Australian Coastal Protection Study
Client:
Confidential
Location:
Australia
Project Type:
Climate Resilience
Market Type:
State & Local Government
Key Takeaways
A $100 Billion Issue
It is estimated that a minimum of $100 billion is required to protect coastal infrastructure by 2040.
Protection in Developing States
The northern and western states, experiencing population growth, will require significant protection measures due to their expansive geographical areas.
Better Options are Available
Natural shorelines and restored wetlands exemplify enhanced protection options that are accessible.
Assessing the Costs of Protecting Australia's Coastal Infrastructure
Sea level rise and storm surge are immediate threats to coastal infrastructure across Australia. While this threat has been well documented, the scale of the threat in terms of the cost to protect coastal infrastructure was missing on a national scale. This study was intended to fill this gap by setting a baseline cost for protecting the coast and determining the length of protection required.
Resilient Analytics was the consultant in this effort to determine the local and national costs of protecting coastal infrastructure. The team was tasked with delivering adaptation costs for each city and state along the entire Australian coastline. Several key components were established: a baseline protection plan, protection strategies for both coastal and inland areas, and a clear method for identifying areas in need of protection.
Resilient Analytics built on its study of the coastal United States to address coastal protection in Australia. Utilizing its unique ability to study large asset inventories, Resilient Analytics modeled each section of projected inundation to determine the length and cost of protection. This included bringing individual state information together to develop a national assessment of protection costs.
Solutions
Proactively assessing, planning for and adapting to major weather events and rising temperatures is essential for long-term sustainability. Stanley Consultants is leveraging Resilient Analytics to deliver data-driven solutions that prioritize human safety, safeguard communities and protect capital investments.
