Proposals
The most appropriate approach that can be taken must consider and account for all stakeholders – in this case, residents, council, environment, sand miners and beach/land owners. However, stakeholder expectations are often incompatible. Thus, very specific action may be required in order to satisfy as many stakeholders as possible.
The most appropriate approach that can be taken must consider and account for all stakeholders – in this case, residents, council, environment, sand miners and beach/land owners. However, stakeholder expectations are often incompatible. Thus, very specific action may be required in order to satisfy as many stakeholders as possible.
Fig 6.1 Bar graph illustrating the attitudes of the residents on Cronulla Beach to different coastal management approaches.
Based on our primary research, which involved surveying the attitudes of the residents on Cronulla Beach towards different coastal management activities, a bar graph was constructed (Fig 6.1), showing that beach replenishment and law restrictions on sand mining were the most favoured methods to address coastal erosion with 14 people strongly agreeing, closely followed by sea wall construction. However, as sea wall construction and beach replenishment has already been carried out, it will not be part of our proposal.
Based on our primary research, which involved surveying the attitudes of the residents on Cronulla Beach towards different coastal management activities, a bar graph was constructed (Fig 6.1), showing that beach replenishment and law restrictions on sand mining were the most favoured methods to address coastal erosion with 14 people strongly agreeing, closely followed by sea wall construction. However, as sea wall construction and beach replenishment has already been carried out, it will not be part of our proposal.
Fig 6.2 Photo Sketch depicting the dune area along Cronulla Beach and other significant features including the sand and urban area.
Thus, we propose stricter law regulations to be implemented into the sand mining industry sector. Although there are currently some regulations on sand mining, Sydney still uses more than 20 million tonnes of sand each year. As sand mining is a direct cause of erosion, sand consumption must be reduced in order to remain environmentally sustainable. With further restrictions to decrease the tonnes of sand mined from dunes such as Kurnell Peninsula, and heavy penalties for any illegally mined sand, it will satisfy almost every stakeholder other than the sand miners.
Additionally, our surveys also tested the degree of awareness of the issue of coastal erosion. Based on this line graph below (Fig 6.3), a majority of the residents are at least somewhat aware of the issue of coastal erosion. Our legible sample (one participant did not do this question) of 28 residents, 6 of the residents have quite a low understanding of erosion - a lower numerical value of 5 - which is approximately 21% of our sample. We believe that this number is too high, as coastal erosion will essentially impact all the beach residents.
Additionally, our surveys also tested the degree of awareness of the issue of coastal erosion. Based on this line graph below (Fig 6.3), a majority of the residents are at least somewhat aware of the issue of coastal erosion. Our legible sample (one participant did not do this question) of 28 residents, 6 of the residents have quite a low understanding of erosion - a lower numerical value of 5 - which is approximately 21% of our sample. We believe that this number is too high, as coastal erosion will essentially impact all the beach residents.
Fig 6.3 Line Graph depicting the degree of awareness of coastal erosion in Cronulla Beach using a numerical value.
Thus, we believe that spreading awareness of coastal erosion will play a strong role in combating the issue. Individuals and groups can certainly spread awareness by handing out pamphlets regarding coastal erosion, directly conveying to others the importance of the issue. Councils can create commercials or feature council workers in radio broadcasts to reach a wider audience, and broadly outline the significance of coastal erosion and the potential impacts that could arise if inadequate action is taken. Spreading awareness using methods as such will encourage more parties to undertake action to ensure the most appropriate and desired methods are used to address coastal erosion.
Glossary
Stakeholders - Any group or individual interested or affected by the activities of a certain issue
Incompatible - Occurrence when two things conflict with each other
Coastal Management Activities - Strategies which are undertaken in order to address coastal erosion
Glossary
Stakeholders - Any group or individual interested or affected by the activities of a certain issue
Incompatible - Occurrence when two things conflict with each other
Coastal Management Activities - Strategies which are undertaken in order to address coastal erosion