Each area’s results section gives some advice as to the data requirements for further studies. This will greatly aid in reducing the levels of uncertainty within this study. The reliability of the hazard studies stems from the quality and quantity of data available to carry out the coastal hazard assessment.
There are two overarching uncertainties related to these assessments, the lack of thorough and recent background data sets and the methods used in determining the present and future hazard extents. The following will aid in reducing uncertainty, and provide information to update the findings of this study in future.
There is lack of beach profile data available for the study area, as well as much of the Victorian coast. This will be vital in determining the short and long-term change of beaches, and better inform hazard studies in future.
Beach profile information will greatly reduce the uncertainty related to the profiles used in this study, and to monitor future change. Profiles were taken from LiDAR data flown in 2007 (DSE, 2007). The uncertainty associated with this relates to the following:
- where anything has changed since 2007, e.g. landforms, structures, roads, car parks, developments.
- where shoreline position has advanced or retreated since the LiDAR was flown.
Beach profiling can be carried out using a number of methods e.g. surveyors, RTK GPS, photogrammetry (from regular aerial images, possibly collated by unmanned aerial vehicles, “drones”), profiles from high resolution LiDAR (potentially costly due to frequency required for thorough monitoring).
The regularity of capture of airborne laser data sets is dictated by available funds to do so. Progressions in technology mean the costs associated with these technologies are coming down over time. Annual (ideally) or biennial capture and processing in future would provide essential information that would aid in baywide coastal management, as well as the wider Victorian coast, and this is recommended.
Aerial images are captured for the study area intermittently; it is recommended this is continued in future, preferably yearly. If a thorough program of beach monitoring, particularly beach profiling, is not undertaken, then photogrammetry methods using the aerial images may be useful to monitor shoreline change. This will be a less certain method, however in lieu of any others will be useful.
Area wide management recommendations
Further Coastal Management Studies
