COASTAL HAZARD VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS

 

COASTAL HAZARD VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS

We offer a quick, accurate and affordable Coastal Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (CHVA) service. Our Coastal Hazard Vulnerability Assessments are developed in accordance with all relevant advisory documentation from the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning facilitating a quick approvals process. Many councils throughout Victoria are becoming more aware of the potential impacts of sea level rise on their region. This has led to an increase in the number of Coastal Hazard Vulnerability Assessments being requested as part of the planning permit process throughout the state.

 
 
Coastal Hazard Vulnerability Assessment

OUR COASTAL HAZARD VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS INCLUDE:

  • Investigation into the coastal processes occurring at the site including waves, currents, tides, storm surges and sediment transport.

  • Provision of appropriate sea level rise predictions.

  • Coastal inundation analysis, prediction and mapping.

  • Coastal erosion analysis, prediction and mapping.

  • A coastal risk assessment detailing the risk profile of the site.

  • An initial assessment of risk mitigation options if required.

 
 

Recent Projects

  • Hastings Residential Development: Completed a Coastal Hazard Vulnerability Assessment for a proposed residential dwelling in Hastings, evaluating coastal inundation and erosion risks under 2100 sea-level rise projections. The assessment recommended raising the finished floor level to 3.9m AHD to ensure adequate freeboard above the projected 1% AEP storm-tide level.

  • Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club Redevelopment: Conducted a comprehensive coastal hazard assessment for a major surf club redevelopment in Torquay, assessing vulnerability to coastal erosion, inundation, and wave overtopping. The report provided actionable adaptation pathways, highlighting the need to incrementally upgrade existing seawalls and rock revetments to manage future wave overtopping risks.

  • Flinders Coastal Bluff Dwelling: Delivered a site-specific coastal hazard and slope instability assessment for a proposed dwelling situated on a highly weathered coastal bluff in Flinders. By integrating geotechnical modelling with 2100 toe-erosion scenarios, we advised founding the structure on 9-metre deep piles to successfully mitigate the risk of coastal cliff instability.

 
 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A Coastal Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (CHVA) is typically required by local councils when applying for a planning permit to build or subdivide land within a designated coastal hazard overlay. It ensures the proposed development can safely withstand coastal erosion and storm surges under projected sea-level rise scenarios.

  • A standard CHVA generally takes between 3 to 6 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the site and the availability of local coastal data. OMCN works efficiently to ensure your council application isn't unnecessarily delayed.

  • A CHVA must be prepared by a suitably qualified coastal engineer with relevant expertise in coastal processes and risk. Our team at OMCN are chartered engineers with substantial experience in the field of coastal engineering.

  • The cost of a CHVA varies based on the site's location, size, and the level of analysis required to adequately assess the site. Contact OMCN for a precise, obligation-free quote tailored to your specific property address.

  • If high risks are identified, your coastal engineer will provide site-specific advice on all feasible mitigation strategies for your development in the report, such as raising floor levels, altering the building footprint, or establishing protective setbacks, to help you safely proceed with development.

Get a free Coastal Hazard Vulnerability Assessment quote today.

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“In Australia, the potential replacement cost of residential buildings exposed to a 1.1m level sea rise is estimated at as much as $63bn.”

— The Guardian (2019)