Challenge of Mapping Coastal Hazard Risk in Queensland

The Queensland coast is exposed to coastal hazards which can pose a risk to life and property. In the longer term, the impact of climate change is expected to worsen coastal hazards due to rising sea levels and an increase in cyclone intensity and frequency. The challenge is defining and quantifying the area of the coast exposed to this risk and how it is managed into the future. The Queensland Coastal Plan recognises the potential adverse effects of coastal hazards and seeks to manage development in these areas to minimise social, environmental and economic costs. Coastal hazard mapping has been prepared to support the Queensland Coastal Plan and to assist coastal planners prepare for coastal hazards. The coastal hazard mapping is based on coastal erosion and storm tide inundation risks. The impact of climate change has been incorporated into these two components of the coastal hazard mapping. This paper will introduce the coastal hazard mapping products supporting the Queensland Coastal Plan. It will also explore the complexity of mapping coastal hazards on a State-wide scale and the challenges associated with incorporating climate change impacts into the coastal hazard mapping.