Alluvium with NCEconomics delivered Phases 3 – 8 of the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Strategy (CHAS) for Douglas Shire Council in Queensland. The purpose of the assignment was to work with Council and the local community to develop a strategic plan to proactively manage for the risk of coastal hazards (e.g. sea level rise, erosion) now and into the future. Coastal hazards are predicted to threaten public and private infrastructure, agricultural lands, natural environments, and the local tourism and recreation industries. Delivering the CHAS was a complex process including coastal erosion hazard mapping and risk assessment, economic analyses, stakeholder engagement and communications, objective setting and capacity building.

NCEconomics undertook a quantitative economic assessment in two key parts. Initially, the economic base case was defined, which focused on determining the potential economic damage and loss associated with coastal hazards (and no adaptation). This became the baseline for assessing the merit of each adaption option. The base case was determined by examining the likelihood and consequence (i.e. dollar damage) of coastal hazard impacts on assets across the region and over different timeframes (e.g. present day, 2060, 2100). A cost-benefit analysis approach was then undertaken to determine which adaptation option (or combination of options) provide the greatest benefit relative to cost. With this information the Council could deliver an adaptation strategy that estimated risk, considered the likely return on investment and identified a clear path forward for the resilience of the region.