment from the SW to NE. There is a narrow gap in the offshore rock off the sandy barrier enclosing Deep Creek and a gap off the mouth of the Nambucca River. The extent and orientation of shallow rock reef off the Nambucca coastline means that sand eroded from beaches and dunes in severe storms can become trapped in reef crevices, hampering the return of sand to the shoreline. 3.4.4 Cliff and Bluff Processes

The bedrock sections of the coastline (cliffs, bluffs, reefs and rock platforms) are affected by coastal processes, but the rates of change of rock landforms are much slower than for sandy shorelines. The cliffs and bluffs along the Nambucca coastline are affected by landslides, with toppling/falling rocks and rotational earth and debris slides being the most common failure processes. The steeply dipping metamorphic rocks that form the cliffs and bluffs are affected by periodic wetting and drying, salt spray and wave scouring or undercutting. These processes can lead to a build up of poorly consolidated material, or can prevent the slope from maintaining a stable angle of repose, triggering a landslide. At Scotts Head steep slopes are affected by rock fall and by debris slides. A rock catch fence is designed to reduce the risks associated with rock fall in the car park and pedestrian areas. Rock fall also occurs where weathering loosens joint blocks on headlands at Valla Beach (Plates 3.3 and 3.4). Rotational earth and debris slides can be seen on the steep slopes and bluffs at Nambucca Heads. Some of these processes are triggered by wave impacts, but others are primarily terrestrial slope processes, with instability increasing during prolonged wet weather, or when the toe of the slope is excavated (such as for road construction for beach access). As sea level rises, the base of steep slopes may be undercut and over-steepened by wave action, so that bluffs along the open ocean coast may be at increased risk of slope failure and/or rockfall. The extent of change to the rate of slope processes depends (amongst other things) on the type of cliff/bluff, the build up of weathered material on or at the base of the slope, the exposure of the site to high energy waves and the interaction of soil wetting from rainfall and wave activity.



SMEC undertook a geotechnical hazard study along the coastal frontage, a summary of the results of this assessment are included as part of the hazard identification process in Section 4.1.7. 3.5 Coastal Structures

The Nambucca coastline is largely natural open beaches, pocket beaches and rocky headlands. A very small proportion of this coastline is trained or armoured. However, rock protection, where it exists, is important for beach access and recreational amenity. Seawalls are important assets for Council and the community. 3.5.1 Scotts Head

At Scotts Head Main Beach there are two rock revetment structures stabilising the car park areas below the headland. Between the two revetments is a concrete boat ramp. The revetment to the north of the boat ramp is approximately 10 years old, and is in better condition than the revetment to the south of the boat ramp. Both are constructed with rock gradings visually estimated to be between approximately 0.5 metre to 2 metres in diameter. The northern revetment’s armouring is generally larger than the south. Both rock walls show general signs of deterioration, with rock armouring visibly displaced from the structures. The southern revetment structure has a number of rocks displaced and the crest elevation is 0.5 metre to 1 metre lower than the land level. The northern revetment has been constructed with a heavy duty geotextile beneath the rocks. This section of revetment is in average to good condition, with some displacement of the rock armour. Two sections of this rock revetment have strategically placed rocks to allow beach access (northern tip and midway) but recent large seas have dislodged some of this material, and maintenance is required. At Little Beach, there are no engineered structures protecting the beach, however there are three sets of galvanised steel steps providing access to the beach that are in need of continued maintenance. The toe of the stairways is undermined in storms and at extreme high tide, leaving a gap between the bottom step and the beach sand. 3.5.2 Nambucca Heads

At Nambucca Heads, the mouth of the Nambucca River there is a significant engineered structure, in the form of the breakwall and the V-wall which extends up the northern bank of the estuary for approximately 2.5 kilometres as a training structure. There are two gaps allowing entry and exit of water around the sand island. This wall was constructed in the early 1900s to allow for safe passage of ships up the Nambucca River. The wall has required maintenance following storms and floods since its construction. The gap in the wall nearest the estuary mouth has a colourful anecdotal past. Although some attribute the hole to being a breach caused during a storm, there are some who believe the gap was dynamited by a fisherman. Further upstream from the estuary mouth is Bellwood Park. This is on the north-east shore of Stuart Island and is a popular location for families. There are the remnants of a wall structure here; however it has since been displaced and now offers limited protection to the shoreline which is eroding due to wave action.



At Nambucca Heads, the breakwall and V-wall provide protection for the river entrance and provide an important recreation space for walking and fishing. These structures also have strong local historical value. The rock faces have been decorated by generations of holiday makers, some of whom have returned year after year to further embellish their family rock art. 3.5.3 Shelly Beach and Beilbys Beach

At Shelly Beach there is a small vertical block wall providing some protection to the car park and hinterland. There is also a boat ramp and fishing table located on the shoreline, with an amenities block behind the car park. Beilbys Beach has no coastal protection structures. A paved car park on the foredune and fill from the steep slopes behind has no erosion protection. The embankment seaward of the car park is affected both by occasional storm bite and by stormwater flows, which are due to runoff coming down the access road. 3.5.4 Main Beach (Nambucca Heads)

At Main Beach, there is a small concrete block retaining wall fronting the Surf Club which has been slightly displaced. There is also a small boat ramp used to get the Surf Club boats out in to the surf. This ramp requires some work as it is very small and steep, and is not fit for purpose. Further up the beach there is another (formerly) vertical seawall that has been displaced by wave action and is in need of repair. Erosion of this seawall and of adjacent areas that do not have rock protection has been a source of significant concern to Council and the local community during 2011. The issue has also received local media coverage (see Appendix 3). The Surf Club at Nambucca Heads Main Beach is in moderate to poor condition, in terms of access to public facilities. Plates 3.5a and b show the poor condition of the Surf Club and the small retaining seawall in front. This beach and surf club area is one of the most important for visitors to the Nambucca Shire coastline, and quality facilities are important to maintain visitor enjoyment and confidence. At Swimming Creek, the 4WD access track had a low rock wall constructed to slightly elevate it above the creek entrance and to provide a more stable access track. The small rocks in the structure have been displaced, either due to high flows down the creek or wave action reaching the wall. 3.5.5 Valla Beach

South Valla Beach has a car park protected by a low vertical block wall, which is presently covered with sediment. North Valla Beach is separated from south by a rocky bluff. The beach is usually in a relatively healthy state in comparison to other sand beaches in the area, however in recent storms the volumes of sand present on the beach have reduced exposing the bedrock below the beach face. 3.6 Coastal Biodiversity

Coastal biodiversity includes individual plant and animal species, terrestrial and marine communities and habitats, as well as the connections between these species, habitats and communities, and the ecosystem services that they provide. Figure 3.3 shows the general distribution of ecological communities along the coast.



Ecosystem services refers to ecological functions that benefit other aspects of the physical, social and economic environment e.g. vegetation on coastal dunes provides services such as sand trapping, dune stabilisation, provision of shade for recreational users and visual amenity. Biodiversity values and particularly the maintenance of sustainable populations of threatened or endangered species are affected by a wide range of natural processes and human activities. In the Nambucca area, the most important threats to biodiversity are: • Weed invasion. Lantana and Bitou, both identified as Weeds of National Significance,

are the most obvious species on coastal dunes and headlands, but other weeds are also present. Invasive species have modified the structure and diversity of littoral rainforest communities (e.g. at Swimming Creek and at Scotts Head) and of dune woodland communities. Coastal heath on headlands is also severely affected. The steep slopes at Main Beach, near the surf club, are an example.

• Recreational usage of terrestrial habitats. Access ways reduce the ground cover of vegetation, encourage wind erosion and open opportunities for invasive species.

• Climate change. For coastal dunes in coastal risk areas, climate change impacts over the next century are expected to include the erosion (recession) of the land surface occupied by remnant dune vegetation. Whilst this will not necessarily reduce species diversity in the region, it does affect ecological connectivity and loss of frontal dune vegetation communities will expose more landward communities to more aggressive coastal processes.

• Little Tern habitats along South Beach are under threat due to the presence of humans. The birds nest on the beach from October to February, with eggs laid on the sand. These are stepped on by people and driven over by 4WDs, and eaten by dogs and foxes. Therefore the size of the local colony has dramatically diminished during the last few seasons.

3.6.1 Coastal Ecosystem Resilience

Ecosystem resilience refers to an ecosystems capacity to absorb and adapt to a disturbance without changing the stability of the ecosystem, in terms of its structure, function, biodiversity or the ecosystem services it provides. One of the major challenges coastal zone ecosystems will face in future will be adapting to the effects of climate change (particularly sea level rise). The coastal ecosystems of the Nambucca are already subject to diverse threats, including invasive species, historical land clearing, edge effects and rubbish dumping, recreation pressure and hydrological changes. Predicted climate change and sea level rise will exacerbate these threats and introduce new threat dimensions. Preliminary analysis of the recession effects of sea level rise along the Nambucca coastline predicts approximately 20 to 100 metres (depending on location) of beach and dune recession by 2100. The long barrier beaches (Forster Beach and Valla Beach) have greater opportunity to recede as there are no natural or built structures. Recession will affect the vegetation and habitats on frontal dunes and hind dune or back barrier landforms. Terrestrial coastal communities may be affected by coastal processes such as salt spray, marine affected groundwater and wave overtopping as sea level rises and patterns of extreme high temperature events and east coast low storms change over the next century and beyond.



Other studies have shown that headland ecological communities (where they are not over-cleared or affected by aggressive invasive species) are usually more resilient than coastal dune communities. All of the beach and dune systems are expected to undergo geomorphic and ecological transformation over the next century.

Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan DRAFT Nambucca Coastal Hazard Assessment


4.0 Nambucca Coastal Hazard Assessment

4.1 Hazard Identification and Assessment

Coastal processes themselves do not pose significant threats to coastal environments. It is when these coastal processes affect natural, social and cultural assets that they become a threat or hazard. The following sections discuss key erosion processes that impact on the natural, cultural and asset values of the Nambucca coast. Further information about the relationship between hazards and risks is in Section 4.2. 4.1.1 Short Term Beach Changes (Storm Bite)

Storm bite or storm cut is defined as the volume of sand that can be eroded from the visible (sub-aerial) part of the beach and dunes (usually above 0 metres AHD) during a storm of predefined magnitude (design storm). The occurrence of storm bite can be seen over time frames of a few hours or few days, and is an immediate risk to the coast. Unless sand becomes trapped offshore, or is lost around headlands, the sand volume removed from the beach in individual storms as storm bite is expected to be replaced over time, as beach profiles are rebuilt and frontal dunes recover. The amount of sand eroded from a beach during a severe storm will depend on many factors, including: • state of the beach when the storm begins (for instance, how recent was the last big storm

and whether the beach volume has recovered);

• storm intensity and duration;

• direction of wave approach;

• tide levels and other factors driving extreme water levels;

• locations of rips; and

• other factors that could influence beach resilience such as the presence of rock reefs or dense littoral vegetation.

East Coast Lows are the most common damaging storm type in the NSC area, and driver of beach erosion, on the NSW coast, but on the north coast, tropical cyclones are also important. For the Nambucca coastline, extreme storms are those with a significant wave height of more than 6 metres. The most important direction of wave approach is from the south-south-east. Analysis of records from the north coast indicates that extreme storm events have occurred several times a decade since 1940. Examples of highly erosive storms at Nambucca Heads include 1942, 1954, 1974, 1995, 2007 and 2009. SMEC 2010 assessed storm bite erosion for Nambucca beaches, based on measured effects of past storms of varying magnitudes. The assessment used photogrammetry (measurements from aerial photographs showing past storm bite erosion scarps) to determine the quantity of beach material that would likely be eroded during a storm. The equivalent storm erosion volume was determined based on the method of Neilson et al. (1992).



In relation to immediate storm bite, SMEC 2010 concluded: • storm bite erosion varies along the Nambucca beaches. Minimum storm bite is less than

50 m³/m, with maximum storm bite more than 300 m³/m;

• there were large fluctuations near the mouth of the Nambucca River; and

• since the large storm in 2009, smaller storms associated with high tides in 2010 and 2011 have caused significant short term storm bite at several Nambucca Beaches, with only slow recovery of sand volume.

Examples include: • Nambucca Main Beach where a series of storms from March 2010 through to the winter

of 2011 have eroded the beach exposing the rock base, damaged beach access ways, undercut the margins of the existing rock wall and created a high erosion scarp along the unprotected section of the beach. Plate 4.1 shows the very small amount of sand present on Main Beach near the Surf Club and at the foot of the seawall.

• At Little Beach (Scotts Head), storms in 2009 flattened the beach profile and eroded a scarp at the back of the beach which affected access. Slow recovery of the beach profile occurred in late 2010 and early 2011, but winter storms in 2011 again cut an escarpment and undermined the toe of access ways; and

• The southern corner of Scotts Head Beach (Main Beach) is severely eroded, due to storm bite associated with a series of storms in May 2009, and then in 2010 and 2011. The timing of these events means that the beach has not recovered between storms and the flat beach profile leaves the frontal dune exposed to wave run-up, exacerbating storm bite. The storm bite has undermined beach access ways and trees growing on the frontal dune. Plant debris and debris from collapsed access ways has fallen onto the beach.

4.1.2 Coastal Erosion Hazard Zones

When the frontal dune is affected by storm bite, both wave erosion processes and sub-aerial slope processes are involved. The stability of the steep scarp formed by the storm bite is determined by the angle of repose of the sand grains and moisture content. Roots binding the sand can make a difference in some instances. Neilsen et al. (1992) developed a simple model of shoreline behaviour during erosion events. They define three hazard zones: • Zone of wave impact. This area is seaward of the erosion escarpment. During a storm,

sand in this area is washed off the beach into the nearshore area, or swept along the beach. For beaches such as Nambucca Heads where there is only a thin layer of sand over a rock base, storms may remove all the beach sand temporarily.

• Zone of slope adjustment. This is the part of the eroded dune which may be affected by slumping to its natural angle of repose after a storm event. The Zone of wave Impact and Zone of slope adjustment are often combined in hazard assessments, as they are both active zones during and immediately after a storm erosion event.

• Zone of reduced foundation capacity. When extreme scour occurs on the beach face, the outer part of the dune has reduced load bearing capacity.

Landward of the zone of reduced foundation capacity is the stable foundation zone, which is not affected by wave erosion processes.



The Nielsen schema has been used in the coastal process hazard assessment for the Nambucca coastline. The conceptual extent of the Zone of Wave impact and slope adjustment for each beach is shown in Figure 4.1. 4.1.3 Long Term Coastal Recession, and Recession with the Addition of Sea

Level Rise

Shoreline recession is the landward movement of the shoreline. It results from: • An extended period of loss or net export of sediment from the beach system. This can

occur because sand is lost landward in a transgressive dune system, or because sand is moved out of the active beach compartment during storms. During severe storms, longer durations of larger waves mean that wave erosion is increased. Beaches are lowered and flattened as sand volume is reduced. Combined with longshore and rip currents, sand is removed from the frontal dune and deposited in deeper water as sand bars, or further down drift. Where recession of beaches has occurred in historical times, it has been driven by sand losses, rather than sea level rise.

• Sea level rise. As sea level rises, sandy coastal landforms adjust as the shoreline moves landward and upwards. In the very long term, sea level changes are the main driver of coastal recession. Over periods of 1000 years or more, sea level change has driven major changes to the shoreline. Over the next century, sea level rise is expected to become a more important driver of coastal recession than it has been over the last century.

Some beaches within the Nambucca coastal zone consist of a thin mantle of sand overlying rock reef with steep rock slopes at the back of the beach. Recession may therefore be limited by the presence of rocky cliffs and bluffs. Historical Recession

SMEC (2010) analysed historical recession and accretion trends on Nambucca beaches. Using photogrammetric surveys SMEC determined changes in beach morphology based on the position on certain beach contour lines and the alignment of the back beach escarpment. They measured equivalent storm erosion for multiple profiles along the Nambucca beaches, using aerial photos and other data. The movement of the RL4.0 and RL5.0 contours on the frontal dunes was analysed to show how the dune face has changed over time, from 1940 to 2004. This data builds up a picture of the erosion and accretion trends along the coastline as shown in Figure 4.2. SMEC found that: • For north Forster Beach, Shelly Beach and Beilbys Beach, the 2004 dune scarp position

is generally landward of the 1942 dune scarp. These beaches are considered to have no historical recession trend.

• Some beaches receded from 1942 to 1973, but have accreted in recent decades. Scotts Head (Main Beach) is an example. A combination of La Niña conditions and active dune movement prior to the 1970s resulted in landward movement of the dune escarpment, but beach volume increased from the late 1970s to about 2004. Recent erosion has removed much of the sand that had accreted during the previous 30 year period.



• Long term loss of dune volume at Nambucca Heads (near the river entrance) and long term losses at Valla Beach. Some of the sand lost from the open beach system may be held in shoals inside the estuary.

Recession with Sea Level Rise

In the future, existing medium term trends associated with cyclic weather and sea patterns are expected to continue. However, for the 2050 and 2100 time frames, it is likely trends will be masked and/or exacerbated as sea levels rise. The recession analysis for the Nambucca coastline applied the figures used in the NSW sea level rise policy statement, i.e. 40 centimetres above 1990 levels by 2050 and 90 centimetres above 1990 levels by 2100. It should be noted that higher sea levels cannot be ruled out in this longer time frame. For details of the analysis of predicted recession with sea level rise, using the Bruun Rule, see the SMEC Hazard Study (2010). The current best estimates of aspects of regional scale climate change suggest that for the NSW north coast, increased storminess is also likely, as tropical cyclones track further south. More frequent intense storms are expected to reduce the capacity of beaches and dunes to fully recover sand volume during calm periods. This will result in a net loss of sediment from the beach system (from the sub-aerial beach to the nearshore), contributing to recessionary trends. Table 4.1 presents the overall ranges of projected long-term recession and erosion due to sea level rise for each beach area. These are projected for the different sea level rise scenarios (central and high). For the specific recession values at each location, refer to the Coastal Hazard Study (SMEC, 2010). Table 4.1 - The Range of Predicted Overall Recession and Erosion for Each Area with

Sea Level Rise

Scotts Head Beaches Total Predicted Sea Level (m) Total Beach Recession (m) Total Beach Erosion (m³/m)

Scenario 2050 2100 2050 2100 2050 2100 Central 0.25 0.55 14.6-18.0 32.1-39.5 87.5-197.5 192.5-434.5 High 0.4 0.9 23.3-28.7 52.5-64.6 140-316 315-711

Nambucca Heads Beaches Total Predicted Sea Level (m) Total Beach Recession (m) Total Beach Erosion (m³/m)

Scenario 2050 2100 2050 2100 2050 2100 Central 0.25 0.55 21.4-24.2 47.0-53.2 85.5-205.6 188.2-452.3 High 0.4 0.9 34.2-38.7 77.0-87.0 136.8-328.9 307.9-740

Valla Beach Beaches Total Predicted Sea Level (m) Total Beach Recession (m) Total Beach Erosion (m³/m)

Scenario 2050 2100 2050 2100 2050 2100 Central 0.25 0.55 25.0-26.8 55.0-59.0 80.4-275.0 176.9-605.0 High 0.4 0.9 40.0-42.9 90.0-96.5 128.7-440 289.5-990.0

4.1.4 Coastal Inundation

Coastal (or oceanic) inundation occurs when waves overtop the frontal dunes, or the water level is higher than the land level. Low or narrow frontal dunes are most susceptible, as well as low lying land with no frontal protection. Where coastal structures are in place, inundation can also occur due to wave overtopping of the structure, or through breaching of the



structure. The impact to the hinterland is visible as flooding. In much of the study area, the dunes are high enough that inundation will not be a problem until the long term. The most at risk areas are likely to be at Nambucca within the estuary (i.e. low lying areas along Wellington Drive, Bellwood Park) and in the lee of the breakwall (i.e. the caravan park). Inundation will be further addressed in the Lower Nambucca flood study being undertaken at the time of writing this report. 4.1.5 Stormwater Discharges

There are a number of storm water drains in the area that discharge directly onto the beach. These discharges have a physical impact on the beach by inducing localised erosion in the vicinity of the storm water outlet. The location of the outlet, the size of the catchment the outlet is draining (thus, volume of water passing through outlet) and the orientation of the outlet to the prevailing marine conditions, influence the level of impact the outlet has on the local coastal geomorphology. Discharges from stormwater drains can also affect water quality, adding nutrient, litter, oils and other pollutants to the nearshore environment. At Scotts Head a storm water outlet is positioned in the southern corner of Forster Beach. This area is relatively protected from large waves and the flows from the outlet have contributed to scour. The scour effect can be moderated with the angle of wave approach and tide height. From aerial photographs of the area a slight channel has been formed from the sub aerial beach to the sub tidal zone. Following high rainfall events, a distinguishable storm water induced delta is visible in the intertidal/subtidal zone. During normal conditions, this sediment would naturally migrate back onto the beach face through wave action, however with slow recovery between recent storm events; the beach gradient has remained low and waves impact directly on the dune and the stormwater drain outlet. 4.1.6 Creek and River Entrances

The Nambucca River is the main estuary entrance along the Nambucca coast. Smaller systems discharge at Deep Creek (Valla Beach) and Swimming Creek (north of Nambucca Heads). The condition of the Nambucca River entrance has a significant impact on sand volume on the northern part of Forster Beach. Migration of the entrance contributes to dune lowering and can trap sand in one part of the beach compartment. The Nambucca River estuary has been trained/armoured along the north side for over a century. The hard structures include the breakwall, which extends from the headland up the estuary. It then merges into training walls that extend up the estuary approximately 2.5 kilometres. This entrance has evolved with the inclusion of the breakwall and V-wall. The southern bank of the estuary is the northernmost point of the newly created Gaagal Wanggaan National Park, also known as South Beach. Breakthrough of the berm of the barrier at the northern end of South Beach can occur due to the effects of river floods and wave action. When the entrance opening is wide, such as after flood events, wave action can penetrate and cause erosion upstream as far as Bellwood Park. While no development is at risk in this area, significant cultural and biodiversity values are at risk should serious breakthroughs or overwashing of the sand barrier occur. This is not likely in the short term, as the dune crests is currently in the range of 9 m AHD.



Swimming Creek is a small channel that exits across the beach just north of the caravan park. The creek is very low energy, and the berm is frequently closed, trapping a stagnant pool. In the past Swimming Creek has been manually opened to release water upstream to lower water levels and reduce flooding hazard. The entrance of Swimming Creek migrates across the beach and can scour across the toe of the frontal dune system contributing to dune lowering. Deep Creek at Valla Beach migrates within a 500 metre wide area. The entrance closes intermittently and has to be opened mechanically, to alleviate concerns from residents. A flood study, with an entrance management component is currently being prepared. Migration of the creek entrance, together with breakthrough and overwash of the barrier dunes may occur in the future, but is unlikely in the immediate time period as dune heights are approximately 11 m AHD. 4.1.7 Geotechnical Instability

Rocky coast hazards occur where land slip or rock fall affect residential development, beach access and the safety of beach users. The steeply dipping rocks of the Nambucca coast are very prone to landslip, and examples are clearly visible on the slopes above Main Beach, Beilbys Beach, at Scotts Head and at Valla Beach. SMEC engineering geologists carried out an assessment of the coastal slope instability in 2009. The review of ten sites, previously identified in a Natural Disaster Risk Management Study, was undertaken as part of Stage 1 of the CZMP. From this existing and potential slope failure mechanisms were identified. The results of the assessment are summarised as follows: • the most common type of failure was rock falls/topples due to undercutting of the cliffs by

wave action;

• the risk to property and infrastructure assets was typically low; and

• the risk to life during a failure event was generally classed as ‘possible to unlikely’ and injury rather than death would be a more likely consequence of failure.

Recommendations for the area were also suggested as part of the geotechnical assessment, these included such measures as signage indicating areas of rockfall danger, continued inspection and monitoring of the most at risk locations and future development applications to be reviewed by an appropriate geotechnical specialist in accordance with AGS guidelines. For more details about the geotechnical assessment and results see SMEC (2009). Management actions to reduce risks associated with unstable cliffs and bluffs have been included in the CZMP. 4.2 Coastal Hazard Zones and Risk

A coastal process hazard assessment was completed for the Nambucca coastline in 2010 (SMEC 2010). The assessment compiled and analysed the best available information on wave height, period and direction, storm events, water levels, beach morphology and past beach responses. This data includes wave transformation models, beach profiles derived from aerial photogrammetry, surveyed beach profiles, historical photos and other records of beaches and dunes, and calculation of storm bite for various design storms.



The analysis determined the extent of impact of three types of hazard and mapped relevant hazard zones: • Short term beach fluctuations, including design storm events and river entrance changes.

These are classified as Immediate Hazards. The area of impact is the Immediate Coastal Erosion Hazard Zone

• Long term beach recession, including recession rates determined from historical trends in beach volume, morphology and scarp position, and future recession associated with sea level rise (as per the NSW Sea Level Rise Policy 2009). Long term recession estimates are calculated for the 2050 and 2100 planning periods. The predicted area of erosion impacts defines the 2050 and 2100 Coastal Erosion Hazard Zones (with and without sea level rise).

• Oceanic inundation, or inundation due to wave overtopping of frontal dunes or coastal protection structures.

Figures 4.3 to 4.6 show the coastal hazard zones (and some key assets) for: • Scotts Head Beaches (Main Beach Scotts Head and Little Beach; Wakki Beach was not

assessed)

• Nambucca Heads Beaches (Shelly Beach, Beilbys Beach, Main Beach Nambucca Heads, and the small beach beside the breakwall. South beach, which is within national park land, was not assessed)

• Valla Beaches (North and South Valla)

The figures show the Immediate Hazard Zone, 2050 hazard zone incorporating sea level rise of 40 centimetres above 1990 levels, and 2100 hazard zone, incorporating 90 centimetres of sea level rise above 1990 levels. For each time frame, both the Zone of Wave Impact and Slope Adjustment and the Zone of Reduced Foundation Capacity (see Section 4.1.2) are shown. Some key assets behind the beach that lie within the coastal hazard zones are included on the figures. These assets are included in the register in Appendix 2 (with copies of Figures 4.3 to 4.6 for ease of reference). Note, beach accesses are not numbered, but are represented with green dots. The asset register forms the basis of the risk assessment in Section 4.3. 4.2.1 Asset Register

To assist with the analysis of coastal hazard risks and priority locations for action, an asset register has been compiled for the Nambucca Shire coastline. The asset register includes built assets such a surf clubs, seawalls, picnic facilities, water and power lines, toilet blocks, roads and other structure/facilities that are provided to support community access to and enjoyment of the coast. Where the financial value of these assets is known, it is included in the table. Financial data on the value of built assets was provided by NSC. The asset register also includes references to other values, which are difficult to quantify, such as Aboriginal cultural value, social value or beaches and picnic areas, and ecological service value. The asset register is in Appendix 2.



4.3 Risk Assessment and Management

A risk assessment provides a standardised way of comparing the significance of coastal hazard impacts on different parts of the coastline. It provides a transparent and repeatable process for identifying priorities for action. The risk assessment used in this project is based on the international standard (ISO 31000). The main steps in a risk assessment and management process are shown in Figure 4.7. DCCEE (2009) discusses the value of risk based planning for making sound decisions about land use in coastal landscapes that are or are likely to be affected by erosion or inundation. The NSW Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans (2011) also highlight the importance of a robust risk based decision making process. Risk assessments require an understanding of the likelihood of a hazard occurring and the consequence of the hazard occurring. In general terms, likelihood means how often an event is expected to occur over a specified time period. Specific definitions of likelihood used in this assessment are in Table 4.2. Likelihood assessments are an input to Step 3 (Analyse the Risk) of the risk management process (see Figure 4.7).

Figure 4.7 - Stages in the Risk Management Process (From AGO, 2006) The consequence of a coastal process hazard occurring depends on the nature of the process and the value of the natural environment, cultural and social values and the value of built assets that would be affected by the hazard. Factors to be considered include the following: • For assets on coastal dunes, the consequence of a coastal erosion event is lower if the

asset is in the Zone of Reduced Foundation Capacity than if it is in the Zone of wave Impact and Slope adjustment.

• The consequence of a coastal erosion event on many built assets derives from a mix of values, some of which are difficult to quantify. For instance, the value of a local surf club is greater than the direct value of the built asset. This is because in local communities,



surf clubs are also a significant social asset – they are often community meeting places, the home of major social and sporting activities in the community and a source of community identity. These values are difficult to quantify, and in this project, have been included as qualifiers of the asset value.

• Similarly, consequences relating to natural or ecological values can be significant. Foreshore recession can remove or fragment Endangered Ecological communities, or expose them to higher salt load or greater wind or drying. All of these changes have the potential to affect ecological sustainability, but are difficult to quantify.

The consequence definitions that have been used in this project are shown in Table 4.3. Consequence assessments are an input to Step 3 of the Risk Management process (Figure 4.7). Table 4.2 – Definitions of Likelihood Scales and How the Likelihood Has Been Applied

Likelihood category Description Almost certain May occur several times a year; much more likely

to occur than not. Likely May occur about once every two years to five

years. Possible May occur once in ten years (i.e. up to three times

within the life of the project). Unlikely May occur once in 20 years (or once within the life

of the project). Rare May occur at intervals of more than 20 years;

unlikely to occur within the life of the Project.



Table 4.3 – Definitions of Consequence Scales

Consequence Category

Description

Catastrophic Major widespread loss of environmental amenity and progressive irrecoverable environmental damage. Compliance not achievable with available technology and management practices.Coastal uses must be abandoned, and/or major regulatory impacts such as very large fines (corporate or individual). Extreme community outrage; extreme loss of safety. Destruction of coastal assets, with severe impacts on other assets that would have been protected by structures.

Major Severe loss of environmental amenity and danger of continuing environmental damage. Compliance only achievable with major investment in additional controls and management practices. High profile non compliances and fines, requiring significant amounts of management time to address. High profile community outrage. Severe loss of assets, safe access and amenity for the community and Council.

Moderate Isolated but significant instances of environmental damage that might be reversed with intensive efforts. Compliance achievable with careful management, some additional controls and robust monitoring. Formal action required to address occasional non compliances and fines. Frequent community complaints requiring significant management time. Additional attention required to maintain assets, safe access and amenity.

Minor Minor instances of environmental damage that could be reversed. Minor perceived or actual compliance breaches that can be resolved. Occasional community complaints, issues can be resolved with moderate effort. Minor, repairable impacts on assets, safe access and amenity.

Insignificant No environmental damage. Compliance concerns can be resolved without special action. No significant community concerns or complaints. Very minor access, assets and amenity issues - no special attention required.

4.3.1 Risk Assessment Results

The fourth step in the risk management process (as per Figure 4.7) is to calculate the level of risk and evaluate the risk results. The level of risk is evaluated from a standard matrix. This is shown in Table 4.4a, and relevant risk descriptors are set out in Table 4.4b.



Table 4.4a – Levels of Risk Consequence

Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic1 2 3 4 5

Like

lihoo

d

Almost certain A Medium Medium High Extreme Extreme Likely B Low Medium High High Extreme Possible C Low Medium Medium High High Unlikely D Low Low Medium Medium Medium Rare E Low Low Low Low Medium

Table 4.4b – Descriptors of Risk Levels Extreme Coastal hazard risks present major and/or unacceptable constraints to

assets, infrastructure, safety and amenity that cannot be reduced by targeted management. Management efforts would require approval at the executive level.

High Risks can be managed with detailed planning and response measures, high level management responsibility and reporting. Additional information and analysis is required now and in the future to ensure effective management of coastal hazard risks to coastal assets, infrastructure, safety and amenity.

Medium Coastal hazard risks may be managed by additional analysis, controls and monitoring during the planning, design and operation with specific management responsibility. Additional information and analysis is required now and in the future to ensure effective management of climate change risks to coastal assets, infrastructure safety and amenity.

Low Risks can be managed by existing controls, but would be maintained under review. Additional information and analysis is required now and in the future to ensure effective management of coastal hazard risks to coastal assets, infrastructure safety and amenity.

Table 4.4b also shows the types of responses that are generally relevant to each risk level (from low risk to extreme risk). The full analysis of coastal hazard risks for the NSC coastline, using the results of the SMEC 2010 hazard assessments and the assets contained in the Asset Register, is in Appendix 2. Key conclusions of the risk analysis and evaluation include: • The extreme risks at present are to the access ways and shoreline infrastructure at

Beilbys, Main Beach Nambucca Heads and Shelly Beach. The previously identified extreme risks to accesses at Main Beach Scotts Head have already eventuated.

• The beach at Valla has accreted recently, therefore the risk to accesses and infrastructure are high, but not extreme in the immediate future.



Some of the coastal hazard risks along the Nambucca coastline are considered medium to low, either because there is a lower probability of impact, or the assets and values that would be affected are associated with less severe consequences. It is important to note however, that responding to even medium and low risks can present challenges for small local government areas, where there is limited budget available for regular monitoring, community awareness raising or review processes. Existing management strategies in the NSC area, implemented by local government, state government or the community, are outlined in Section 5.0. Section 5.0 also discusses NSC’s proposed overall approach to avoiding or mitigating the risks affecting its coastline and how this approach is aligned with Council’s planning and management obligations under the Coastal Protection Act 1979 (as amended in 2010), Local Government Act 2004 and Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan DRAFT Management of the Coast


5.0 Management of the Coast

5.1 Introduction

This section provides an overview of the roles of all levels of government in managing the coast at the local and regional level. Nambucca Shire Council has some specific roles and responsibilities, but they interact with those of other levels of government. The second part of this section explains how NSC will make decisions about managing the coast in the future. Council will base coastal zone management on an adaptive risk management framework, which also takes into account the capacity of NSC and its local communities to fund investment in coastal works. 5.2 Roles of Government

All levels of government have a role in managing the coast, but local government has a key role in land use planning and on ground works for coastal communities. Local government is required to integrate state and national government policies, priorities and statutory requirements in its local planning decisions, whilst providing advice to local communities. Council is also responsible for managing public land in its control. Table 5.1 shows the roles of each level of government with respect to coastal zone planning.

Table 5.1 - Roles of Government in Coastal Zone Planning Local Government State legislation requires that Council prepares a coastal zone management

plan for its local government area. Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) and Development Control Plans (DCPs) implement strategic land use decisions from the coastal zone management plan. NSC has the major implementation role in coastal zone management. Council plans and does the on-ground works for its communities. Council must properly consider coastal process hazards in its local land use planning, natural resource management and planning and community development planning. In managing the coastline, Council considers: • National, State and regional legislation and policy in its land use and

land management practices; • emergency response during coastal emergencies; • its commitment to sustainability in all its activities; • land management issues for land where Council is the owner or has

care and control responsibilities; • communication and involvement opportunities to ensure local residents

are aware of management responses and can contribute where appropriate; and

• its roles in providing services and facilities for community enjoyment of the coast.

NSW State Government

State Government sets the statutory and policy context for coastal zone management and for related land use planning, environment protection and natural resource management in NSW. It prepares Guidelines and Directions and sets standards to drive a consistent approach to issues affecting the coastal zone. It provides some funding to local government for the preparation of coastal zone management plans and emergency action sub-plans that are required by the Coastal Protection Act and also contributes to funding for on ground works.



Australian Government

The Australian Government manages matters of national importance, sets broad policy direction and priorities for Australia’s coast, funds and conducts research into coastal process impacts and provides some funding for on-ground works through the Caring for Our Country Program.

The specific statutory and policy responsibilities of the NSW state agencies are noted in Table 5.2. Further details about each of these pieces of legislation and policy can be obtained from the Australian legislation web site http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_act/ or from the web sites of individual state agencies.

Table 5.2 - NSW State Agencies - Responsibilities in the Coastal Zone

Agency/Organisation Legislation, Policy and Plans Responsibilities Department of Lands Crown Lands Act 1989

The sea bed to 3 nautical miles offshore is Crown land. The bed of estuaries is also Crown land. Soil Conservation Act 1938, Roads Act 1993 Public Reserves Management Fund Act 1987 Native Title (NSW) Act 1994 Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983Plans of Management and Master Plans for Crown Reserves and Management Plans for Regional Crown Reserves Plans of Management for State Parks.

Management of Crown Reserves, for instance through Crown Reserve Trusts. Marina development and approvals. National Surfing Reserves Partnerships with tourism and recreation organisations for use of Crown reserves, camping areas and caravan parks. Crown land in coastal communities may be developed for various community purposes after suitable assessment processes. Assessment of Aboriginal Land Claims.



Agency/Organisation Legislation, Policy and Plans Responsibilities Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH)

Coastal Protection Act 1979 Coastline Management Manual 1990 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 Marine Parks Act 1997 NSW Sea Level Rise Policy Statement (DECCW, 2009) Derivation of the NSW Government’s sea level rise planning benchmarks. Coastal Risk Management Guide: Incorporating sea level rise benchmarks in coastal risk assessments. Flood Risk Management Guide: incorporating sea level rise benchmarks in flood risk assessments. See also recent documents covering emergency coastal protection works.

Overall policy and statutory direction on coastal hazards and climate change. Responsible for coordination of environmental services during and after storms. Research, protection and technical advice on coastal processes, monitoring of coastal ecological condition (threatened species and endangered ecological communities), water quality and Indigenous cultural heritage values, both within National Park estate and on other land. OEH also regulates major industry. The POEO Act 1997 and related policy documents set discharge standards to protect the values of receiving waters (e.g. for protection of aquatic ecosystems, or for primary or secondary contact recreation). Regulation of industry (discharge to the environment) including sewage treatment plants. Guidelines for management of stormwater, contributions to improved stormwater management through Urban sustainability fund of the Environmental Trust.

Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DP&I)

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Coastal Protection Act 1979 State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) 71 (coastal), SEPA14 (wetlands), SEPP 26 (littoral rainforest) NSW Infrastructure SEPP Exempt and Complying Development SEPP NSW Coastal Policy (Department of Planning, 1997) Guidelines for coastal development to accompany DECCW (now OEH) sea level rise policy (Department of Planning 2010) Comprehensive Coastal Assessment (Department of Planning, 2003). NSW Coastal Design Guidelines (Coastal Council of NSW 2003)

Overall framework for land use planning in NSW. Planning guidelines to address natural resources constraints to land use, including coastal processes and climate change. Regional scale strategic planning processes such as the Mid North Coast Regional Strategy Approval of LEPs and DCPs for local council areas. Development assessment and approval powers for major development.



Agency/Organisation Legislation, Policy and Plans Responsibilities Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services (DTIRIS), Fisheries and Mineral Resources divisions.

Fisheries Management Act 1994 and Regulations. Offshore Minerals Act 1994 Fishery Management Strategies for marine waters (Department of Primary Industries). Recreational Fishing Strategy. Indigenous Fisheries Strategy (Department of Primary Industries 2002). Part 7A of the Fisheries Management Act (1994) outlines the threatened species provisions for fish and marine vegetation (EECs).

The NSW Fisheries part of DTIRIS NSW is responsible for regulation of commercial, recreational and Indigenous fisheries. This includes access to resources, measures to protect fishery habitat. The Mineral Resources section of DTIRIS NSW administers legislation about access to offshore minerals, including sand (as an extractive resource) which could potentially be used for beach nourishment. Coastal waters, or those within the three nautical mile limit, fall within the jurisdiction of State Governments. Exploration and mining activities in coastal waters are administered by relevant State Mining Acts, or, if enacted, offshore minerals legislation.

NSW Maritime Authority Responsible for managing and regulating the safety and environmental performance of waterway users (commercial and recreational), including suitability of ramps and jetties, boat speeds, wake creation, fuel management and pump-out management.

State Emergency Services (SES)

State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989

Combat agency and coordination roles. DISPLANS relate to a wide range of disasters/emergencies, often with separate detail in sub plans (e.g. for fire, tsunami). Prepares plans for responding to storm, floods and other emergencies. Manages a large force of trained volunteers and staff for implementing these plans. Works closely with local government.

NSW Department of Commerce

NSW State DISPLAN (State Emergency Management Committee, 2009).

Supervise engineering services, particularly in relation to shoring up or demolition of buildings affected by erosion during storms.

Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority

Catchment Action Plan (NRCMA 2007). Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003 Native Vegetation Act 2003

Responsible for coordinating and facilitating regional delivery of sustainable natural resource management.

NSW Natural Resources Commission

Natural Resources Commission Act 2003

Provides policy and performance overview for catchment management authorities and for natural resources polices of the NSW government. Sets state-wide standards for natural resource management. Audits performance in implementation of Catchment Action Plans (CAPs).



5.2.1 Coastal Management Reform: Coastal Protection Act 1979 and Associated Codes and Guidelines

Over the last two years there has been major reform in the management of coastal zone issues in NSW. The reforms have been driven, in part, by recognition of extensive unmanaged risks associated with erosion and likely future recession. Recent additions to the coastal management framework include: • Australian Government Inquiry into the Impact of Climate Change on the Coast (2009);

• NSW Sea level rise Policy Statement (2009);

• NSW Coastal Planning Guidelines (2009);

• Amendments to the Coastal Protection Act (2010);

• Coastal Erosion Hotspots and Authorised Locations (2010);

• Ministers Requirements and Code of Practice for emergency protection works (2010);

• Seawall design guidelines (2011);

• Guidelines for preparing coastal zone management plans (2011); and

• Guidelines for emergency action plans (2011).

The OEH website (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/water/coastandfloodplain.htm) and Department of Planning website (http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/PlansforAction/Coastalprotection/tabid/166/language/en-AU/Default.aspx) present the guidelines and the information related to these policies.

Key Goals and Objects of the Coastal Protection Act (CPA, 1979)

The key aim of the CPA is “to make provisions relating to the use and occupation of the coastal region; and to facilitate the carrying out of certain coastal protection works”. The objects of this Act are to provide for the protection of the coastal environment of the State for the benefit of both present and future generations and, in particular (taken from the NSW government legislation website: (http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/act+13+1979+cd+0+N)

(a) to protect, enhance, maintain and restore the environment of the coastal region, its associated ecosystems, ecological processes and biological diversity, and its water quality, and

(b) to encourage, promote and secure the orderly and balanced utilisation and conservation of the coastal region and its natural and man-made resources, having regard to the principles of ecologically sustainable development, and

(c) to recognise and foster the significant social and economic benefits to the State that result from a sustainable coastal environment, including: (i) benefits to the environment, and (ii) benefits to urban communities, fisheries, industry and recreation, and (iii) benefits to culture and heritage, and (iv) benefits to the Aboriginal people in relation to their spiritual, social, customary

and economic use of land and water, and



(d) to promote public pedestrian access to the coastal region and recognise the public’s right to access, and

(e) to provide for the acquisition of land in the coastal region to promote the protection, enhancement, maintenance and restoration of the environment of the coastal region, and

(f) to recognise the role of the community, as a partner with government, in resolving issues relating to the protection of the coastal environment, and

(g) to ensure co-ordination of the policies and activities of the Government and public authorities relating to the coastal region and to facilitate the proper integration of their management activities, and

(h) to encourage and promote plans and strategies for adaptation in response to coastal climate change impacts, including projected sea level rise, and

(i) to promote beach amenity. Key Objectives of the NSW Coastal Policy

The 1997 NSW Coastal Policy, although 14 years old, sets the context for the coastal environment by providing policy related to population growth and economic development (http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/PlansforAction/Coastalprotection/NSWCoastalPolicy/tabid/173/language/en-AU/Default.aspx). This is to be achieved at the same time as protecting the natural, cultural, spiritual and heritage values of the coastal environment. To achieve this, the Policy has a strong integrating philosophy based on the principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD). The Policy addresses a number of key coastal themes including: • population growth in terms of physical locations and absolute limits;

• coastal water quality issues, especially in estuaries;

• disturbance of acid sulfate soils;

• establishing an adequate, comprehensive and representative system of reserves;

• better integration of the range of government agencies and community organisations involved in coastal planning and management;

• indigenous and European cultural heritage; and

• integration of the principles of ESD into coastal zone management and decision making.

5.2.2 Coastal Management Principles

In accordance with the NSW Guidelines for the preparation of coastal zone management plans, the Nambucca CZMP has considered the following ten principles. Table 5.3 sets out the principles and notes where the principle has been incorporated into the planning process.



Table 5.3 – Coastal Zone Management Principles

Principle Where incorporated in the CZMP Consider the objects of the Coastal Protection Act 1979 and the goals, objectives and principles of the NSW Coastal Policy 1997 and the NSW Sea Level Policy Statement 2009.

The objects of the CPA are noted above. The objectives of the Nambucca CZMP are aligned with these objectives and Council’s overall management strategy is based on priority targets relating to: Local community access and enjoyment of the coast The value of the coastline as an economic asset – attracting visitors, so condition of recreational assets is critical The cultural value of the coast – both Aboriginal and historical The importance of informing and involving community stakeholders Partnerships with relevant state agency managers Adaptive risk management so that strategies are adjusted as new information about risk or response becomes available.

Optimise the links between plans relating to the management of the coastal zone.

The plan is aligned with existing Plan of management for the Crown Reserve at Scotts Head and recommends consolidation of Crown Reserves elsewhere to facilitate more aligned management. The intent is that the Nambucca LEP and DCP will incorporate planning controls which reflect the coastal hazards that affect the NSC coastline, now and for 2050 and 2100 planning periods. Council acknowledges that it has neither resources nor statutory power to take all proposed actions. It proposes partnerships with Department of Lands, OEH and neighbouring Councils to ensure consistent approaches and will work with its local communities to implement on ground works – aligning with CMA and Landcare priorities.

Involve the community in decision making and make coastal information publicly available

Council has provided information about the coastal planning process on its web site, including access to the coastal hazard studies, which were also publicly exhibited. Council has maintained a Coast and Estuary Management Committee and has briefed them about hazards, issues and management options. Council conducted a simple on line survey to gain further information from the community about values and issues that should be addressed to maintain those values. Council has conducted two rounds of local community meetings with residents to discuss aspects of the plan. The draft plan will be exhibited for community feedback and comments will be incorporated in the draft which is submitted to OEH for certification.



Principle Where incorporated in the CZMP Base decisions on the best available information and reasonable practice; acknowledge the interrelationships between catchment, estuarine and coastal processes; adopt a continuous improvement approach

The draft plan uses information from coastal hazard studies conducted in 2010.

The priority of public expenditure is public benefit. Public expenditure should cost effectively achieve the best practical long term outcomes

Council’s focus for investment is to maintain protection structures that support safe beach/coast access – this includes small local seawalls, car parks, ramps, stairs, picnic facilities and amenities. Council will also monitor the condition of surf clubs and generally work towards presenting clean and safe beach environments that attract visitors to the area. Council’s approach is to maintain existing assets and infrastructure for as long as possible, within a long term asset and infrastructure upgrade strategy so that major upgrades and large capital expenditure can be made in an orderly way when coastal erosion trigger points are reached.

Adopt a risk management approach to managing risks to public safety and assets; adopt a risk management hierarchy involving avoiding risks where feasible and mitigation where risks cannot be reasonably avoided; adopt interim actions to manage high risks while long term options are implemented.

Section 4.3 and Appendix 2 show how risks have been identified and analysed in this Plan. The option evaluation process used risk avoidance and/or mitigation capacity as a key criterion for selecting preferred options. As noted above, Council proposes to manage risks by a combination of defence 9maintaining existing structures) and adapting in the short to medium term. In the longer term, Council proposes to move to a broad planned retreat strategy, with timing dependent on actual changes to the coast in response to climate change and sea level rise.

Adopt an adaptive risk management approach if risks are expected to increase over time, or to accommodate uncertainty in risk predictions

Council proposes an approach that will move from one type of management strategy to another over time. Decisions about changing management strategy will be made using the best available information, in consultation with community stakeholders. Up to date information for adaptive management will be obtained from a monitoring program implemented in partnership with OEH, CMA and local communities.

Maintain the condition of high value coastal ecosystems; rehabilitate priority degraded coastal ecosystems.

Many of the highest value ecosystems along the Nambucca coastline are already protected in National Park. The CZMP proposes continuing rehabilitation of other coastal ecological communities, particularly on headlands (such as behind the Nambucca Heads Main Beach surf cub), but also along small coastal drainage lines (such as Swimming Creek), with a focus on removing weeds of national significance.



Principle Where incorporated in the CZMP Maintain and improve safe public access to beaches and headlands consistent with the goals of the NSW Coastal Policy

An attractive, natural and safely accessible coastlines the community’s major aspiration for the Nambucca coastline. Management strategies are directed at providing the best access and amenity affordable.

Support recreational activities consistent with the goals of the NSW Coastal Policy

As above.

Source OEH 2011 5.2.3 Certification of the CZMP

To certify a CZMP, Council is to submit the draft for certification under the CPA (1979) by the overseeing Minister. The Minister will determine whether the Plan meets the requirements in the set guidelines (DECCW, 2010). The NSW coastal Panel may also be engaged to review the document. To be eligible for certification, the CZMP title will need to include the text ‘coastal zone management plan’ and refer to the geographic area covered by the CZMP (e.g. a section of coastline, an estuary or the entire coastal zone in a council area). A council submitting a draft CZMP to the Minister for certification is to also provide to the Minister copies of written correspondence from public authorities supporting any actions contained in the draft CZMP which they are responsible for or that affect their land or assets. 5.2.4 Council’s Role in Relation to this CZMP

NSC has coordinated the preparation of the CZMP, in consultation with OEH regional staff and with input from members of Council’s Coast and Estuary Management Committee. Council has specific roles in finalising and implementing the CZMP. These include: • After Council has exhibited the draft CZMP and reviewed submissions, it will submit the

draft Plan to the Minister for the Environment for Certification. The Minister assesses the draft Plan against the requirements of the Coastal Protection Act, and may require that Council makes amendments to the draft plan. When the Minister is satisfied, the Plan is certified in accordance with section 55G(2).

• After the Minister has advised Council that the Plan has been certified, Council will resolve to formally adopt the plan. The certified and adopted Plan must be published in the Government Gazette, and takes effect on or after the date of gazettal.

• During implementation, Council will be responsible for the following, in accordance with the specific details set out in the final plan:

Co-ordination and facilitation of activities. This involves both Council officers and a continuing form of the Coast and Estuary Committee as a program reference group. It involves scheduling, record keeping and reporting.

Preparation of applications for grant funds and management of grants in accordance with the requirements of the specific program.

Integrating implementation of the CZMP with Council’s other planning and works programs, under the overarching Community Plan.

Implementation of actions that are its direct responsibility. This includes management of surf club assets, maintenance or reconstruction of coastal defence structures that



protect Council assets and some aspects of emergency response during coastal erosion events.

Encouraging community involvement, by providing accessible information about the coast, and developing community partnerships (such as Landcare) for on ground works.

Liaison and partnerships with Department of Lands (Crown Reserve Trust), adjoining Councils and OEH for smooth and consistent delivery of priorities, particularly when issues cross land tenure boundaries.

Some monitoring activities and review of progress. These will be carried out in partnership with OEH, Lands and local communities.

NSC has limited resources for implementing actions in the coastal zone and it does not own or manage all of the land along its coastline. To ensure that the priority actions of the CZMP are delivered in a timely manner (i.e. actions to avoid or mitigate very high risks, or actions to address significant social and economic needs for community safety and amenity, or important actions to enhance the resilience of coastal ecological communities), Council will consider a number of funding resources and foster partnerships with State agencies, the Northern Rivers CMA, neighbouring councils and the Australian government. 5.2.5 Funding Options

Implementation of the Coastal Zone Management Plan lies primarily with Council. However as shown in Table 5.2 there are a number of organisations that have some stakeholder responsibility also. Therefore, funds for the implementation of the Coastal Zone Management Plan are likely to be available from a range of local, State and Commonwealth sources. Most funding programs involve competition for investment with other projects in the region or across the state, including other catchment based activities as well as coast and estuary activities. Matching funding applications to the key objectives of each program is critical. Potential sources of implementation funds include the following: • Council rates. Council regularly invests part of its available revenue in various aspects

of natural resource management. There is some potential to vary the relative investment in natural resources and Council’s other responsibilities.

• Environmental Levy. Some other Councils have established a special levy to facilitate implementation of important estuary or coastal zone management programs, for instance where there are severe geotechnical hazards, or heritage structures in coastal hazard zones. It is noted that NSC’s recent community survey on Council’s existing environmental levy indicated support to continue the levy for an additional 5 years at the present rate. Some funds from this levy could be directed to prioritised works in the coastal zone and or the maintenance and improvement of coastal infrastructure and facilities. Council’s current requirements for investment in maintenance of coastal assets is significant but not excessive, compared to other councils. NSC could however, choose to continue the environment levy for an extended period, to build up a fund for future investment in repair of coastal protection structures or redesign and retreat of coastal assets.

• Section 94 contribution Plans. Council presently collects contributions for development or activities that are likely to increase demand on public services. Council’s open space contribution plan would presently collect contributions for purposes which could apply to coastal infrastructure improvements and the balance of investment could be changed from playing fields to coastal open space (for instance), in consultation with local communities and DP&I.



Council also has surf lifesaving equipment and infrastructure plan in place, but this has been more targeted at SLS equipment. However this plan is due for review in 2012 and given access to beaches is essential for SLS to function there is potential to incorporate maintenance of beach accesses in budget allocations.

• User Pay Principle. It would be unusual for small coastal villages and towns such as Scotts Head, Nambucca Heads and Valla Beach to apply this principle. However it may be an effective revenue raiser to acquire funds to maintain small scale local infrastructure. As an example Council could investigate pay and display parking meters in beach parking areas. An option would be to only operate the meters during peak time in holiday seasons. As well as raising revenue to maintain and improve beach facilities it would also assist in limiting congestion during holiday seasons and encouraging people to use other forms of transport.

As a preliminary indication, based on parking at Main Beach Nambucca Heads for the period Dec 21 – Jan 26 at 90c/hr between the period 8.00 am – 4.00 pm (36 marked spaces) would raise over $5000.

Issues with this option include community acceptance, vandalism, operating costs and regulation.

• Selling Space on Infrastructure – Other Local Government Areas have assisted funding of Infrastructure by selling space for marketing. For instance names or messages engraved infrastructure such as boardwalks. This may compliment other activities already undertaken at the V-wall, and also create community ownership over an area.

• OEH estuary and coastal zone management programmes. Some funds may available through these initiatives. The NSW Government's Coastal Management Program's primary objective is to provide support to local councils to manage the risks from coastal hazards such as coastal erosion. A secondary objective of the program is to restore degraded coastal habitats. The primary objective of the Government's Estuary Management Program is to provide support to councils to improve the health of NSW estuaries and understand the potential risks from climate change. The support provided to councils under these programs includes financial assistance to:

prepare coastline, estuary and coastal zone management plans and supporting studies; and

carry out projects to reduce risks associated with coastal hazards, improve coastal environments and improve estuary health.

• Crown Land Division (Under the Department of Primary Industries, previously the Department of Lands). The previous LPMA had the Public Reserves Management Fund (PRMF) that provided funds as grants and/or loans at competitive interest rates. These grants or loans are available for the development, maintenance and protection of Crown reserves. These funds are also used to improve infrastructure on reserves. As the PRMF is self funded, most of its funds are allocated as loans rather than grants. This is to ensure that the PRMF will be able to meet the financial demands on it into the future.

• NSW Maritime. The Better Boating Program (BBP) is a State Government grant program aimed at providing recreational boating infrastructure for the benefit of the boating community on New South Wales waterways. The BBP, which commenced in July 2009, consolidates the three grants programs previously run by NSW Maritime (e.g. the previous Waterways Asset Development and Management Program grant). NSW Maritime utilises revenue raised from registration and licence fees to fund the grants program. Since the inception of infrastructure grant funding in 1998, the State Government has provided over $30 million for nearly 600 boating infrastructure improvements across NSW.



• Dept of Primary Industries (Fishing and Aquaculture) Recreational Fishing Grants. All money raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee is placed into the Recreational Fishing Trusts and spent on improving recreational fishing in NSW. These trusts are regulated by law and overseen by two committees made up of recreational fishers - one for saltwater and one for freshwater. Another is a Habitat Action Grant. Angling clubs, individuals, community groups, local councils and organisations interested in rehabilitating fish habitats in freshwater and saltwater areas throughout NSW can apply for grants for habitat rehabilitation projects.

• Australian Government Natural Resources Funding Program – Caring for our Country. Caring for our Country is the Australian government’s current natural resource management funding program. It will provide $2.25 billion in funding over five years from 1 July 2008 to June 2013. It integrates a number of previous natural resource management measures into a consolidated initiative. These include the Natural Heritage Trust, the National Landcare Program, the Environmental Stewardship Program, and elements of the Working on Country program. Three of the priority investment areas in the Caring for our Country program are relevant to the coast and may provide opportunities for partnering the funding projects in the Nambucca:

coastal environments and critical aquatic habitats LGA;

community skills, knowledge and engagement; and

biodiversity and natural icons.

The government will review the funding model for the Caring for our Country program before 2013, to ensure that it provides fair and reasonable access to grants for important projects and does not disadvantage particular stakeholders.

• Community Coastcare. Community Coastcare is part of the Caring for our Country package of activities contributing to the coastal environments and critical aquatic habitats priority outcome. Future opportunities for funding to contribute to the coastal environments and critical aquatic habitats priority outcome will be included in the annual Caring for our Country Business Plan. The Commonwealth has advised that priorities for Community Coastcare funding will focus on enhancing community skills, knowledge and engagement with Indigenous Australians, volunteers and coastal communities.

• Australian Government natural disaster mitigation funds. A wide range of natural disaster mitigation works, measures and related activities qualify for funding under the Natural Disaster Mitigation Program. Eligible projects include:

research or technical studies of disaster risk, community vulnerability, resilience measures etc;

trials or pilots of community engagement measures;

structural works to protect against damage (e.g. disaster proofing of existing buildings at risk and other engineered works that offer protection from natural disasters);

disaster warning systems;

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data for disaster resilience purposes; and

non-recurrent capability development activities.

• NSW Environmental Trust Fund (administered by the OEH). The NSW Environmental Trust is an independent statutory body established by the NSW government to support exceptional environmental projects that do not receive funds from the usual government sources. The Trust is empowered under the Environmental Trust Act 1998, and its main responsibility is to make and supervise the expenditure of grants. The Trust is



administered by the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), Department of Premier and Cabinet. In 2011 the Trust is offering eight competitive grant programs up to a value of $6.65 million.

• Many of these grant programs require equivalent contributions from Council or another stakeholder and very often that stakeholder is a local community group which makes in kind contributions through time and effort spent on on-ground works. Local community businesses can also contribute through materials or other in kind support. In this context, the local community should be regarded as a significant source of funds, particularly for programs that require a strong on ground presence. Examples of the existing contribution of the local community in the Nambucca LGA include green teams, Landcare, surf life saving clubs, local progress associations, Lions, Rotary and other service clubs. Council recognises the contribution that these volunteers make to the social and environmental well being of the local area.

5.3 Council’s Strategic Approach

The CZMP includes management strategies and associated actions which are intended to avoid or mitigate coastal erosion risks to the built environment, and also to mitigate existing and expected risks affecting the resilience of coastal ecological communities and the community’s access to and enjoyment of the coast. This section briefly outlines Councils agreed strategies and approaches to tackling coastal issues. 5.3.1 Broad Strategic Approaches and Options for Coastal Infrastructure

In relation to built assets, Council has three main approaches available: Adapt: Adapting involves learning more about change and devising ways to accommodate change. It is the broad approach favoured by resilient local communities, up to the point where a major change in behaviour or assets becomes necessary. Defend: This involves on and offshore structures, beach nourishment programs, in an effort to maintain the beach and dunes in a condition that is ‘stable’ and familiar to the local community – i.e. to minimise change away from the accepted current condition of the coast. Retreat: Planned retreat is a good way to avoid future risk (through land use planning), or to manage assets as they become exposed to damaging coastal processes. Infrastructure relocation can be incorporated in long term budget planning. In practice, Council chooses to adapt, defend or retreat depending on the level of risk, how acceptable the risk is to the community, the resources available to its for reducing risk, and the certainty of the outcome. Table 5.4 provides a summary of the relationship between the main management approaches and risk reduction.



Table 5.4 - Strategic Approaches and Options In Relation To Coastal Infrastructure

Adapt Defend Retreat Change consequence: • Prioritised upgrades of surf

clubs and beach access facilities for safety, amenity and attracting visitors – best quality that Council can afford.

Construct defence structures: • seawalls; • revetments; • off or onshore

breakwaters; • groynes; and • emergency response

Long term planning strategies to relocate assets once they are no longer economically viable to be kept in their current location.

Change likelihood and/or consequence: • Review infrastructure

location and design to balance scenic value, water quality, access needs and structural resilience.

• Promote special features and qualities of the Nambucca coast – information for community and visitors; engage the community.

Increase the beach volume and elevation: • beach nourishment; • beach recycling; • beach scraping; and • sand bypass.

Implement planning regulations to limit further development in risk zones and for certain developments apply time restrictions plus ensure the mobility of development with time restrictions.

Preparing to change likelihood: • Monitor actual coastal

erosion and recession so that necessary relocations of Council infrastructure can be properly planned and budgeted.

Stabilisation works for cliff bluff areas.

Abandon/write off assets that are not able to be relocated viably.

Beach Access and Amenities

Council’s strategy on beach access and amenities is to: ‘Make sound investments in asset management, so that Council provides quality and affordable facilities for safe enjoyment of the coast.’ Council proposes to maintain accesses and amenities in situ as long as technically and financially possible, with the long term plan to relocate once the risk, due to sea level rise, is no longer acceptable. Council will design and maintain beach access ways to be flexible and adaptable to changes in beach volume and the position of the beach escarpment, so that maintenance costs are reduced and community access is maintained in diverse beach conditions.



Natural Resources

Council’s strategy in relation to natural resources is to:

‘Protect, enhance and restore natural resource values.’ This work is done with other organisations such as OEH, CMA and local Aboriginal green teams. Landcare, Dunecare and community organisations and groups also contribute to schemes, especially the eradication of weeds and invasive species, and dune planting or native species. 5.3.2 Applying Adaptive Management Principles

Adaptive management is a system for managing uncertainty and continually improving the way that coastal management issues and understood and addressed. Effective adaptive management requires good information about changes to coastal landforms, ecological communities and built assets over time. In its best practice, adaptive management also requires a formal and structured process within which different models and management options are tested and compared, to determine which is more efficient and effective for delivering specified outcomes. NSC will apply adaptive management principles and processes when implementing the CZMP. In particular, it proposes to: • Monitor as effectively as resources allow, changes to coastal landforms, the condition of

coastal ecological communities and the condition and effects of defence structures. More information about the types of monitoring that would be effective, and which organisations would assist Council, is in Section 6.1.2.

• Conduct regular reviews of progress in delivering the Certified and adopted Plan, in consultation with the Coast and Estuary Management Committee and other stakeholders as relevant.

• Develop an approval process for timely changes to actions, if technical advice and community views indicate that an action is demonstrably not achieving its target outcome. Some triggers for change are built into the Plan.

5.3.3 Key Factors for NSC

In developing a strategic response to the coastal hazard risks and other issues along its coastline, NSC has considered the following factors: • Council and local coastal communities depend on tourism for economic well being, so

ensuring safe access to the coastline and maintaining or improving the amenity of coastal facilities is a high priority. Council’s strategy is to make sound investments in asset management, so that it provides quality and affordable facilities for safe enjoyment of the coast, buy local people and visitors.

• The people who live along the NSC coastline occupy small local villages, each with a distinct local character. Council has tailored its strategy to the needs of each of these local communities. For instance, different levels of risk may be acceptable in different communities in terms of beach access ways and different solutions are appropriate.



• The residents of the NSC coastline have highlighted the importance of the naturalness of the coast, with long sandy beaches backed by vegetated dunes, low key recreation, limited development on dunes. Even so, invasive weed species have degraded ecological resilience on dunes and headlands near urban areas. Council’s strategy is to work with the community, Lands Department and CMA to protect, restore and enhance the natural resource values of the coastline, with a particular focus on weeding to improve ecological condition.

• Council generally has a relatively low level of funds available for capital or maintenance works, so it is important to maximise the life of existing coastal infrastructure. Council proposes that in the short term it will focus on maintenance of assets, part of an ‘adapt and defend’ approach. An example of maintenance for adaptation is to build or modify coastal access ways with a design that is flexible and adaptable (i.e. remains functional) with changes in beach volume, beach profile and the position of the erosion escarpment at the back of the beach.

• Council’s long term strategy is planned retreat. Council proposes to avoid future risks from new development by ensuring that it’s LEP and DCP provide clear controls for new coastal development, and that land owners are aware of coastal hazard risks that affect their property. However, Council will retreat and reconstruct its assets only when necessary, and generally in accordance with the asset life.

• There is significant uncertainty as to how the coastline will respond to climate change and sea level rise at the local scale. To manage this uncertainty, Council will take simple but cost effective actions early (such a modifying planning schemes to avoid future risk). In partnership with OEH and local communities, Council will also monitor the condition of the coast, its assets along the coast and rates of change of coastal landforms. This information will allow Council to make timely decisions about a shift from a ‘defend and adapt’ approach to a retreat approach for managing its coastline.

• The community along the coast of NSC is interested and informed about their local environment. Council will build on this during the implementation of the CZMP. An informed community is also well prepared for change and can contribute to decisions about the level of risk that can be accommodated before a change of approach becomes necessary.

5.4 Strategic Options for Coastal Zone Management

Options have been identified to address the coastal risks, community amenity and ecological resilience issues that are apparent, or are expected to occur in the Nambucca coastal zone. The options have been developed in accordance with Councils coastal management objectives, as well as alignment with its wider strategic direction. Through community meetings and workshop, the values of the community have been considered and where included in the planning process. Detailed option evaluation tables are in Appendix 1, with a summary of the methods in the following section. Section 6.0 includes some information from the options evaluation to support the proposed strategies and actions, such as a monitoring program and best practice beach scraping techniques.



5.4.1 Appraisal of Options to Address Social, Recreational and Tourism Issues

The appraisal of these issues involves a one-step ‘1st Pass’ assessment, to rule out those options that are not considered viable. Not viable means a cost that is beyond Council capacity or community willingness to pay, or unacceptable impacts on other community values, or limited benefit or high implementation risk (i.e. very likely to fail to produce the desired outcome). The full appraisal tables for each area are included in Appendix 1, with a summary of the rationale and outcomes included in Sections 6.0. 5.4.2 Appraisal of Options to Address Technical/Coastal Hazard Risks

Erosion and shoreline recession management, sustainability of coastal protection works and the potential relocation of facilities in future risk zones are considered and options are evaluated to reduce the risk to people and property. These issues could be addressed with a range of options. Planning controls are clearly a sound risk avoidance measure, although reducing land use intensity along the coast over time does have some economic costs for local communities. Where an engineered response is proposed, the evaluation process must consider technical validity as well as the merits of the management option in terms of social, cultural or ecological effects. For these structural options, a two-step ‘1st and 2nd Pass’ assessment has been used to consider design effectiveness and likely performance, as well as other matters. The ‘1st Pass’ considers the general viability of an option, using common sense and technical knowledge. Viability is based on the extent to which the management option is expected to reduce important coastal risks. This reduces the number of options that will require further more thorough appraisal. The red, amber and green method was used for this, with a description of why an option will or will not be taken forward to the second step of the appraisal. The ‘2nd Pass’ involves a more detailed look at the options with respect to four key indicators: • Technical/Adaptability Implications

This looks at the actual viability and constructability of an option in terms of a range of technical or design characteristics; for example, access, substrate, design appropriateness and whether the option is adaptable and sustainable in the long term.

• Ecological Implications This briefly assesses whether there would be significant disruption to the coastal ecological communities present, and whether the option would lead to an ongoing negative impact.

• Social/Cultural/Legal Implications This looks at whether the option would be acceptable and favourable to the public and local stakeholders. It also considers whether consent or licenses are required from these local groups, or legally by the NSW State Government.

• Economic Implications Council has limited funds, and a commitment to cost effective management for the benefit of the community. Preferred options must provide good value for money, and be robust (i.e. sustainable through a range of coastal conditions). An estimate of the likely costs to implement an option is included in the evaluation. Note, these are high level indicative costs to aid in the decision making process, not detailed costings based on a unit cost database or bill of quantities. Thus, prior to any implementation of a scheme, full cost appraisals should be done for each option by Council or a contractor.



This evaluation process sorts and identifies potential options to address the overarching strategy objectives. These give Council and its partners the most appropriate options to achieve these, however, the evaluation process, and preferred options will need to be reviewed from time to time, to ensure that the preferred options take into account the most up to date science and monitoring results, and are still appropriate for the areas. The first major review of progress and implementation outcomes would occur after about five years. The full appraisal tables for each area are included in Appendix 1, with a summary of the rationale and outcomes included in the action tables in Sections 6.0. The results of the risk evaluation relating to the options appraisal are noted in Section 4.3 and assessment tables presented is in Appendix 2.

Strategies for Resilient Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan DRAFT Coastal Communities


6.0 Strategies for Resilient Coastal Communities The purpose of the following strategies is to provide Council and local communities with technically, socially, environmentally and economically viable options for managing present day and future coastal risks and other issues. The management option analysis considers risks relevant to the immediate, 2050 and 2100 planning periods, but focuses on addressing issues/risks for the immediate and short term (actions to be implemented within five years) and the medium term (5-20 years). These time frames are compatible with Council’s operational and strategic planning horizons. Some options which have been identified for implementation in the short term have far reaching risk avoidance effects. Planning controls (in the LEP and DCP) for development in coastal risk areas are an example. The assessment of potential management strategies has considered the risks to assets and amenity, but has also considered how well the options can be combined and adapted in the long term to accommodate natural processes, and particularly their capacity to adapt to climate change pressures. Preferred strategies are intended to make best use of Council and public funds (i.e. rates and tax payer’s funds) for the benefit of the whole community. To support adaptive management of the coastline, two key strategies have been included in the CZMP: • A monitoring program which covers the condition of coastal assets and infrastructure,

changes to coastal morphology and satisfaction with the outcomes achieved by implementation of the CZMP. Guidance on the nature of this program is in Table 6.2.

• A review process, to be conducted at regular intervals, of approximately five years, so that Council and local communities can assess the costs and benefits of implementation and take new knowledge into account in refining the CZMP.

6.1.1 Strategies for Managing Coastal Risks and Improving Community Amenity

Multiple strategies have been considered, ranging from on-ground works (structural protection, facilities and ecological), to community awareness and involvement, land use planning controls, regulation and compliance, monitoring and ongoing adaptive review. A summary of the main strategies considered are noted in the following Table 6.1.



Table 6.1 - Summary of the Main Management Strategies Considered

Short Term – Commence Within 5 years Overarching strategy: Maintain existing access, amenity and protection. Prepare

community and Council for change and monitor actual changes to better understand coastal responses.

Land use planning controls to reduce future risk Establish a monitoring strategy to track changes to coastal condition Investigate funding sources to streamline implementation of priority strategies Raise community awareness of coastal processes and coastal change Implement a consolidated emergency action plan for storm bite coastal erosion Maintain existing rock protection to maintain functionality Trial use of beach scraping to stabilise steep eroded dune escarpments on sand depleted beaches Consolidate coastal crown land parcels into a single coastal reserve for improved and consistent management Strengthen weed removal programs in coastal ecological communities and replant with locally indigenous or native species Ensure consistent application of permitting conditions for beach driving permits issued by Nambucca, Kempsey and Hastings Councils Maintain and improve beach access ways to ensure safe access onto and between the main beaches in the Shire Maintain and improve beach amenity facilities to support recreation, tourism and the economic viability of the LGA Improve storm water management where stormwater outlets affect beach amenity and safety

Medium Term (5 to 20 years) Overarching strategy: transition from maintenance/defend existing approach to a

long term retreat approach. Maintain community involvement, continue monitoring actual change; careful review of progress and outcomes.

Upgrade seawalls to meet proper design standards Review traffic management at beaches Mitigate effects of stormwater discharges on beaches Review viability of surf club infrastructure Review effectiveness of beach scraping Review monitoring program Review CZMP strategy



Long Term (Strategies for Beyond a 20 year Timeframe) Overarching strategy: planned long term retreat in accordance with actual coastal

recession. Relocate assets and infrastructure at asset life.

Relocate holiday park buildings

Relocate/rebuild beach amenities – showers, toilet blocks etc.

Manage roll back of access ways

Consider alternative sites for surf clubs

Relocate power poles and water/stormwater/sewerage assets

Reconstruct seawalls with proper design for future sea level and storm conditions. 6.1.2 Infrastructure and Facilities

The Nambucca relies heavily on financial inputs gained through tourism. Therefore, it is important to ensure infrastructure is functional and presentable during the year, but most importantly during tourist periods. Biannual maintenance audits could be undertaken prior to peak times to ensure all facilities are functional and clean and tidy. Maintaining facilities will assist in encouraging return visits from tourists. 6.2 Strategies and Management Actions

The following tables introduce the specific management strategies and the actions proposed to achieve these. These are supplemented with information from the options appraisal (Appendix 1) to give further understanding to the background and viability of the options and subsequent actions. Table 6.2 presents the short term management responses and actions, and provides additional information and rationale. Table 6.3 presents the medium management responses and actions, and provides additional information and rationale. Figures 6.1 to 6.5 show some generalised locations where the management actions and/or technical options may occur.



Table 6.2 – Short Term Management Responses for the Nambucca Coastline Overarching Strategy: maintain existing assets and amenity, provide safe access, raise awareness and prepare for change

Strategy Management Actions Additional Information Lead Organisation

Land use planning to reduce future risk

Action 1: Council will not approve applications for new development or redevelopment of existing allotments forward of the 2050 limit of the Zone of Slope Adjustment with possible exceptions for specific coastal protection works and/or maintenance or strengthening of surf clubs (in the short-term). Action 2: Council will require that new development, located within the 2100 Zone of Reduced Foundation Capacity, be on pier foundations designed to transfer the building loads into the Stable Foundation Zone for the 2100 planning period, Council will develop an appropriate standard pier specification as a Consent Condition for new development. The CZMP provides references to relevant standards (AS2870-2011). Action 3: Council will include information about the 2050 and 2100 limits of the Stable Foundation Zone on the Section 149 Certificates of relevant properties, to inform residents of the potential coastal hazard risk at each site. This will apply only to a small number of properties at Scotts Head and Swimming Creek. Action 4: Council proposes to zone the entire dune system along the NSC coastline as open space or environmental protection area, to enhance ecological connectivity, maintain resilient coastal ecological communities and to avoid future development risks. Action 5: Council will include provisions in

There is currently limited development in coastal risk areas along the Nambucca coastline. The planning controls will ensure that owners of properties that are affected by coastal risks are aware of those risks and the timeframes in which they are likely to occur. These land use planning controls are intended to give effect to the principles set out in Guidelines issued by NSW Department of planning in 2009. The intent is to minimise future risk by restricting major development to landward of the 2100 coastal risk area. Development in the 2050 and 2100 coastal risk areas would be required to meet specific design and management requirements. In general, new development seaward of the 2050 coastal risk area would not be approved. Council may choose to issue timed consents (e.g. 30 years) that allows infrastructure or assets to be constructed in areas forward of the 2050 hazards zone, as long as they are closely monitored and made relocatable or able to be dismantled once the consent time runs out, or the risk becomes imminent. Standard AS2870-2011 relates to the criteria for the classification of a site and the design and construction of a footing system for certain buildings. The Standard may also be used for other forms of construction, including some light industrial, commercial and institutional buildings if they are similar to houses in size, loading and superstructure flexibility. The footing systems for which designs are given include slab on ground, stiffened rafts, waffle rafts, strip footings, pad footings and piled footings.

Nambucca Shire Council Consult with OEH and DP&I



Strategy Management Actions Additional Information Lead Organisation its DCP in relation to modifications or maintenance of existing buildings in the 2050 coastal risk area. The intent is to avoid future coastal recession risks by requiring that modifications to existing buildings not move the footprint of the development seaward of the existing development.

Establish a monitoring strategy to track changes to coastal condition

Action 6: Council proposes to establish a monitoring strategy which includes collection of data by various stakeholders. The monitoring program underpins Council’s adaptive management of coastal risks and will provide information about the effectiveness of risk management and protection of ecological values. Suggested locations are noted in Section 6.0 (Table 6.1). The program would include regular beach profile surveys and/or a photographic monitoring program; • LiDAR to monitor changes in beach volume

and escarpment position over time; • monitoring of cliff and bluff stability; • monitoring the condition of existing

seawalls and revetments, particularly after storm events;

• monitoring the condition of the entrances of Deep Creek, Swimming Creek (open, closed, extent of scour etc). An entrance management strategy is in preparation for Deep Creek;

• monitoring of the condition of ecological habitats and communities;

• beach access ways, particularly after storms; and

condition of surf clubs and beach amenities prior to and at the end of the main tourist and swimming seasons.

A monitoring programme is required to track changes to the coastline, prior, during and after the implementation of any options. This will be to document changes to the beaches in terms of morphology, sedimentation patterns, changes to the wave climate, condition of defences and vegetation. This will provide a data set from which the effectiveness of options can be measured, and if necessary, adapted. This will also aid in gathering information for subsequent rounds of coastal zone management planning. Council will work with the relevant state agencies to facilitate this monitoring. Parameters and monitoring programs should be consistent across the entire region. LiDAR data LiDAR provides a high resolution record of beach changes, but stand alone collection of LiDAR data is beyond the resources of Nambucca Council. Council will work with OEH and Department of Lands to promote the collection and processing of LiDAR data as a long term monitoring and management tool for the coast. Beach profiles and photography It is suggested that Council also implement a local scale beach monitoring program. Twice yearly (after Summer and Winter) a survey team could take survey cross-sections at few key locations to track the seasonal change of the beaches, as well as after large storm events. This could be done using surveyors, or GPS, depending on cost and Council resources. The work could be done by Council, and/or in partnership with OEH regional staff and local communities and the data should be made available in local communities via Council’s web site. Suggested locations are: • Main Beach Scotts Head (i.e. the southern corner and up to

approximately 500 metres along the beach). Include the Scotts Head seawalls and the stability of slopes above the car

Nambucca Shire Council for program management and some actions. OEH - LiDAR



Strategy Management Actions Additional Information Lead Organisation park at Scotts head;

• Little Beach (1 profile); • Nambucca Heads Main Beach, Beilbys Beach and Shelly

Beach (1 or 2 profiles in each location); • Swimming Creek; • Valla Beach, in front of the car park. A photographic monitoring programme could be implemented, with photographs taken from standard locations to track the beach changes visually. These photos could be used to document the amount of recession that a beach is experiencing. This should be done at regular seasonal intervals as well as following major events. Locations would match the beach profile locations. Asset condition The monitoring program would routinely assess the condition, serviceability and amenity of: • Local seawalls at Scotts Head, Nambucca Main Beach, Shelly

Beach and Valla Beach, annually, plus after major storm events.

• The condition of surf clubs at the beginning and end of the main beach season and after major storm events

• Beach access ways and boat ramps – annually, plus after major storm events

• Other beach amenity facilities such as signage, picnic tables, showers and toilet blocks

The intent is that this will support decisions about the priority of maintenance works, and will ensure that the presentation of the area’s principal tourism assets is the best affordable. Ecological condition To support sustainable management of coastal ecological communities, Council will work closely with the Northern Rivers CMA, Landcare and OEH (Park management), to develop and implement a program of vegetation condition monitoring, which will feed back into weed management programs, planting programs and other activities. It is anticipated that the local coastal groups and Aboriginal land owners (i.e. Landcare and Green teams)



Strategy Management Actions Additional Information Lead Organisation would be involved in this program. Once the implementation of the CZMP commences, the progress of the implementation would be regularly reviewed and consistently monitored.

Investigate funding sources

Action 7: Council will investigate potential funding sources and prepare applications and business cases to gain grant funding for priority projects. Action 8: Council will consider a specific allocation of its environmental levy to coastal protection works and a long term fund for relocation and retreat of assets.

As noted in Section 5.2.5. Nambucca Shire Council

Raise community awareness of coastal processes and coastal change

Action 9: Maintain a coastal management page on Council’s web site, with information about implementation of the CZMP, information about coastal processes; information about monitoring results and community involvement activities. Action 10: At main beaches and lookouts, provide clear and well designed signage to inform residents and visitors about coastal process hazards. Action 11: During implementation of the CZMP, continue to support a Coast and Estuary Management Committee at Council, with representatives of local coastal communities and other agency stakeholders.

Council is committed to encouraging ongoing community involvement in the management of the coast, which is has higheconomic, social and cultural values for council, local businesses, and local communities. The suggested actions are relatively low cost, but ensure good access to information in different forms. They also support community feedback to Council about the outcomes of management actions and ongoing issues. The involvement of local community groups in the coast monitoring program will also contribute to shared knowledge.


Maintain existing rock protection to maintain functionality

Action 12: Monitor the condition of seawalls at Scotts Head, Nambucca Main Beach, Shelley Beach and Valla Beach

Continue monitoring and undertaking maintenance on the seawallswhen necessary. These walls protect car parks, surf clubs and pathways, which are critical to the use and enjoyment of the coast by locals and visitors. Maintaining the condition of these seawallsis also necessary to minimise the risk of overtopping and inundation of the land behind. The V-wall and breakwalls at Nambucca Heads are also a significant tourist attraction for the area; therefore the area’s attractiveness is also as important as its functionality.

Nambucca Shire Council Nambucca entrance training walls – Department of Lands

Action 13: Maintain existing rock protection Some seawalls are not built according to proper design standards



Strategy Management Actions Additional Information Lead Organisation structures, increasing the size of materials as necessary to comply with proper design standards. Note: At Nambucca Heads, maintenance works must consider the social value of art works on the breakwall. Strengthening and extending the seawall at Main Beach Nambucca heads is urgent. Maintenance/reconstruction of the seawall at Bellwood Park should be considered during this time period. Over time, as sea level rises, seawalls will need redesign and reconstruction to meet proper design standards for future conditions. Monitoring will inform decisions about the timing of this at each location, but the aim is to maximise the life of existing infrastructure.

re rock sizing, footings and use of geotextiles. Poorly designed seawalls are vulnerable during major storm events (immediate term) and as sea level rises in the medium to long term. The proposed strategy is to gradually strengthen seawalls as budget allows (increasing crest levels and relaying slope armouring where necessary), with a view to long term reconstruction to meet proper design standards for the conditions expected to occur within the design life of the structure. Council should commission the design and consider the future reconstruction of the seawalls at Main and Shelly Beach. They should be reconstructed to provide a more appropriate standard of protection. Although at present the current structures are still providing some protection, they are, in some locations, exposed to direct wave impact during storms and are likely to deteriorate in the short term, with armouring displaced. Once these structures are no longer ‘fit for purpose’ and the risk to hinterland is increased, they should be reconstructed to a more robust design (similar to that presented in SMEC, 2010) tailored to the conditions of each individual area. This will be a temporary solution for the short to possibly medium term, in the long term, relocation strategies for the assets and infrastructure behind these defences should be established. The southern section of the rock revetment at Scotts Head Main Beach is already in poor condition, thus should be targeted for repair/rebuild first if a staged approach is to be adopted. A full cost assessment should be undertaken to determine whether if it more cost effective to delay the construction of the northern section (as it is in better condition) or more cost effective to reconstruct both revetment sections at the same time (i.e. larger upfront costs, however only require the mobilisation of kit and contractors once).

Trial use of beach scraping to stabilise steep eroded dune escarpments on sand depleted

Action 14: At Main Beach Scotts Head, conduct a trial beach scraping program. The works would stabilise the toe of the dune escarpment in the southern corner of Main Beach Scotts Head and help raise the beach profile. Beach scraping involves moving sand along and across the beach from the

Beach scraping involves moving sand along and across the beach from the swash zone (between mean high water and mean low water). A detailed review of application of beach scraping is in Appendix 5. Beach scraping (or potentially beach nourishment)options for Main Beach should be considered to delay recession and aid the beaches natural recovery. This will also increase the

Nambucca Shire Council Technical advice from OEH



Strategy Management Actions Additional Information Lead Organisation beaches swash zone (between mean high water and

mean low water). A detailed review of application of beach scraping (Carley et. al., 2010) is in Appendix 5.

amenity value in the short term and be beneficial to the performance of any newly constructed defences.

Consolidate coastal crown land parcels into a single coastal reserve for improved and consistent management

Action 15: Consolidate coastal crown land parcels into a single coastal reserve, and prepare a Plan of Management for the reserve as a whole. At Nambucca heads, Crown Land is currently held in multiple discrete parcels which hinders effective management of ecological values and of recreational use. Similarly, crown land at South Valla/Deep Creek area should be consolidated into single reserve.

At Nambucca heads, Crown Land is currently held in multiple discrete parcels which hinders effective management of ecological values and of recreational use. Similarly, crown land at South Valla/Deep Creek area should be consolidated into single reserve.

Department of Lands with Nambucca Shire Council

Strengthen weed removal programs in coastal ecological communities and replant with locally indigenous or native species

Action 16: In consultation with CMA and Landcare groups continue invasive species programs to remove weeds of national significance and regionally important weed species from coastal ecological communities. Headland communities and communities along coastal creeks (e.g. Swimming Creek) should be a priority.

Eradication of weeds and the replanting of native species can be done in conjunction with local environmental, Dunecare and Landcare groups. The Nambucca Valley Vegetation & Planting Guide, which is available from the Landcare office provides information relating to: • Removal of Vegetation; • Native plant species suitable for the Nambucca; • Environmental weeds and recommended replacement native

species; • Noxious and poisonous weeds; • Protected local native plant species; • Rare or threatened native plants and regionally significant; and• Threatened populations and vegetation communities. Although this guide is for the public, it will aid Council in promoting community programmes and initiatives which will prove beneficial for Council and the community. The basic distribution of vegetation communities is presented; however further assessment into the condition of these areas and the scale of removal is required in specific locations. Council/ Office of Environment and Heritage should also look at restoring and enhancing the coastal dune ecological communities and also the headland ecological communities on the ridge that separates the small embayment

CMA, Landcare and Nambucca Shire Council



Strategy Management Actions Additional Information Lead Organisation near the breakwall from Shelly Beach.

Ensure consistent application of permitting conditions for beach driving permits issued by Nambucca, Kempsey and Hastings Councils

Action 17: Develop a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NSC and OEH (Parks Service) so that there are consistent requirements for compliance across various land tenures. The MoU should be modelled on the existing MoU between Hastings Council and OEH.

It is proposed that these accesses stay the same in the immediate term, whilst Council looks at additional options to ensure vehicles and beach goers can coexist. Potentially the most viable and least invasive option will be for the current restrictions to be policed more readily. Council should also monitor: • the use of the beaches by vehicles against the number of

permits sold, condition of access tracks and regulate activity as resources permit.

• consider increasing fees of permits to assist maintenance of access and monitoring.

A policy is already adopted by Council in conjunction with Kempsey Council and Port Macquarie Council pertaining to the use of 4WD vehicles on beaches, therefore this should be revisited and updated when appropriate and necessary.

Nambucca Shire Council, with OEH, Hastings Council and Kempsey Council

Maintain and improve beach access ways to ensure safe access onto and between the main beaches in the Shire

Action 18: Remove rubble from Main Beach (southern corner of Forster beach) at Scotts Head. Reinstate a beach access ramp separate from the boat ramp, using a design that is flexible and robust in different beach conditions. Action 19: Maintain the toe of stairways at Little Beach, so that safe access is maintained. This could be achieved by extending the stairs below the beach sand level or by reinforcing the toe. Action 20: Upgrade and formalise the walking track between Shelly Beach and the breakwall at Nambucca Heads.

These actions will reduce any public safety risks already apparent due to the recent erosion that has cut back the beach and collapsed beach accesses. Action 20: At present there is an informal track linking the two beaches. There is a planned project through the ‘Our Living Coast’ project presently being undertaken to upgrade and formalise the track connecting the two beach areas. Council should also consider fencing areas to ensure the local vegetation is not impacted. Signs should be erected to promote usage of the path. It is recommended that the track be assessed for risk in terms of slope stability during establishment to ensure there are no public safety risks and the location is viable for many years to come.



Strategy Management Actions Additional Information Lead Organisation Action 21: Reinstate a beach access

ramps at Shelly Beach, using a design that is flexible and robust with different beach levels. Construct controlled stormwater discharge point(s) to mitigate erosion at the car park and accesses undermining due to stormwater runoff. Action 22: Rebuild the footbridge over Deep Creek and Valla Beach, using a design suitable for an intermittently open creek entrance with occasional high flow velocities and scour potential. Action 23: Maintain the headland viewing platform at Scotts Head and consider the formalisation of the walking tracks and access ways at Wakki Beach.

Action 21: Stormwater has recently caused significant damage to the access way near the car park. Action 22: Upgrades to the foot bridge should be undertaken to ensure a safe walking surface and for other public safety reasons. In order to make best use of Council funds, any renovation works should be done in conjunction with any repair works to the actual bridges structural integrity. Action 23: Maintenance of the viewing platform should be done consistently with the maintenance of the Scotts Head beach access structures. The reserve area near the car park at Wakki Beach is a gateway to a coastal grassland walk along the crown headlands. This area has been targeted for an upgrade and formalisation of a walking track from here to Middle Head in the past, however was never finished.

Department of Lands Nambucca Shire Council RASH - Residents Action for Scotts Head

Maintain and improve beach amenity facilities

Action 24: Install shower facilities at strategic beach access locations. Designs should be robust and water efficient. Action 25: Assess the condition of surf clubs and related beach amenity facilities at each of the main beaches prior to and at the end of the main summer beach/tourism season and take remedial action where necessary to ensure facilities are safe and attractive, providing amenity for beach users.

Although it will be appropriate to spend some money in the immediate/short term to upgrade (and introduce new) facilities to ensure they are of an acceptable standard, it is recommended that additional spend in future spend is kept to a minimum i.e. general renovations rather than full overhauls/reconstruction of facilities. Most of the beach facilities are within the immediate impact zone, therefore the best use of funds would be to plan for relocation of some, and eventually all, of these facilities. Although costly, a staged approach could be implemented as the risk level of each property is determined by its position to the beach and hazard zone. The Surf Clubs at Scotts Head and Nambucca Heads are within the immediate hazard zones; however have the additional protection defences (more substantial at Scotts Head). These defences should provide some additional protection from erosion in the short term, and longer, depending on the level of works and maintenance adopted from the suggestions of this plan. There is still the potential for these areas to be inundated via overtopping.


Improve storm water management where stormwater

Action 26: Conduct a Water Sensitive Urban Design Study for the catchment of the stormwater outlet onto Scotts Head Beach,

Council should consider the catchment and drainage of the area, and the current drainage through the outlet in the corner of Scotts Head beach. This stormwater outlet issue requires an action that




Strategy Management Actions Additional Information Lead Organisation outlets affect beach amenity and safety

with the intent of reducing peak velocities and scour and reducing water quality events (nutrients and pathogens). Action 27: Investigate methods to manage storm water flows across and from the car park a Beilbys beach, which currently scour fill and erode the embankment.

looks at the whole stormwater catchment and comes up with a comprehensive approach that deals with source control, storage, treatment and discharge options. Methods of energy dissipation and stormwater detention should be considered and redistributing energy flow via multiple points north of the main beach user area. Note, some preliminary investigations are presently being undertaken in relation to this. Reports from the community have stated on occasion there is a foul smell in the corner near the outlet at Scott Head beach, which lead to algae growing on the sand. It is suggested that next time Council is made aware of this issue, samples should be taken and analysed to determine the cause of this, and what, if anything, can be done to remedy it. This would also contribute to water quality issues, therefore, it is suggested both sand and water be tested. It is likely that after high rainfall events, the leaching of excess nutrients are causing a small algae bloom, however some minor investigation would be required to ensure that this is not a public health risk.

Consider a stormwater outlet at the Beilbys Beach car park to minimise erosion and maintain the viability of the access. Council should investigate the stormwater outlet to the north of the Main Beach car park, and the scour this is causing to the nearby access ramp. May be more economical to relocate or redesign the access ramp rather than looking at stormwater control options.



Table 6.3 - Proposed Management Actions, Medium Term (5 to 20 years) Overarching Strategy: Maintain access and amenity, prepare for change, monitor and evaluate progress, commence transition from defend and protect

to planned retreat, as necessary

Strategy Management Action Additional Information Lead Organisation Upgrade seawalls to meet proper design standards

Action 28: Prepare designs and costings for upgrades of all seawall assets, to remain functional with sea level and wave climate conditions beyond 2020. Action 29: Reconstruct the seawall in front of South Valla car park and amenities.

Reconstruction of the seawalls once more thorough investigation is done into the viability of these structures, they should be constructed to a design more appropriate to future conditions once the condition deteriorates and they are no longer ‘fit for purpose’, with the potential for further adaptation in future (e.g. increasing crest levels and relaying slope armouring where necessary). Council should plan for the future reconstruction of the South Valla seawall defence in front of the car park and amenities area. At present the beach is accreting and the current defence is buried. However, this is primarily due to the position of the Deep Creekentrance. Planning should consider the migration of the creek entrance and the potential for this area to be eroded in future. No works are likely to be required in the immediate time frame however.

Nambucca Shire Council, With technical advice from OEH

Review traffic management at beaches

Action 30: Conduct a traffic study of the beach parking areas and vehicle circulation at Scotts Head to identify opportunities for improved layout. Options to be considered include changed turn around areas for the boat ramp; limiting parking beyond the surf club. Any potential changes should be discussed with the local community and would be included in reviews of the Master Plan for the Crown Reserve.

Council should consider is to consider alternative design of the parking areas in an attempt to make the area function more efficiently (this option is presently being examined along with the design for the upgrade to the boat ramp). Examples of this could be if the car park area beyond the boat ramp is removed. Thiswould provide space for additional picnic tables and family areas. The remaining area could be used as a pick-up/drop-off point for boats and trailers, and for dropping off at the picnic area. If established as a turning circle, then vehicles would be forced to make their drop off or launch their boat, and keep moving. This option would require additional parking to be added away from the corner of Scotts Head beach nearer to the present picnic areas and amenities block. Any options undertaken here should also be considered in accordance with the Master Plan that has been prepared for Scotts Head.

Nambucca Shire Council with Department of lands

Action 31: Prepare a traffic study on vehicle access to Main Beach Nambucca Heads, to consider alternative access arrangements beyond 2020, as coastal recession takes effect.

The hazard study suggests that in the medium to long term, coastal recession will greatly reduce the amenity of main beach at Nambucca heads (leaving very little sand, over a rock base) and persistent wave erosion threats to the car park and beach access



Strategy Management Action Additional Information Lead Organisation ways and very limited access along the coast from the existing car park. This proposed action is intended to review access management at Nambucca heads main beach as these changes occur. The study may lead to changes to beach access for the main beaches of Nambucca heads; for instance, the main accesses could be moved to Swimming Creek, or to Shelly Beach, or a more formal pathway to the north, protected by an extended rock wall may be considered. Or Council and local communities may choose in the long term to retreat access at Main beach, and use a headland lookout and walking path.

Mitigate effects of stormwater discharges on beaches

Action 32: At Scotts Head Main Beach, modify the stormwater drainage system in accordance with the results of the WSUD study, to reduce scour in the southern corner of the beach, protect beach access and address stormwater quality issues.

Council and the Dept. of Lands would consider the catchment and drainage of the area, and the current drainage through the outlet in the corner of Scotts Head beach. Stormwater issues in this small catchment include water quality (potential for elevated nutrient and bacterial levels), and excessive discharge velocities which are exacerbating scour of the beach. In addition, there may be opportunities to enhance water reuse in the catchment. The aim of the study is to provide good documentation of catchment processes and apply WSUD principles in the development of a new stormwater management strategy that deals with source control, storage, treatment and discharge options. Methods of energy dissipation and stormwater detention should be considered and redistributing energy flow via multiple points north of the main beach user area. Note, Council is currently conducting some preliminary investigations of catchment water management options.

Nambucca shire Council with Department of Lands

Action 33: At Beilbys Beach, construct controlled stormwater discharge point (s) to mitigate erosion of the embankment and erosion and deposition of fill material onto the beach.

The seaward margin of the car park at Beilbys beach is being eroded by stormwater scour and wave impact. Consider a stormwater outlet at the Beilbys Beach car park to minimise erosion and maintain the viability of the access.

Review viability of surf club infrastructure

Action 34: Review functionality, safety and amenity of the two main surf club buildings (Nambucca Main Beach and Scotts Head Main Beach). Examine options for long term protection at the existing sites, or for retreat to

The Surf Club at Nambucca Main Beach is a major community asset but is within the immediate hazard zone; this risk may be lessened if a new seawall is built. Management of the surf club building has two main facets –routine maintenance to ensure an attractive facility for locals and

Nambucca Shire Council with Department of Lands and Surf Clubs



Strategy Management Action Additional Information Lead Organisation lower risk locations. Consider the feasibility of new surf club construction.

visitors each summer season; and a longer term decision about enhanced structural protection for the surf club in this location or relocation of the surf club, as sea level rises. The facility should be maintained in situ as long as possible. As the risk to the Surf Club increases a new strategy, incorporating review of beach condition, required investment in protection structures and/or relocation, will be required (see also Action 30). The Surf Club at Scotts Head is a major social and economic asset for the local community but is within the immediate hazard zone; however it does have protection from an existing rock revetment defence. This should provide some additional protection from erosion in the short term, and with maintenance and proper design, can provide long term protection. There is still the potential for the area to be inundated via overtopping and although the Surf Club is founded on bedrock and may not be impacted structurally, the risk to undermining will increase through time. Upgrades of the surf club to meet community social requirements must be designed to take into account the likelihood of inundation and wave action.

Review effectiveness of beach scraping

Action 35: Review beach profile records, beach and dune condition at Scotts Head Main Beach, together with storm records and volumes and costs of sand positioned by beach scraping program. Define achievements/outcomes and revise the program as necessary.

This action is the follow up to the trial of beach scraping at Main Beach Scotts Head. The intent is that after approximately five years, a detailed review of changes to beach volume and profile would be conducted by a coastal engineer, to determine the extent to which the beach scraping has contributed to a stable dune face, protected beach access ways, increased the beach slope and effected the wave conditions in the southern corner of the beach. The results of this analysis would inform Council’s decision as to whether the program should be continued at this location, and also whether there are lessons which could be applied to other beaches in the local area.


Review monitoring program

Action 36: Review the data collection processes and information collected by the monitoring program after five years, in consultation with OEH, CMA and local communities. Modify as necessary to provide relevant and cost effective information.

The CZMP recommends a variety of monitoring activities which are intended to provide useful information for Council and local communities, raising awareness of rates and processes of change. The program will require both Council and community resources for implementation. This review is suggested so that Council and communities can evaluate the value of the information coming from the program. The review would consider locations, scale,




Strategy Management Action Additional Information Lead Organisation relevance of parameters, timing, effort required, whether information has been accessible. The outcome of the review would inform adaptive changes to the monitoring program.

Review CZMP strategy

Action 37: Review the implementation of the CZMP and consider new knowledge about coastal processes, climate change, sea level rise and community aspirations. Determine whether trigger points for changing coastal risk management approaches have been reached. Review overall cost effectiveness of coastal zone management.

Council recognises the uncertainties relating to long term management planning. The intent of a regular review of implementation is to: • assess implementation progress and constraints; • assess whether implementation has achieved the intended

outcomes (beach condition, community awareness, cost effectiveness);

• bring new knowledge into risk assessment and into decisions about priorities and technical responses;

• ensure Council and communities share knowledge about the challenges and achievements in managing the coast;

• inform adaptive change to coastal management. The review would be conducted by Council, with input from OEH, Lands, CMA and local communities.

Nambucca Shire Council, with OEH



In this medium time frame, a number of actions that commenced within the first five years will continue. Examples are: • Monitoring programs (subject to review outcomes)

• Maintenance of access ways

• Maintenance of the headland lookout at Scotts Head

• Community information and involvement programs, including the Coast and Estuary Management Committee and web based information

• Implementation of consistent compliance requirements for beach driving permits across Nambucca, Hastings, and Kempsey Councils and OEH coastal lands.

• CMA and Landcare weeding programs in coastal ecological communities (and other CMA programs to protect coastal species)

Strategies for Management of Long Term Coastal Risks

These strategies relate to risks and management responses beyond the 20 year time frame. In this time frame, it is expected that the effects of sea level rise on coastal recession will become apparent. At least two new IPCC reports on actual sea level rise will have been released, reducing uncertainty around actual rates of change. Council will also have a long record of coastal change from both on ground monitoring and LiDAR analysis, and will be well positioned to assess the effectiveness of coastal zone management. The strategies noted below are based on the currently available information and both the need for action and the appropriate response may change in the future. Based on current information, Council and local communities will need to prepare for the following actions in the 50 year time frame and beyond. Most of the actions relate to retreat of previously constructed coastal assets and infrastructure. Retreat means: • No new development in high risk frontal dune locations (planning controls to set this

direction will be put in place in the first five years of the plan)

• Relocation (where feasible) or demolition of private dwellings or commercial buildings which will be in the Zone of Wave Impact and Slope Adjustment in this time frame. An example is the youth camp behind the dunes at Forster beach (north of Scotts Head Main Beach) which is expected to be affected by coastal recession in this time frame.

• Redesign and/or relocation of local scale seawalls, such as those at Scotts Head, Nambucca Main Beach and Shelly Beach. Timing would depend on the declining condition of existing assets (asset life) and the actual impacts of sea level rise and climate change, as well as agreeing on suitable designs and locations with local communities.

• Ongoing roll back of coastal access ways on sandy beaches. Review of access arrangements for Nambucca Heads main Beach and Beilbys Beach, where recession is expected to remove the beach, leaving a rocky cove.

• Potential relocation or redesign of surf clubs, to align with the recreational amenity of the coastline. For instance, an alternative site for the Nambucca main beach Surf Club may be necessary, as beach amenity declines.



• Relocation of power poles, water supply lines, stormwater outlets and sewerage lines where necessary. At Scotts Head, local services are within the 2050 and 2100 coastal risk areas.

• Relocation or redesign of coastal holiday parks. Van and cabin sites in the holiday park at Scotts Head are expected to be affected by coastal process hazards in the 2050 and 2100 periods.

Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan DRAFT Implementation


7.0 Implementation Implementation of the Nambucca CZMP will commence after the Plan has been certified by the Minister for the Environment and adopted by Council. As noted in Sections 5.0 and 6.0, the Plan highlights as priorities the actions that should be implemented within five years, to avoid future risk and to address issues considered to be a significant risk for safety, amenity or asset value now. To facilitate the early implementation of these actions: • Budget will be incorporated into Council’s short term budget planning

• Council will prepare grant applications to supplement locally available funds

• Council will work closely with OEH, Northern Rivers CMA and Department of Lands

Indicative budget for the short term actions is presented in the Implementation Schedule in Appendix 6. The Implementation Schedule also provides indicative investment requirements for actions proposed to be implemented in the medium term, i.e. to 20 years. This time frame is consistent with Council’s longer term strategic investment planning and Council will include agreed actions in its planning for major infrastructure and asset redevelopment. The CZMP is intended to be an adaptive document that helps set ongoing strategic direction and decision making. No detailed implementation schedule is provided for activities that are currently understood to be needed beyond a 20 year time frame. As explained in Tables 6.2 and 6.3, Council will monitor and review coastal condition and the effectiveness of management on a routine basis over the next twenty years and both strategic approaches and detailed management actions will be refined as new knowledge becomes available.

Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan DRAFT References


8.0 References Australian Standard AS 2870-2011. Residential slabs and footings. Prepared by the

Standards Australia Committee BD-025, to supersede AS 2870—1996. http://infostore.saiglobal.com/store/Details.aspx?productid=1445846

Bruun, P., 1962. Sea-level rise as a cause of shore erosion. Journal of the Waterways and Harbors Division, American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol 88, No WW1, Proceedings Paper 3065, p 117-130, February 1962.

Carley, J.T., Shand, T.D., Coghlan, I.R., Blacka, M.J., Cox, R.J., Littman, A., Fitzgibbon, B.,

McLean, G., Watson, P., 2010. Beach scraping as a coastal management option. Paper presented at 19th NSW Coastal Conference 2010.

DCCEE, 2009. Climate change risks to Australia's coast: a first pass national assessment,

Canberra: Department of Climate Change. DECCW, 2009. NSW Sea Level Rise Policy Statement. Available at:

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/climatechange/sealevel.htm. DECCW, 2010. Guidelines for Preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans. Available at:

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/coasts/101019GdlnsCZMPs.pdf Department of Planning, 2010. NSW Coastal Planning Guideline:

Adapting to Sea Level Rise, Department of Planning. Available at: http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/PlansforAction/Coastalprotection/SeaLevelRisePolicy/tabid/177/Default.aspx.

Goodwin, I.D., 2005. A mid-shelf, mean wave direction climatology for south-eastern

Australia, and its relationship to the El Nino – Southern Oscillation since 1878 A.D. Int. J. Climatol. 25, (2005).

McIntyre-Tamwoy, 2003. Nambucca Shire Council Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management

Plan. Prepared by A report to Nambucca Shire Council by Susan McIntyre-Tamwoy, Heritage Consultant. Revised 2007, adopted 2008.

Nambucca Shire Council (NSC), 2011. Your Environmental Jewel - A discussion paper. Nambucca Shire Council (NSC), 2011b. Your Nambucca Valley – Your Future: A ‘Best

Value’ Council - A Civic Leadership Discussion Paper. Nambucca Valley Tourism Strategy, 2007. Joint venture between the Nambucca Shire

Council, and Nambucca Valley Tourism Association. Available at: http://www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au/cp/res.asp?id=2136.

Nielsen, A.F., D.B. Lord & H.G. Poulos (1992). ‘Dune Stability Considerations for Building Foundations’, IEAust., Aust. Civ. Eng. Trans., Vol. CE 34, No. 2, 167-173. OEH/NSW National Parks and Wildlife, 2003. Aboriginal Women’s Heritage: Nambucca.

Published by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, May 2003. (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/cultureheritage/NambuccaWomensHeritage.pdf).

Short, A.D., 2007. Beaches of the New South Wales Coast (2nd edition). Sydney University

Press, Sydney.

Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan DRAFT References


SMEC, 2009. Coastal slope instability hazard study. Prepared on behalf of the Nambucca Shire Council.

SMEC, 2010. Nambucca Shire Coastal Hazard Study. Prepared on behalf of the Nambucca

Shire Council. http://www.nambucca.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-XBQ-07-50-

32&c=40)

Nambucca Coastal Zone Management Plan DRAFT Glossary


9.0 Glossary This glossary explains a range of technical or planning terms that are used in the Coastline Management Plan. The definitions are drawn from several different sources, including the NSW Coastline Management Manual (NSW Government 1990), NSW Guidelines for Preparation of Coastal Zone Management Plans (2010), the First Pass National Assessment on Climate Change Risks to Australia’s Coast (Department of Climate Change 2009a), definitions in NSW legislation and policy and standard coastal engineering or coastal planning manuals. Accretion Growth of coastal shorelines by steady addition of sediments. Adaptation Adjustments in natural or human systems in response to climate

stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.

Adaptive capacity Ability of a system to adjust to climate change (including climate variability and extremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences.

Authorised Location Defined in the current proposed amendments to the NSW Coastal Protection Act as a place that has at least five houses or a public road in the immediate coastal erosion hazard zone. In the Nambucca, there are currently no authorised locations.

Average Recurrence interval (ARI) and annual exceedance probability (AEP)

Both of these terms are a measure of the rarity of a rainfall event, but can also be used to refer to the rarity of a storm event. The ARI is the average, or expected, value of the periods between exceedances of a given rainfall total accumulated over a given duration. The AEP is the probability that a given rainfall total accumulated over a given duration will be exceeded in any one year.

Bathymetry Refers to the depth of the ocean. A bathymetric chart will show the depths to the sea floor (and therefore the shape of the sea floor) at different locations.

Beach A wave deposited accumulation of sediment, usually sand, but also cobbles and boulders, lying between the upper limit of wave swash and extending out across the surf zone to the depth at which average waves can move sediment shoreward. Short (2007) notes that on the high wave energy NSW coast, this means that beaches extend seaward to water depths of 15 to 20 metres and as much as 1 to 3 kilometres offshore.

Biodiversity The numbers and relative abundances of different genes, species and ecological communities in a particular area.

Bluff or cliff Coastal cliffs (especially steep and precipitous cliffs), steep rock and weathered rock slopes, headlands, indurated and cemented sand coastal slopes.

Climate Climate in a narrow sense is usually defined as ‘average weather’. The usual period for calculating the ‘average’ is 30 years.

Climate projection A projection of future climate based on simulation by climate models.

Coast Generally used, with ‘coastline’, to refer to the actual shoreline where the sea meets the land.



Coastal zone Extends from the continental shelf to as far inland as coastal processes (tides, wind-blown coast dunes) dominate. The NSW Coastal Policy defines this as including 3 nautical miles seaward of the mainland, one kilometre landward of the open coast high water mark, one kilometre around the shores of all bays, estuaries, lakes and lagoons and all tidal waters upstream to the limit of mangroves.

Coastal geomorphology The physical structures, processes and patterns associated with the coast, including landforms, soil and geology and the factors that influence them.

East Coast Lows Intense low pressure systems which occur on average several times each year off the east coast of Australia. Severe East Coast Lows generate extreme water levels and high waves which drive storm bite erosion.

Ecosystem services Ecological processes or functions having monetary or non monetary value to individuals or society at large.

El Nino southern oscillation (ENSO)

Refers to widespread two to seven year oscillations in atmospheric pressure, ocean temperatures and rainfall associated with El Nino (the warming of the oceans in the equatorial eastern and central pacific) and its opposite, La Nina. Over much of Australia La Nina brings above average rain and El Nino brings drought. A common measure is the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) which is the normalised mean sea level pressure difference between Tahiti and Darwin. The SOI is positive during La Nina and negative during El Nino events.

Flood hazard A hazard associated with inundation. Flood hazard generally refers to flooding associated with storm water systems, rivers and estuaries.

Geotechnical processes Refers to the processes that drive landslides and poor structural integrity of rocks and soils. Landslides are defined as the movement of a mass of rock, debris or earth (soil) down a slope. The definition includes landslides, slips, slumps, rock falls and topples.

Greenhouse effect An increase in the temperature of the earth’s surface caused by trapping of heat by greenhouse gases (i.e. gases that absorb and re-emit infrared (heat) radiation. Carbon dioxide and methane are both greenhouse gases).

Hazard A source of potential harm or a situation with a potential to cause loss. It may also be referred to as a potential or existing condition that may cause harm to people or damage to property or the environment.

Holocene period The Holocene interglacial period is a geological epoch that began approximately 12,000 to 10,000 years ago. Climate and sea level have been relatively stable for the last 6000 years of the Holocene period.

Interglacial period The warm periods between ice age glaciations. The ‘Last Interglacial’ before the current one, dated to 130,000 to 115,000 years ago.

Littoral In coastal environments, the littoral zone extends from the high water mark to areas permanently submerged.

Mitigation Refers to those response strategies that reduce the impact or severity of something.

Resilience The ability of a social or ecological system to absorb disturbances while retaining the same basic infrastructure and ways of functioning, the capacity for self organisation and the capacity to adapt to stress and change.



Risk and Risk Management Risk is calculated as a product of probability (likelihood) and consequence of a hazard occurring. Risk management involves understanding all aspects of an activity that may have unanticipated consequences and determining which are the significant and unacceptable risks. The process helps identify priority actions that need to be undertaken to ensure that important values are maintained. The Australian Standard for risk assessment and management has adopted ISO 31000 (2009).

Sea level rise An increase in the mean level of the ocean. Eustatic sea level rise is a change in global average sea level brought about by an increase in the volume of the world ocean (by warming the water – thermal expansion, or by melting of ice caps). Relative sea level rise occurs where there is a local increase of the level of the ocean relative to the level of the land, which might be due to ocean rise or to subsidence of the land. In areas subject to rapid uplift, relative sea level can fall without a change in ocean volume.

Storm surge Elevated sea level at the coast caused by the combined influence of low pressure and high winds associated with a severe storm such as a tropical cyclone. Includes wave runup and wave set up.

Storm tide The total elevated sea level height at the coast above a datum during a storm, combining storm surge and the predicted tide height.

Sustainability Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Ecologically sustainable development is consistent with intergenerational equity, conservation of ecological functions and services, proper valuation of social, cultural, environmental and economic assets.

Tidal delta The deposition feature just inside the mouth of an estuary. Marine sand is deposited where flood tide velocities decline as the flows enter the still waters of the lake system. Most estuaries also have a much smaller ebb tide delta forming shoals at the seaward extremity of the channel.

Uncertainty An expression of the degree to which a value (such as the future state of the climate system) is unknown. Uncertainty can result from a lack of information or from disagreement about what is known or should be known.

Vulnerability Degree to which a system is susceptible to or unable to cope with adverse effects of stresses such as invasive species, changes to hydrology, land clearing, all of which may be exacerbated by climate change, including climate variability and extreme weather events. Vulnerability is a function of the character, magnitude and the rate of change and variation to which a system is exposed, its sensitivity and its adaptive capacity.

Wave run up The ultimate height reached by waves (storm or tsunami) after running up the beach or coastal barrier.

Wave set up The super elevation in water level across the surf zone caused by the energy expended by breaking waves.

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