New council rules to save Pilbara coastline

The Town of Port Hedland says a more nuanced approach is needed to mitigate the environmental impact of climate change on the local coastline with endorsed coastal planning legislation amendments. On April 30 Council approved the Coastal Hazard and Risk Management Adaption Plan to mediate the environmental impacts along the Port Hedland foreshore following consultation with local stakeholders. The plan applied to areas spanning Wedge Street to the West End, Cooke Point, Pretty Pool and Six Mile Creek to bolster environmental safeguards. But a review into local planning strategies identified a need to address provisions for a special control area to manage at-risk developments in the precinct. New policies will provide a framework for future developments in the area to better withstand erosion and low-lying areas at risk of storm surge. Town of Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter said the new policy provided a more specific approach to coastal hazard risks. “Coastal Planning (policy) applies a nuanced approach to the Town’s consideration of coastal hazard risks by exempting specific development and categorising policy responses through the different stages of the planning process,” he said. A public consultation period is expected in the coming months.