The Queensland government has launched a $6 million fund for coastal councils to protect against ocean-driven erosion, storm tide inundation and rising sea levels.

The program, jointly backed by the state and federal governments, aims to deliver innovative adaptation strategies and infrastructure for managing coastal risks. Among these are plans to use nature-based solutions such as eco-friendly seawalls and sand replenishment on beaches, plus support for First Nations councils to plan for risks.  

“I commend the collaboration between the Australian and Queensland governments, which underscores our commitment to disaster resilience and ensuring safer futures for communities along the coast,” Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said.  

Funding will be available through the state’s QCoast2100 program, which focuses on nature-based solutions to coastal risk.  

“Our coastal communities face a considerable threat from storm tide inundation and coastal erosion, especially from cyclones, and this threat is expected to increase over time with sea level rises,” Federal Environment Minister Andrew Powell said.

“The QCoast2100 program has been incredibly successful in helping coastal communities plan for and adapt to the risk from coastal hazards now and into the future ... and we want to see this work continue.”

Find out more about nature-based solutions to climate risk in the latest Insurance News magazine