The Evolution of Practices In Response to Climate Change in Port Fairy A Case Study of Port Fairy Working Group Oliver J Moles Director Sustainable Development

Population – 16,277 Port Fairy – 2,560 Shire Area – 5,478 km2

Port Fairy - Geography

Coastal Hazard at Port Fairy The Port Fairy Working Group was formed to tackle coastal erosion and inundation by the sea. Issues: Houses are built on the primary dune East Beach is disappearing If the dune breaches the town may flood The old tip and night soil site are in the dune and have been exposed to the beach South Beach houses are inundated by the sea Public infrastructure is under attack

Council’s Response Moyne has tackled the threat of a rising sea level in four ways: Research to fully understand the problems, including the first Local Coastal Hazard Assessment for Victoria (one of four pilot studies) Works to safeguard the town and show that Council is acting (not just studying!) including rock walls, sand pumping, sand fences Engagement of the community through forums, open days, lecture presentations Partnerships, a key one being the Port Fairy Working Group

Port Fairy Working Group The Working Group began in February 2010 and is still in existence today. Membership includes: Moyne Shire – Officers (environment, planning) and Councillors DEPI – water policy, regional office, LCHA projects, statutory, communications and provides secretarial function Glenelg Hopkins CMA – floodplain management DTPLI – planning MAV – policy (recent member) Nervous start – MOU Moyne and DEPI

Port Fairy Working Group Why successful? Structure Value Quality Team Range and relevance of agencies Adequate budget – agencies brought extra which gave flexibility Timing – LCHA and Flood Study linked, built upon previous work Mix of issues – kept all parties interested and solutions actioned Importance of topic – first for Victoria and saving a town Spotlight – Premier, Ministers, Councillors, other Councils, universities, National Taskforce, community, media, schools Skills mix – science, engineering, planning, environment, politics, public administration, engagement Commitment – willing workers, steady attendance, reflections Values – terms of reference, open discussion, trust

Achievements Completed first LCHA for Victoria (others still not released publically) Provided model for other work around Victoria and Australia Helped shape policy – Crown land management, Victorian Coastal Strategy Linked riverine flooding with coastal inundation – Port Fairy Flood Study Worked with other bodies on various social, economic and environmental research projects Very successful community engagement – “you brought us on the journey” Educated community about all of the issues and that the problem is complex Partnership with community group for monitoring and engagement Works funding applications and delivery of projects Researched sand nourishment and challenged previous State thinking LCHA being used now and supported at VCAT

Research Local Coastal Hazard Assessment:

Research Local Coastal Hazard Assessment:

Research

Before

After

Part Of The Problem

Rock Defences

Dune Rehabilitation

Increased Sand Pumping

Coastal Hazard Now

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