Advancing understanding of the vulnerability of coastal communities

Cumulative impacts of climate change and expanding coastal development make it difficult for some communities to survive, let alone prosper.

Research is needed to understand the interplay between cumulative pressures on coastal communities and approaches to respond to these pressures in a way that protects Australia’s prosperity and well-being.

A holistic approach to assessing and responding to vulnerability is critical.

A case-study approach

Through case-study research in Australia’s seven most rapidly growing coastal communities, this research asked the following questions:

• What is the nature of vulnerability in the Australian coastal zone?
• What governance mechanisms are in place to address vulnerability?
• How effective are existing governance approaches?
• What changes are required to respond to vulnerability more effectively?
• What are the barriers and enablers to change, particularly transformational change?