The coastal zone is a dynamic environment characterised by daily, seasonal and annual changes in form, state and condition. In delivering services, surf life saving (SLS) clubs are on the frontline, constantly exposed to coastal management issues.

Club assets and infrastructure can be impacted by contemporary changes in coastal conditions, such as long-term erosion or accretion and short-term events, such as storms. Beach scarping, damage to assets and infrastructure, access to beaches, interruption of sporting events and chronic erosion are just some of the issues currently faced.

Long-term climate changes, such as rise in mean sea level and change in the intensity and/or occurrence of extreme events, will impact SLSA’s infrastructure, assets and service delivery, both directly (e.g. through erosion and inundation) and indirectly (e.g. top down impacts of policy change at federal, state and local levels). These impacts may result in increased costs for maintenance and repair, compliance and reporting, and disruptions in service delivery.

While many clubs have established mechanisms to respond to such events, it is recognised that projected climate changes are likely to enhance current management issues and, in some cases, deliver new management challenges.
 

Impact of Extreme Weather Events and Climate Change Report

Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) has released a report assessing the risks associated with climate change and extreme weather events and the potential threat they could pose to surf life saving clubs and services.

From November 2010 to May 2011 SLSA engaged and worked with consultants Coastal Zone Management (Australia) from Perth to assess the risks associated with climate change, review available strategies to address the identified risks and develop a program of works to implement the identified strategies.

The program of works is encapsulated within a Climate Change Adaptation Road Map. The Road Map is an important first step for SLSA in effectively managing the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

The resultant is the report titled “Impact of Extreme Weather Events and Climate Change on Surf Life Saving Services: A Road Map for Adaptive Action”. The report is available in two parts (click to download):

1. The full report at 118 pages
2. Summary report at 24 pages, a copy of which will be provided to each Surf Life Saving Club.
 

SLS Environmental Vulnerability and Adaptation Working Group

Expressions of Interest are now being sought for the SLS Environmental Vulnerability and Adaptation Working Group. The primary role of the SLS Environmental Vulnerability and Adaptation Working Group will be to consider the report “Impact of Extreme Weather Events and Climate Change on Surf Life Saving Services: A Road Map for Adaptive Action” and to facilitate and coordinate the recommendations contained within the report.

These appointments will be made by the Development Standing Committee during January 2012, and will take effect until June 2013.

Find out more here.

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