FAQs

A Coastal Hazard Risk Management Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) is a strategic planning document required for local governments under the State’s Coastal Planning Policy and the Planning and Development Act 2005. This plan outlines management strategies and adaptation controls for coastal areas, aiming to preserve valued assets sustainably and thoughtfully. These coastal values encompass built, natural, cultural and environmental assets, which provide social, environmental, infrastructure and economic values to the community. CHRMAP’s serve as a guiding framework for other local planning documents, addressing future coastal vulnerabilities. They facilitate informed decision-making by coordinating integrated and sustainable land use planning for both the short and long term.

The purpose of a CHRMAP is to:

• Establish a framework for assessment: Identify coastal hazards (such as erosion and, to some extent, inundation), analyse the vulnerability of specific assets, prioritise management and adaptation strategies, and outline an implementation plan.
• Educate the community and stakeholders: Inform the community and stakeholders about potential coastal hazard risks, identify their values, pinpoint key coastal infrastructure and assets at risk, and create a clear strategy for the Shire of East Pilbara to address these coastal risks over time.
• Offer strategic guidance: Provide coordinated, integrated, and sustainable land use planning and management decision-making for the Shire of East Pilbara, including necessary updates to the Shire’s Local Planning Strategy, Local Planning Scheme, and other relevant strategies and policies.

Coastal values are defined by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage as follows:

• Social: Values that enhance the quality of life, health and wellbeing of a community. Examples include beaches and foreshore reserves (environmental), car parking, and formal access paths (public infrastructure).
• Environmental: Values that support coastal habitats for their geological, geomorphological, biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, as well as landscape, seascape and visual landscape. Examples include ecosystem services provided by dune habitats for local flora and fauna, trapping of and storing sand, and providing a source of sand to replenish beaches following erosion events.
• Infrastructure: Values of assets that generally support economic, social and environmental values. Examples include buildings, road and rail (transport), water, sewer and electricity (services), and community facilities like Surf Life Saving Clubs, footpaths, dune fencing and ablution facilities (community).
• Economic: Values that support industry, tourism, employment, or relate to matters that have economic implications.

Coastal hazards are risks that affect coastal areas, potentially causing property damage, loss of life, and environmental degradation. The main coastal processes that are considered hazards include: 

• Erosion: The gradual deterioration of coastlines due to wave action, currents, and human activities, which can threaten infrastructure and ecosystems.
• Inundation: The flooding of coastal areas, often exacerbated by storm surges and rising sea levels.
• Storm Surges: The temporary rise in sea levels caused by severe weather conditions, leading to coastal flooding.
• Ongoing Sea Level Rise: The long-term rise in sea levels due to climate change, which can lead to permanent inundation of low-lying areas.
• Loss of Natural Habitats: Coastal erosion and inundation can lead to the loss of important natural habitats, affecting biodiversity.

The CHRMAP identifies areas that could be impacted by these hazards over the next 100 years, including projected storm events and sea level rise. Coastal hazards are assessed by combining:

• Exposure: The likelihood of impact.
• Sensitivity: The consequence if impact occurs.
• Adaptive capacity: The ease with which assets or areas can adapt to the hazard.

Coastal areas that are exposed, sensitive and less able to adapt are the most vulnerable.

Whether you visit, live, work or play along the Shire’s coastline, the CHRMAP will impact how you and future generations enjoy the coastline.

The Shire will offer multiple opportunities for stakeholders and the community to engage in the development of the CHRMAP.

During the preliminary consultation period (Stage 1: Establish the context), the Shire will be focussed on identifying key coastal assets and understanding coastal values. Participation options will include online and hard copy surveys, as well as intercept surveys conducted at Cape Keraudren and Pardoo. The feedback from these surveys will help the Shire understand the community’s coastal values and contribute to the CHRMAP process.

During the formal consultation period (Stage 8: Final CHRMAP), the Shire will gather feedback through online and hard copy surveys to capture public comments on the draft CHRMAP. This feedback will inform the final CHRMAP.

If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Shire at [email protected] including the subject line heading ‘CHRMAP'