The Climate Change Implications on WA’s Coastline event held by CMCN in August 2023 attracted a full-house of in-person attendees. The event brought together a selection of WA’s esteemed experts from across the fields of science, community and local government to initiate an insightful and informative dialogue on innovative coastal management in WA. The event was also streamed online, with participants joining in from the Pilbara to the Great Southern.
Attendees heard from Vivienne Panizza about ongoing work supported by the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage to respond and adapt to climate change impacts throughout the State. Presentations from Arnold Van Rijn (UWA), Michael Cuttler (UWA), Craig Perry (PNP) and Andrew Outhwiate (for Blue) provided perspectives on nature-based solutions for coastal protection; nearshore processes and coastal hazards; monitoring and management work in the Peron-Naturaliste region and top ocean innovations emerging in the blue economy.
The workshop provided a cross cutting platform for discussion including a panel Q&A session. Community group members in attendance had the opportunity to discuss their concerns about recent CHRMAP recommendations for the constructions of groynes at Mullaloo beach (City of Joondaloop) with State government representatives from DPLH. Participants raised a number of thought provoking questions about roles and responsibilities with respect to ‘resilient’ decision making for our marine and coastal environments in the face of climate change.
Indigenous speaker Joe Collard from Djoona spoke poignantly about access to coastal and marine environments for first nations people and the barriers still faced in achieving equitable partnerships to manage and maintain our coastal and marine resources. A round table discussion in the afternoon facilitated by Anne Leitch from the CoastAdapt program (Griffith University) allowed participants the opportunity to discuss their key concerns and potential opportunities and constraints for effective management of coastal and marine ecosystems now and into the future.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for interested citizens, climate advocates, policymakers, scientists and researchers engage in meaningful conversations to strengthen our understanding and collective resolve in tackling the climate challenges facing WA’s coastlines.
Story by Ailbhe Travers
Images supplied by CMCN