General News
11 April, 2025
Workshop to discuss coastline future
COASTAL hazards and management will come under the microscope during a special workshop at Deakin University next Wednesday, April 16.
In a time of rapid climate change, these topics are today more relevant than ever.
Australia’s coastlines are vulnerable to a range of coastal hazards, with costal erosion from extreme wave events and shifting current patterns exacerbated by sea level rise.
With rapid climate change, these hazards will increase in frequency and intensity, and coastal communities need to have plans in place now in anticipation of what the situation may be like in future decades.
This is particularly the case in south west Victoria, with extensive coastal erosion already taking place, and seaside structures under increasing danger of collapsing into the sea.
The morning session of the April 16 workshop will feature presentations from world-renowned experts on various coastal hazards.
During the afternoon, participants will hear from representatives of three local councils on what their plans and actions are to deal with these hazards, now and into the future, especially given the increasing rate of climate change.
The council representatives will include Belinda Bennett (Corangamite Shire), Kane Church (Moyne) and Kristy Roche (Warrnambool City Council).
Other keynote speakers for the day will include Kathy McInnes (CSIRO, retired), Dave Kennedy (Melbourne University), Dan Ierodiaconou (Deakin University) and Rick Bailey (Bureau of Meteorology retired)
The one-day workshop will run from 9.30am until 4pm at Deakin’s Warrnambool campus in room G1.01.
The free workshop will be open to all U3A members, university staff and students, along with the general public.
Registrations are essential and can be made via the U3A Warrnambool website (u3awarrnambool.org.au) or by calling the Archie Graham Centre on 5559 4920.
