What is a Coastal Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (CHVA)?

A CHVA is a specialized report and analysis required by local councils in coastal regions—such as across Victoria, Australia—as part of the **planning permit process** for new developments. It assesses and maps the site's vulnerability to coastal hazards.

What key risks are addressed in a CHVA report?

The assessment focuses on hazards that will increase due to climate change and **sea level rise**, primarily: **coastal erosion**, **coastal flooding** (including storm surge and storm tide inundation), and long-term shoreline recession.

What information is included in the final CHVA report?

The report provides an expert analysis of the site’s risk profile, detailed coastal erosion and coastal flood mapping (showing risks over time), and an initial assessment of risk **mitigation options** for the property.

COASTAL HAZARD VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS (CHVA) in Mornington Peninsula

If you are planning to build, develop, or subdivide coastal land within the Mornington Peninsula Shire, navigating the local planning requirements is a critical first step. The Mornington Peninsula features a highly varying coastline, from the sheltered but erosion-prone beaches of Port Phillip Bay and Western Port to the high-energy swell environments facing Bass Strait. Because of these distinct coastal processes, the Council often requires a comprehensive Coastal Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (CHVA) before granting planning permits.

At OMCN, we specialise in conducting site-specific CHVAs and Coastal Risk Assessments tailored to the unique conditions of the Mornington Peninsula. A CHVA provides a detailed, scientific evaluation of how coastal hazards, such as storm surge, wave run-up, coastal erosion, and projected sea-level rise, may impact your property over its design life.

Why is a CHVA Required?

As sea levels rise, the frequency and severity of coastal flooding and erosion events increase. The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, in alignment with Victorian state planning policies, utilises specific coastal hazard overlays to ensure new developments are safe and resilient. A CHVA is legally required for many properties within these overlays to demonstrate that the proposed development can withstand or mitigate these future risks.

OUR MORNINGTON PENINSULA EXPERTISE INCLUDES:

**Erosion & Inundation Modelling:** Quantifying the specific risks to your parcel of land using the latest 2100 sea-level rise projections.Provision of appropriate sea level rise predictions.
**Council Compliance:** Delivering easy-to-read, highly detailed reports designed to satisfy the rigorous requirements of the Mornington Peninsula Shire planning department.
**Mitigation Strategies:** Providing actionable, cost-effective engineering advice on how to protect your property, from establishing safe setback lines to recommending appropriate floor levels.
Don't let uncertainty delay your development. Ensure your project is secure, compliant, and protected for the future.risk assessment detailing the risk profile of the site.

Contact OMCN for a Site-Specific Assessment Today

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“Planning for a projected sea-level rise of not less than 0.8 metres by 2100 is a critical requirement for all new coastal developments in Victoria to ensure our communities remain safe and resilient.”

— The Victorian Marine and Coastal Policy (2020)

COASTAL HAZARD VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS (CHVA) in Mornington Peninsula

Why is a CHVA Required?

OUR MORNINGTON PENINSULA EXPERTISE INCLUDES:

Contact OMCN for a Site-Specific Assessment Today

“Planning for a projected sea-level rise of not less than 0.8 metres by 2100 is a critical requirement for all new coastal developments in Victoria to ensure our communities remain safe and resilient.”