Climate Change & Sea Level Rise
Capabilities
- Coastal Hazard Risk Assessments
- Coastal Process Studies
- Estuarine and Floodplain Management Studies
- Coastal Adaptation and Protection Works
The Australian coastal zone is a significant national and environmental asset that is integral to the Australian lifestyle and economy.
The concentration of Australia’s population and infrastructure on the coastline however makes Australia vulnerable to climate change related impacts of sea level rise and predicted increases in storm frequency and severity.
Understanding and planning for the physical, social and economic impacts associated with climate change related hazards is therefore critical to ensure long term sustainable planning and adaptation to climate change on Australia’s coastline.
Overview
Water Technology is one of Australia’s leading coastal engineering consultancies offering high-level services in the fields of estuarine, coastal and ocean processes, state-of-the-art numerical modelling, planning and impact assessments, and coastal engineering.
Our unique ability to combine state-of-the-art numerical coastal modelling resources and expertise with a mix of professional staff with strong technical backgrounds and practical experience in coastal zone management and engineering provides a leading-edge consultancy service catering to all levels of government and private organisations alike.
Selected Projects
Seaspray to Paradise Beach Coastal Hazard Assessment
Client : Wellington Shire Council
Water Technology was commissioned to develop a coastal hazard assessment of the coastline between Seaspray and Paradise Beach along Ninety Mile Beach.
The coastal hazard assessment was undertaken in order to more confidently define the potential extent of future coastal hazards associated with climate change. An analysis of the underlying geomorphology and detailed short term and long term coastal erosion and recession modelling and inundation modelling assessments were undertaken in order to develop the coastal hazard risk assessment to assist the council with future decision making and planning in the study area. Read More…
Pimpana Climate Change Study
Client : Department of Climate Change
As part of the National Coastal Vulnerability Assessment program, the study examined the potential impacts of climate change on the coastline and coastal ecosystems of the Pimpama River and adjacent parts of southern Moreton Bay in southeast Queensland. The study provided a better understanding of how climate change might impact the coastline and coastal ecosystems of the area and in turn the socio-economic impacts on rural, urban and marine activities.
Water Technology undertook both floodplain and estuarine hydrodynamic modelling to quantify the physical changes likely to be imposed on the area. Read More…
Tomahawk, Tasmania
Client: Connell Wagner
Location: Ringarooma Bay, Tasmania
Water Technology has been engaged by Connell Wagner to prepare a coastal hazard risk assessment for a proposed development at Ringarooma Bay on the northeast coast of Tasmania. The purpose of the study is to carry out a coastal hazard risk assessment for the development including a consideration of the potential impacts of climate change and associated sea level rise. The relative risks associated with the coastal hazards identified in this assessment were rated via a risk assessment methodology. Read More…
Sewerage Infrastructure Climate Change Risk Assessment
Client : Melbourne Water
Water Technology was engaged by Melbourne Water to undertake an assessment of climate change related impacts of sea level rise and storm surge/tide on the Melbourne Water’s sewerage assets in Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait.
A risk assessment was considered to show that long term shoreline recession and coastal inundation hazards are expected to result in increasing risks to the Western Treatment Plant under 2060 climate change/sea level rise scenarios.
A framework for the assessment of potential adaptation strategies for the Western Treatment Plant was provided and included conceptual design and costing of coastal protection options along the 15 kilometres of vulnerable coastline at the plant.