Coastal Hazard News
Deceptively Calm Oceans Hide Deadly Risks, Experts Warn After Easter Drownings
May 11, 2025
Long-period swells create calm lulls that lure beachgoers into danger before sudden, powerful waves strike. Experts call for clearer warnings and public education to prevent further tragedies.
Rising Climate Risks Create Patchwork of Vulnerable and Resilient Communities
APR 14 2025
This article explores how climate change is unevenly affecting suburbs, making some unlivable from frequent disasters while others stay protected, reshaping Australia’s cities and leaving vulnerable areas battered and broken.
Cyclone Alfred's Fury Exposes Critical Coastal Risks Along Eastern Seaboard
MAR 10 2025
This piece highlights the severe impact of Cyclone Alfred on the NSW and QLD coastlines, especially in places like Byron Bay and Surfers Paradise, where the loss of sand buffers has increased risks for coastal communities.
North Queensland Braces for More Severe Weather as Insurance Claims Surge
Feb 7 2025
North Queensland is being hit by severe weather bringing over 200mm of rain to flood-affected areas, causing widespread damage, evacuations, thousands of insurance claims, and prompting an $8 million relief fund alongside urgent warnings for residents.
A Failure on an Ancient Sea Cliff Destroyed a Large House, Injuring One Person
JAN 15 2025
A dramatic landslide on 14 January 2025 in McCrae, Victoria, caused a large home to collapse and injured a council worker who narrowly escaped, raising concerns for nearby cliffside properties amid limited landslide insurance coverage in Australia.
Sea Level Rise Threatens NSW Coastline and Communities
DEC 05 2024
Rising sea levels threaten coastal NSW with flooding, erosion, and possible submersion—putting homes, ecosystems, and infrastructure at risk—prompting the government to call for urgent adaptation through planning, restoration, and education.
Sunshine Coast Council Progresses Coastal Hazard Adaptation Planning
NOV 01 2024
The Sunshine Coast Council is planning long-term coastal protection for areas like Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, and Golden Beach to address rising sea levels and flooding, using 2024 community feedback to guide actions that build on the 2021 strategy and extend to 2100.
Statewide Consultation Workshops Seek Input on Coastal Hazard Challenges
SEPT 2 2024
LGA South Australia is hosting statewide workshops to gather council input on coastal hazards and draft adaptation guidelines under the SA Climate Ready Coasts program, which supports consistent planning for sea level rise and storms, with consultations open until 30 September.
Coastal Erosion Plan Endorsed
AUG 22 2024
The Council has approved the Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP), which recommends beach nourishment for Hopetoun, and will proceed with implementation in collaboration with stakeholders after community feedback and no objections during the public comment period.
New National Coastal Hazard Warning System Launched
JULY 8 2024
A team of UNSW engineers has developed a world-first coastal hazard early warning system that predicts beach erosion and flooding from storms, offering localized forecasts every 100 meters to help coastal managers and emergency agencies prepare in near real time.
Seven Key Priorities Identified to Future-Proof SA’s Coastline
JUNE 5 2024
The Council has approved the CHRMAP to address future coastal risks, recommending beach nourishment for high-risk areas like Hopetoun, and will move into implementation with support from partners like Water Technology and the Department of Planning.
Coastal Homeowners Face Rising Insurance and Growing Climate Risks
MAY 21 2024
Coastal homeowners in Australia are facing rising insurance premiums due to increased storms, floods, and erosion, with experts calling for stronger planning rules and government action as 230,000 properties are at significant risk.
Unprecedented Queensland Floods Cover Area Larger Than Texas
APR 6 2024
Insurance costs for coastal homeowners in Australia are rising due to more frequent storms, floods, and erosion, with 230,000 properties at high risk, prompting experts to call for stronger planning and protection strategies, while demand for waterfront properties remains strong despite growing awareness of the risks.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred to Make Rare Landfall in Southeast Queensland
MAR 4 2024
Tropical Cyclone Alfred, a Category 2 system with winds up to 130 km/h, is expected to hit between the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast late Thursday or early Friday, bringing dangerous conditions and prompting authorities to urge residents to prepare.
SE 241: Valentine’s Day Storms Hit Victoria
FEB 14 2024
Severe storms on February 14, 2024, caused $235 million in damage across Victoria, with other major weather events like the 2023 Newcastle Hailstorm and River Murray Floods bringing combined damages over $800 million, highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather and the need for quick insurance responses.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper Recovery Underway Across North Queensland
DEC 13 2023
Tropical Cyclone Jasper made landfall near Wujal Wujal on 13 December 2023 as a Category 2 system, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and damage across 13 local government areas, with disaster recovery funding and ongoing support activated to assist individuals, farmers, businesses, and councils.
Flood Emergency Response in NSW and Victoria After Torrential Rain
NOV 29 2023
Heavy rainfall in NSW and Victoria has caused flash flooding, over 12 rescues, and more than 1,700 emergency calls, with Deniliquin cut off and parts of the South Coast inundated, while the Bureau of Meteorology warns of continued severe weather and evacuation alerts, keeping emergency services on high alert.
Multiple Disasters Threaten Australian Communities, Children at Risk
OCT 4 2023
Bushfires in NSW and Victoria have destroyed homes and forced evacuations, while authorities warn of potential flash floods in eastern Victoria and inland NSW, with Save the Children urging governments to prioritize child-focused disaster planning amid growing concerns over the mental health and safety of children during climate-driven emergencies.
Mackay Coast Adaptation Plan Moves Forward
SEPT 27 2023
Mackay Regional Council has endorsed the draft Mackay Coast – Our Future, Coastal Hazard Adaptation Study for public consultation, outlining strategies to manage erosion, flooding, and sea level rise while preserving local environments, and encourages residents to provide feedback online or at regional drop-in sessions.
Tuvalu Launches Cutting-Edge Coastal Hazard Modelling Tool to Combat Climate Impacts
JULY 24 2023
Tuvalu has launched a world-first online coastal hazard platform to monitor and manage climate risks across its nine islands, developed through the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project with the Pacific Community (SPC), providing local decision-makers with vital data to plan resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, and long-term adaptation.
NEW SEA LEVEL RISE PREDICTIONS FOR VICTORIA
Jan 23 2021
“New” scientific data shows that sea level rise in 2100 will be greater than that currently planned for by the Victorian government. As a result a significant number of new assets now will be at risk of inundation and erosion by 2100. The government will now likely raise the 2100 sea level rise planning benchmark from 80cm to 1.1m with significant implications for both developers and property owners in coastal areas.
SEVERE EROSION AT BYRON BAY MAIN BEACH
OCT 20 2020
The Byron Bay main beach has been severely eroded due to a a number of significant cyclones occurring during this years cyclone season. Local residents are concerned that the erosion could start to threaten the road and houses if the beach if it continues unabated.
DRONES ARE BEING USED TO MONITOR COASTAL CHANGE IN VICTORIA
OCT 8 2020
The Victorian Coastal Monitoring Program run by Deakin University and the Department of Land Water and Planning is using drone photogrammetry to develop 3D models of the coastline that can be used to precisely measure shoreline change.
FLOODING IN SYDNEY TO INCREASE EXPONENTIALLY
AUG 5 2020
A new study has shown that 80% of coastal flooding in Sydney since 1970 would not have occurred without sea level rise. This will only get worse with the rate of sea level rise projected to increase exponentially in the future.
NSW CENTRAL COAST BATTERED BY EROSION
JULY 17 2020
A significant number of beach front homes along the NSW coast are in danger of falling into the ocean following a extreme low pressure system of the NSW coast. Wamberal Beach was the worst hit with a number of houses having to be evacuated.
EXTREME EROSION IN FREMANTLE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
MAY 26 2020
The City of Fremantle in Perth, Western Australia has accelerated their plans to retreat buildings from the shoreline at Port Beach following erosion caused by ex-tropical cyclone Mangga. The mayor of Fremantle has said that the cost of protecting the beach is “prohibitively expensive”.
40% OF AUSTRALIA’S BEACHES AT RISK FROM SEA LEVEL RISE
MAR 03 2020
A new study has analysed satellite imagery from 1984-2015 which has shown that a large section of the Australian coastline is receding and the rate is likely to increase with sea level rise.