Rising sea levels causing intense coastal storms, severe beach erosion, and water quality issues may forever change Australia’s best surf spots like The Pass at Byron Bay, Noosa Heads, and Bells Beach, a new study states. 

 

Conducted by Griffith University and commissioned by Surfrider Foundation Australia, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the protection of Australia’s oceans and coastlines, the study projects that sea levels may rise up to 66cm by 2090. This would irrevocably impact how Australians enjoy the beaches and their internationally famous surfing conditions.

‘We’re facing a critical moment for Australian beach culture’, says Surfrider Australia’s CEO, Steph Curley. ‘The weather patterns that create and maintain our iconic beaches and legendary surf conditions are changing dramatically.’

Who and what will be affected?

The study evaluated several iconic surf locations across the country including Queensland’s Noosa Heads and Burleigh Point, Bells Beach in Victoria, Main Break Margaret River in Western Australia, and Byron Bay’s The Pass in Northern NSW.

It concludes that sea level rise, increased sea surface temperatures, changes in wave heights, and increased rainfall are projected results of climate change that’ll detrimentally affect beach and water health, surfing and swimming. Areas with coastal defences or infrastructure, like houses, are more likely to be affected by erosion, impacting many popular surf locations and their surrounding communities.

Of course, this doesn’t just affect locals – Australia’s tourism industry and economy are heavily influenced by the coast. Australia’s world-renowned, unique marine environment has been valued at $69 billion per year to the economy. Surfing is estimated to contribute $2.7 billion of that total.

If no measures are taken to adapt to the risks, the study estimates a global cost of USD$1000 billion in potential damages from coastal erosion.

 

Beach Hiking From Burleigh Heads to Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast - Sarah Tayler, Beach, Gold Coast, Burleigh Headland

View from Burleigh Headland | Photo by Sarah Tayler

Is there a solution?

Surfrider Foundation identifies several possible solutions to help. Key to this is establishing beaches and surfing locations as protected areas and limiting further development along shorelines. Creating artificial reefs could also help create a barrier against waves and erosion, while nature-based options would see sand dunes and vegetation used to help strengthen the beaches’ natural defences. 

Curley says Australia needs immediate action from its leaders to stop extracting and opening up new fossil fuel projects and instead invest in clean energy. 

‘This isn’t just about saving our favourite beach spots’, adds Drew McPherson, National Campaigns Director at Surfrider. ‘It’s about protecting a core part of the Australian identity, a way of life and a crucial part of our economy. Without decisive action, the beaches we love today may become unrecognisable within our children’s lifetimes.’

 

Photo by Daniel Jurin, courtesy of Surfrider Foundation

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