Coastal threat investigations get green light

A Kimberley council will fork out $100,000 for a coastal vulnerability report that it will use as a planning and development guide over the next 50 years.

The Shire of Broome has accepted a tender to carry out the survey that will mostly cover the Chinatown shopping precinct which backs on to tidal mangrove area.

The purpose of the report was to predict the potential impacts of storm surge, tidal movements, sediment transport and storm water drainage.

In addition, the report will investigate potential interactions of surface and groundwater on the coastline and town site of Broome.

Shire of Broome president Graeme Campbell said the information was vital in helping plan ahead for decades to come.

“We have got the funding for it and allocated the tender,” he said.

“Into the future as we plan for growth and strive to protect areas like Chinatown, we need to understand the vulnerability of the coast and its environs, particularly in relation to sea level rise, catastrophic events and sea surges, et cetera.

“We are looking 50 years out with this.

“In terms of long-term planning for the coast and the long-term future of Broome and its environs, we believe these studies will be critical.”

Mr Campbell said the information would be taken into account and used in any future development and planning for the Shire of Broome.

“We have adopted the tender and specialist people have been commissioned to carry out the report,” he said.

The Council voted unanimously to approve the tender and authorised chief executive Kenn Donohoe to seek additional information on the role the mangroves play in preserving coastal integrity