A Coastal Hazard Risk Management and Adaptation Plan (CHRMAP) is a strategic planning document that identifies current and future coastal hazards and outlines options for managing associated risks. The plan examines a range of hazard scenarios and helps guide future land use, development and infrastructure planning in coastal areas.
The current Onslow CHRMAP was adopted by Council in 2017 and provided an assessment of coastal hazard risks affecting the Onslow Townsite shoreline, together with recommendations for managing those risks.
CHRMAPs are typically reviewed every 5 to 10 years to ensure they remain current and reflect the latest information, planning frameworks and community priorities. The original Onslow CHRMAP was developed in 2017 and many of its recommendations have since been implemented.
Since then, additional studies, data collection and infrastructure projects have improved understanding of local coastal processes and risks. These include:
- Assessments of the condition and effectiveness of the Onslow seawall
- Extension of the seawall to protect key assets
- Catchment modelling to identify inundation risk areas
- Stormwater upgrades and new ocean outfalls
- Coastal monitoring and metocean studies
- Collection of geotechnical and survey data
- Updated local planning strategies, planning schemes and coastal planning policies
How Could the CHRMAP Affect Me?
The CHRMAP helps guide future decisions about how coastal areas are planned, used and managed. If you live, work, own property, operate a business or regularly visit Onslow's coastal areas, the outcomes of the CHRMAP may influence future management of beaches, public facilities, infrastructure and foreshore areas.
Project Timeframe
The CHRMAP review commenced in 2026 and includes the following key stages:
| Timing |
Project Stage |
| April – May 2026 |
Project Establishment |
| June 2026 |
Risk Identification (Mapping Updates) |
| July 2026 |
Risk and Vulnerability Analysis |
| July 2026 |
Risk Evaluation |
| August 2026 |
Community Engagement |
| August – September 2026 |
Risk Treatment |
| September |
Implementation Planning |
| September |
Monitor and Review |
| October |
Draft CHRMAP open for public comment |
| December |
Final CHRMAP adopted by Council |
Get Involved
Contact Alan Sheridan, Project Manager, via email [email protected] or phone 0419 741 618.
Download the 2026 CHRMAP Fact Sheet
FAQ
What is a Coastal Hazard?
Coastal hazards are natural events and processes that affect the coastline, including:
Coastal Erosion
The wearing away of land by waves, tides, wind and other coastal processes, which can result in loss of shoreline and changes to coastal landforms.
Coastal Inundation
The flooding of land by seawater during storm events, high tides, large waves or as a result of long-term sea level rise.
Coastal Values
The review also considers the values that are important to the community. Coastal values include:
- Scenic and environmental values
- Recreation and tourism
- Cultural and Indigenous heritage
- Community use and enjoyment
- Economic and commercial activity
- Public infrastructure and assets
Coastal Planning Timeframes
The CHRMAP assesses coastal hazards across three planning horizons:
- 25 years – Short-term planning considerations
- 50 years – Medium-term coastal management and adaptation planning
- 100 years – Long-term coastal hazard management and future land use planning
These timeframes help the Shire understand how coastal risks may evolve and identify appropriate management options over time.