Coastal Adaptation Investigation
Assessment of potential coastal adaptation options for two towns...
Christies Beach is popular coastal town and beach south of Adelaide in South Australia within the City of Onkaparinga Local Government Area. Understanding the potential impacts and determining suitable strategies to mitigate the risks of climate change on coastal environments is important for local authorities.
IMAGE: WITTON BLUFF OVERLOOKING THE COAST OF CHRISTIES BEACH, SA
Scope:
Review of the local coastal reach with a focus on climate change impacts, infrastructure protection and provide recommendations to the Council
Location:
Christies Beach South Australia
Client:
City of Onkaparinga
The objectives of the Christies Beach project was to conduct a review of the local coastal reach, and considered the following key issues:
- Climate change projections for 2030, 2050 and 2100 as detailed in scenarios identified in an earlier technical report (Climate Change Coastal Impact Study – Caton, 2007).
- Complete a full assessment of existing coastal protection infrastructure along the entire length of Christies Beach foreshore. Particular locations of interest include the Surf Life Saving and Yacht clubs and the Stormwater Treatment Plant. A major focus of the assessment was to investigate the structural integrity of the existing rip rap rock walls.
- Developed a set of recommendations that the Council can use to manage coast protection infrastructure, the beach itself, and foreshore infrastructure at Christies Beach.
Project completed by Coastal Engineering Solutions, now a part of Water Technology.
