Denmark shores up coast

Major tourist attractions in Denmark are experiencing a significant level of coastal erosion, an issue which will soon threaten existing buildings in the area.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, the Shire reported that Ocean Beach was undergoing 0.5m of erosion a year, an ongoing issue that existed since 2002.

Meanwhile Peaceful Bay is undergoing 1.5m of coastal erosion every year.

This problem will soon affect the Surf Life Saving Club, Ocean Beach Road, Ocean Beach lookout, the Finger Jetty and Old Peaceful Bay Road.

The Shire of Denmark has developed a draft Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) proposed by its sustainability officer, Donna Sampey to tackle the matter.

The plan will evaluate current and future risk for Denmark’s coast by assessing shoreline movements and sea level rise.

The plan also recommends the Shire relocate the Surf Life Saving Club building at Ocean Beach and construct new pedestrian access to Peaceful Bay beach.

Shire executive officer Bill Parker said the Shire would now invite public comments and also engage with key external stakeholders before finalising the hazard plan.

“Before decisions can be made for Ocean Beach and Peaceful Bay foreshore reserves, the Shire needs to better understand the coastal hazards” Mr Parker said.

“We need to assess the risk of these hazards for current and future coastal assets, and appropriately assess the options for management.”